Define the line’s job

A train line should have a specific role: moving bulk cargo between two high-volume points, connecting towns along a corridor or acting as a trunk service fed by local lines. Rail becomes valuable when its capacity and speed solve a real demand problem.

Avoid building the station first and inventing the route afterward. Identify source, destination and expected transfer points, then choose station locations that reach them without forcing an unnecessarily expensive alignment.

Station placement

For passengers, the station must connect to the town’s useful local network. A central station with poor road access can underperform an edge station served by strong bus or tram feeders. For cargo, station catchment must cover the industry or connect to a deliberate road transfer.

Leave space for approach tracks, crossovers and future platform additions. The tightest curve or shortest platform on the route can constrain the whole line.

Build and test in this order

  1. Place both stations and confirm catchment.
  2. Build one continuous track path.
  3. Connect a compatible depot.
  4. Create the line and assign the intended terminals.
  5. Purchase one train that fits the platform and infrastructure.
  6. Run a complete cycle before adding signals or more trains.

This simple test proves the physical route. Add capacity and complexity only after the first train can complete the service.

Platform and train length

Match train length to usable platform length. An overlong train can create inefficient boarding or loading and block junctions near the station. On busy corridors, keep the platform exit clear so one stopped train does not prevent another from reaching a different platform.

Use multiple platforms when they remove a demonstrated conflict. More platforms do not fix a shared single-track approach that every train must occupy.

Passenger and freight access

Mixed hubs need clear transfers between station components. Confirm that the game treats the components as the intended station group and that walking or cargo transfer is possible. Then check the local feeder lines: a trunk train cannot create trips that the surrounding network never delivers.

No-path checklist

  • Track is continuous and connected to the correct side of the depot.
  • The train is compatible with track and electrification.
  • Signals do not enforce an impossible direction.
  • The selected terminal is reachable.
  • Switches and junctions connect the intended tracks.
  • The train is not too long for a critical section or blocked exit.

Expand without creating gridlock

Add the second train only when one train completes the route and demand justifies more frequency or capacity. Before each additional train, identify where trains can pass and where they must wait. A corridor whose stations and junctions have no waiting space can deadlock long before its theoretical track capacity is reached.