Changes

== Map layout ==

== Map layout ==

[[File:Railway Operation Simulator Birmingham UK.png|thumb|Birmingham map in Railway Operation Simulator showing the area around Birmingham New Street station]]

[[File:Railway Operation Simulator Birmingham UK.png|thumb|Birmingham map in Railway Operation Simulator showing the area around Birmingham New Street station]]

Route layouts are represented as lines constrained to a 45 degree angle, with stations being solid dark orange rectangles constrained to lie either vertical or horizontal parallel to the running lines. All main signals are represented in an identical manner as a circle (or two in the case of four aspect signals) depicting the current aspect, with a "tail" anchored to the relevant running line and pointing against the direction of travel. [[Shunting]] signals are represented by an icon depicting a typical mainline British dwarf signal, with two aspects on and off. Portals allow continuation of running lines at a different positions on the map (where space becomes an issue), and are often used to represent tunnels in combination with the green bridge/tunnel entrance objects.

Route layouts are represented as lines constrained to a 45 degree angle, with stations being solid dark orange rectangles constrained to lie either vertical or horizontal parallel to the running lines. All main signals are represented in an identical manner as a circle (or two in the case of four aspect signals) depicting the current aspect, with a "tail" anchored to the relevant running line and pointing against the direction of travel. [[Shunting]] signals are represented by an icon depicting a typical mainline British dwarf signal, with two aspects on and off. Portals allow continuation of running lines at a different positions on the map (where space becomes an issue), and are often used to represent tunnels in combination with the green bridge/tunnel entrance objects.

== Route operation ==

== Route operation ==

[[File:Railway Operation Simulator Chicago "L" Train Map.png|thumb|Chicago Subway route map showing automatic signal routes in blue and services during operation mode]]

[[File:Railway Operation Simulator Chicago "L" Train Map.png|thumb|Chicago Subway route map showing automatic signal routes in blue and services during operation mode]]

The routing of services is carried out by the user by using one of three methods. If the running lines included on a map have been assigned a preferred direction of travel, then automatic signal routes can be set which can then be left unsupervised. Alternatively temporary preferred routes can be set on these lines, or an unrestricted route which has no such constraint on preferred direction used for untypical movements. Both of these are automatically cancelled after a service has run through them.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ball|first=Albert|date=2020-07-19|title=Railway Operation Simulator User Manual|url=https://www.railwayoperationsimulator.com/downloads|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Railway Operation Simulator}}</ref>

The routing of services is carried out by the user by using one of three methods. If the running lines included on a map have been assigned a preferred direction of travel, then automatic signal routes can be set which can then be left unsupervised. Alternatively temporary preferred routes can be set on these lines, or an unrestricted route which has no such constraint on preferred direction used for untypical movements. Both of these are automatically cancelled after a service has run through them.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ball|first=Albert|date=2020-07-19|title=Railway Operation Simulator User Manual|url=https://www.railwayoperationsimulator.com/downloads|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Railway Operation Simulator}}</ref>

== Timetabling ==

== Timetabling ==

In order to simulate various types of train services, including differences in rolling stock behavior, the simulator makes use of its own custom syntax, timetables being written within the program and then cross-checked by a built in validator. Various advanced movements can also be defined such as the formation of shuttles which repeat for a duration, and the joining or splitting of services at locations. A typical simple service entry within a timetable consists of three main parts: a two line description and initialization section, a set of calling points and waypoints, and finally a debrief.

In order to simulate various types of train services, including differences in rolling stock behavior, the simulator makes use of its own custom syntax, timetables being written within the program and then cross-checked by a built in validator. Various advanced movements can also be defined such as the formation of shuttles which repeat for a duration, and the joining or splitting of services at locations. A typical simple service entry within a timetable consists of three main parts: a two line description and initialization section, a set of calling points and waypoints, and finally a debrief.