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Added information about the tools and features of building railways
The user also has the option to add [[preferred directions]] to the railway, this will allow any operator to use the preferred and automatic [[routing]] when operating the railway.
The user also has the option to add [[preferred directions]] to the railway, this will allow any operator to use the preferred and automatic [[routing]] when operating the railway.
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== Tools and Features ==
=== Element Editing Tools ===
[[File:Edit-menu.png|thumb|159x159px|The options for advanced editing.]]
As well as placing track pieces on the grid, the editing interface has a few additional tools. These are accessible from the Edit menu at the top.
The main option is the select tool, once selected you can drag this over the canvas and select any number of elements. After an area is selected, the other options are unlocked.
* Cut - Removes the selected track and allows it to be pasted elsewhere.
* Copy - Copies the selected track and allows it to be pasted elsewhere.
* Flip - Flips the selected track so that the top becomes the bottom and vice versa.
* Mirror - Mirrors the selected track horizontally so that the right becomes the left.
* Rotate - Rotates the selected track pieces by the specified amount.
[[File:Select-fill.png|thumb|The select and fill tool in action.]]
Additionally to this, when a blank area is selected, the user can fill it with any element by selecting it from the top.
=== Location Naming ===
For a railway to be saved as a .rly file, all locations (connected stations and 'blue' non-station locations) must be named. This is done using the "Set or Change Station Names" by selecting the location and entering a name.
[[File:Location-name.png|thumb|Naming a station using the "Set or Change Station Names" tool.]]
=== Setting Distances and Speeds ===
Although not strictly necessary, setting the distances and speeds to each element is very important to ensure that timetable is accurate, especially on a route imitating a real-life route.
This is done using the "Check & Set track element lengths & speed limits" tool, and can only be completed on a successful completion of the route, although this can be done before locations are named.
When setting distances and speed limits, a section of track can be selected, and a combined length and speed limit can be entered. The length is split equally between all track elements in the selection.
=== User Graphics ===
Images can also be added to the route. The images must be accessible to the program, so must be included when sharing the route. User graphics are generally stored in the Graphics folder in the railway root directory. Track can be placed on top of user graphics.
=== Connecting Gaps ===
[[File:Connect-gaps.png|thumb|The "Connect Gaps" tool.]]
If you have used gap elements in your railway, you will need to connect them before you can save it as a .rly file. This is done using the "Connect Gaps" tool.
The tool will highlight one gap element and the user will need to click on the corresponding gap element. This will continue until all gap elements are connected.
=== Preferred Directions ===
Although not required, the preferred directions tool is highly recommended. It will allow the use of the green and blue routing types when operating the route. This is because they rely on knowing which direction is the best to get between any two signals.
This tool is available from the Mode menu, and the route must be saved and have a successful completion to use the tool. It works by selecting multiple track elements, and the preferred direction will run along the selected route. Confirm your route using the add button in the menu.{{Navbox
| name = Building Railways
| name = Building Railways
| title = [[Building Railways]]
| title = [[Building Railways]]