Learn > Manual and Tutorials

Manual

Each download includes a copy of the Operating Manual. For convenience, you can also directly download the manual (PDF) (03 February 2023, 35MB) or view it on-line.

Test Environment for Models

One of our aims for Open Rails is that train performance should be as realistic as possible. To help achieve this, Peter Newell has developed an environment for testing the performance of locos and rolling stock. Do they perform as we expect?

It may be the model that is not configured correctly or, as Open Rails develops, it may be that the simulator is lacking in realism.

In either case, a neutral, repeatable test environment helps to pin down the issue and get it fixed.

Tutorials

The comprehensive "Build your own route" tutorial is introduced here.

We need tutorials for all aspects of Open Rails on:

• Driving Trains
• Building Activities and Timetables
• Creating Rolling Stock and Static Objects

such as the tutorials on Eric Conrad's blog.

If you are interested in helping with tutorials, please contact us.

Some other support materials are available:

• A guide for German keyboards (31 July 2013, 442KB)
• Signaling - Operational Changes which describes signaling in Open Rails (21 March 2013, 79KB)
• Open Rails Trackviewer which maps the track and roads (19 July 2014, 821KB)
• Steam Model describing the physics in Open Rails (02 March 2014, 306KB)
• Speed Limits on Curves (03 June 2014, 123KB)