RAILROADS Online News

Hey everyone,

so many updates have been released on beta in the last few months – and now they've finally been crafted together in a wonderful composition. The Map & Spline Update is now finally available on the Main Branch!

A big thank you to all of you for reporting bugs and issues to us. Thanks to you and our passionate team we also have already resolved any major bugs that were reported in the past few days, which is why we're now ready to move the content of both updates out of the Beta Branch 🎉

Today's update contains lots of new content and improvements, like the new Driving UI and theodolites from the March Update, the new Mini- and Maximap from the Map Update and several improvements to the spline system from the Spline Update!

Let’s dive into the details of everything today's big update has in store for you!

[h2]The March Update 🔭[/h2]

[h3]A fun new surveying tool![/h3]


Get useful and fun support with plotting out routes by using Theodolites, a surveying tool which displays the grades between one theodolite to another! Different colors indicate the height of the gradient, while you are in the construction mode. The tools start at 0% of a gradient with green and change their color to yellow and then red at a grade higher than 5%. Arrows additionally indicate the grade and direction between the theodolites. To remove them, you can always demolish the theodolites with the demolish tool!

[h3]Fly high![/h3]


Get up in the air with the newly added Flight Option and have a better view on things! The free fly mode is activated as soon as you activate rerailing or track laying.

[h3]Let’s go for a drive![/h3]


We also updated the Driving UI, making it visually more appealing and a better fit for the style of the game. There might still be some changes in future updates, though! 😉 In addition, automatic coupling is now finally here – and it will make your lifes much easier!

Also new to the game: The high speed Denver & Rio Grande Class 47 locomotive, the Pine Valley Engine House, the RGS #2 Rotary Snow Plow and more!

For more details on the added content with the March Update, have a look at the posting of the beta release:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1696810/view/4107918632351663496?l=english

[h2]The Map Update🗺️[/h2]

[h3]Geographic maps for maximised orientation![/h3]


Become ultimately organized with the new zoomable Maximap (M) which contains exact locations and a whole lot of useful information about facilities, industries, engines & vehicles, other players and more! On the right hand side of the map you will see a legend to help you extract the information you need in no time!


The new Minimap gives you an immediate overview by showing your geographic orientation and displaying the locations of objects and players in your close environment.

[h2]The Spline Update🪜[/h2]

[h3]No mountain too high![/h3]

To enhance the fun and sufficiency in track laying, we have added several improvements around splines, including a new Spline System, which now lets you build tracks on hillsides much easier due to its new feature that automatically adjusts the grade of the track to the terrain you are building on.
Enhanced visual feedback!


You need more feedback about whether the track is usefully placeable in its current position? We have added a red and green color feedback feature to the splines you’re about to build to give a visual signal about the placeability of the track!

[h3]Perfect alignment![/h3]


Apart from that, you can now build parallel tracks by copying a track and placing the copy on its right or left side.


We have additionally added an arrow that shows the current alignment of the track preview, though if you want to build completely straight tracks, that is now possible by holding Ctrl. And yes, tracks now also snap to facilities, making it much easier to build a neat area!

If you want to learn more details about the content of the Map & Spline Update, you may want to check out the posting from its beta release on this past Monday:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1696810/view/4159715736520232925?l=english
[h3]Go watch the latest DevVlog for even more details:[/h3]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]Have a look at our Prelaid maps![/h2]

If you want to start a new save game without starting on a blank map, starting with one of our Prelaid Maps could be a alternative for you. Get a headstart with preplaced facilities, industries, tracks and more! As a new player these may also give you a better orientation and first idea of how to start building your map.

Currently, these maps are not yet implemented into the game, which is why, for the time being, you can find them in This Folder which additionally contains graphical overviews of the industry chains!

In addition, we added two bug fixes compared to yesterday's beta build:

• Fixed an issue where password was not accepted (when setting a password now it will automatically be converted to lower case)
  
• Fixed an issue where client could not interact with certain couplers
  

[h3]Have fun with the new updates, now on the Main Branch!

Your Railroads Online Team💘[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1696810/Railroads_Online/

Dear Community,

We just released the first hotfix on the beta branch for the Spline and Map Update.

Please make sure to verfiy your game files after downloading the update (Go to your library in Steam, right click on Railroads Online, open Properties, go to Installed files and click on "Verify integrity of game files").


Following issues have been resolved:

• Fixed an issue where the sun rised in wrong direction
  
• Fixed an issue where splines continued in the wrong direction after snapping them to existing splines
  
• Fixed an issue where help UI did not disappear anymore
  
• Fixed an issue where Minimap did not display content anymore after changing maps
  
• Fixed an issue where some cars and new vehicles were not shown immediately on the Minimap
  
• Fixed an issue that the 3 color styles of the maximap looked different
  
• Fixed an issue where parallel track did not copy different color types of bridges
  
• Fixed an issue where snow plow acted like it had brakes on it - added also a handbrake now
  
• Fixed an issue where client could not operate the knuckle couplers on the gregg cars
  
• Fixed an issue where the client fell through the loading platform
  
• Fixed an issue where clients didn’t see the correct information of industry in- and outputs on maximap
  
• Fixed an issue where the grade readout was not displayed correctly while building track in precise mode
  
• Fixed an issue where industry snap links were visible all the time. They will now only be displayed when you are in the track building mode
  
• Fixed an issue where the wicker baskets had no hit boxes so they could not be deleted
  
• Fixed an issue where having back to back switches caused them to be unswitchable in the maxi/minimap
  
• Fixed an issue where you could be respawned if you were in the “Deep Valley” on Pine Valley
  
• Fixed an issue where clients didn't see locos or tenders on the minimap
  
• Fixed an issue where using a password with “S” didnt let the client join the game
  
• Fixed an issue where some facilities did not have groundwork under them
  
• Fixed an issue where some industries had incorrect icons for inputs/outputs
  
• Fixed an issue where players could not save games with invalid windows file characters.
  Invalid characters are replaced with underscore and games will be saved.
  
• Fixed an issue when you delete a track above the ground the engine and cars hang in the air
  
• Fixed an issue where players were unable to close the maxi map if they clicked outside the maxi map bounds.
  

New Features:

• Added a toggle button for the minimap. Press “Y” to toggle the minimap. The key binding can be changed in Options->Controls.
  

Your Railroads Online Team

Hey everyone!

It has been quite some time now, but we are finally here to release the next update to the Beta Branch of Railroads Online: The Map & Spline Update is out now on the Beta Branch!

[h2]Check out the new info packed Maximap!🗺️[/h2]


When you hit the "M" key ingame, you will notice quite a lot of changes to the map that has been in the game until now. Different icons now show the locations of industries & facilities, vehicles, tracks and more, while having access to a legend on the right side of the map. By hovering over the different icons you can get closer information, e.g. on inputs and outputs of industries & facilities, loaded goods or the type of vehicles.


You can even zoom in and out on 5 levels and flip switches on the switch stand on the map!

[h2]Get better orientation with a mighty minimap!📍[/h2]


You need help with orientation? The new minimap shows you all the different vehicles, tracks, buildings and player icons that are close to you, while displaying your geographic orientation!


[h2]Placing splines has just become sooo smooth! 💫[/h2]

[h3]Lay perfect tracks with the new Spline System![/h3]
Have you ever had track build unfavourably into the ground? The new Spline System automatically adjusts the grades in freehand mode, based on the terrain you are placing the track on, which makes it much easier to lay a fine track on hillsides!

[h3]Color to the splines! [/h3]


To give you better feedback on the placeability of the tracks you can now see the preview of the spline you are about to lay in either green or red. A green spline means that you are able to place the spline, while a red spline is not placeable in its current position, being either too high above or too low under the ground.
You can now even lay perfectly straight tracks by holding Ctrl while being in free mode!

[h3]Build parallel tracks! [/h3]


When holding down your middle mouse button you now have the ability to select a track and make a copy of it that is placed parallel to the copied track either on its right or left side. This works for all track types (excluding turntables) and the system even adjusts the radius when a track with a curve or gradient is copied!


Besides that, while track laying an arrow will show you the current alignment of the track preview. This is again supported by colors that indicate the track inclination going from low with green to steep with red.

[h2]Prelaid maps![/h2]
You want to try out a new map without starting from scratch? Then have a look at our prelaid maps that we have equipped with prelaid industries, tracks and more to give you a headstart. These maps are also great when you're starting your first save game! At the moment they are not yet implemented into the game but until we do, you can get the maps from This Folder

This Folder also includes the graphics of the industry chains to give you a good overview!

[h2]The complete Changelog (Build 0.9.0.0.0 /48537) [/h2]

Beside the new content, we have also worked on some bugfixes you can find at the end of the full changelog below:

[h3]MAP UPDATE:[/h3]

Added Maximap

• Maxi map can be opened with the “M” Key (old map was replaced by the new one)
  
• Industries & Facilities show their inputs and outputs with a tooltip by hovering over the icons
  
• Can teleport using the telegraph offices
  
• Can flip switches by clicking on the switch stand on the map
  
• Cars show their loaded goods with a tooltip by hovering over the icons
  
• All vehicles show name and numbering and type of vehicle with a tooltip by hovering over the icons
  
• Can be accessed while being in the 3rd person driving UI
  
• Theodolites are displayed with the color information and tooltips showing the grades
  
• A legend on the right side gives you the opportunity to turn on and off what you would like to see
  
• 5 different zoom levels
  • Zoom level 0 shows the industries, tracks and telegraph offices
    
  • The zoom centers to where your mouse cursor is
    
  • The more you zoom in, the more detailed you can see the information
    
  • You can move on the map by holding the left mouse button and move the mouse
    
• You can set a marker point to show a special spot to your friends you are playing with by clicking right mouse button
  
• When being in Multiplayer you see the player icons on the map in different colors, hovering over it shows their names
  
• Player icon is oriented in the direction where you are moving
  

Added Minimap

• Minimap shows in the lower right of the screen and adjusts size and location when in the 3rd person driving UI
  • Switches can be hit when in the driving UI via the minimap
    
  • Shows the geographic orientation
    
  • Shows all your vehicles, tracks, buildings and player icons in your near radius

[h3]SPLINE UPDATE:[/h3]

• Added changes to the spline system
  • Freehand mode now automatically adjusts grades based on where you are putting the track
    
    • Example: Place track on a hillside in freehand mode and start to lay the spline observing that the spline will adjust to the terrain
      

• Added an arrow to show which direction the splines are being placed
  • Color of arrow indicates the track inclination
    • Green - low
      
    • Orange - medium
      
    • Red - steep
      

• Added colors on the splines
  • Green → you can place them
    
  • Red → you cannot place them as you are too high above the ground or you lay through a hill and the track would disappear underneath the ground. If you try to lay this track down an error message will pop up

• Lay track in free mode straight by holding Ctrl

• Precise mode is not changed, this mode is for players who want more control when laying tracks (switch in between free hand and precise mode with the default button “5” on your numpad)
  • Arrows and warning system are still applied to this mode

• Added parallel track tool
  • Can be found by holding down middle mouse button
    
  • This allows you to select a track and copy it either left or right
    
  • Can also parallel curves and automatically adjust curve radius
    
  • Can be used on grades
    
  • Works for all track types, including bridges, embankments and switches (excluded turntables)

• Added the ability to snap facilities to track side
  • When placing look at the track and the facility will snap to the trackside and be the correct distance away from the rails
    
  • You will now be teleported into flight mode when placing facilities, make sure you are close to the rails to make the snap function work when placing the facilities

• Added links at industries for tracks
  • This allows you to link splines at the correct distance from the cranes and unload areas
    

• Added a warning system for loading cars at industries
  • You will now get a feedback message when loading is not possible
    • The loading process cannot be started. The storage is empty.
      
    • The loading process cannot be started. There is no freight car available. The freight car might be too close or too far from the loading point.
      
    • The loading process cannot be started. The freight car can not carry this freight type.
      
    • The loading process cannot be started. The freight car is full.
      

• Added a warning system and an arrow for rerailing
  • When rerailing now an arrow will show you whether you can place the vehicle there or not. When it is green

[h3]Bug Fixes:[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where splines were offset at endpoints
  
• Fixed an issue where operating brakes caused fatal errors
  
• Fixed the brakes again back to the normal usage
  
• Fixed tutorial bugs
  
• Fixed water refill bug in roundhouse - roundhouse now only refills boiler stats to maximum, no more fuel and tender water
  
• Fixed an issue where snow plow acted like it has brakes on it
  
• Fixed an issue where cars were floating while derailing
  
• Fixed some coupling issues, where some locomotives did not couple with tenders or cars
  

[h3]For more details, check out the DevVlog from Friday: [/h3]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]We hope you are excited for the new additions and changes! [/h3]
[h3]Your Railroads Online Team🚂[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1696810/Railroads_Online/

[h3]Hey everyone![/h3]

We want to share some news with you concerning necessary changes in the timeline.

As we're making good progress on the next updates, we realized that we need to adjust the development pipeline a little bit. That is why, instead of releasing the March Update to the Main Branch on its own, we will release it together with the Map & Spline Update as one huge content update at the end of May! Well, it's not really March anymore, anyway.

The ingame map, or also known as maxi map has been heavily upgraded and in addition we also implemented a minimap. It now shows the different locations of tracks, vehicles, buildings, and more - so much more information! BTW, switches are also now managable right from the map. No need to exit your locos any longer :)

It also introduces an improved track-laying – and it's certainly very snappy. What you see here is just a small part of the full update, the full set of features will be shown in detail in the upcoming devlog.

[h3]What will the second half of 2024 look like for Railroads Online?[/h3]

Q3 of 2024: In the third quarter of this year, besides several substantial quality-of-life updates all over the game, we also plan to improve the current loading screen and add a system to improve the management of players rights in multiplayer sessions. Furthermore, we'll ship some big improvements for the multiplayer, especially in terms of desync issues and performance! An overhauled UI is also planned to be released within that timeframe, plus other surprises.

Q4 of 2024: At the end of this year there will be some further additions – like a few secret locomotives, buildings and cars! And more. Hehehe. What that might look like... you may imagine for yourself in the time being! 😉

[h3]Check out our updated Trello Roadmap!📍[/h3]

The Map & Spline Update is currently scheduled to be released in beta on May 27, 2024.

[h3]Your Railroads Online Team🚂[/h3]

Dear Community,

We just released the first 2. hotfix on the beta branch for the March Update.

Please make sure to verfiy your game files after downloading the update (Go to your library in Steam, right click on Railroads Online, open Properties, go to Installed files and click on "Verify integrity of game files").

We had to adjust the braking system as a workaround for now to avoid the crashing bug when operating the brakes. Brakes will now react abruptly when set to 100%. This is a temporary workaround and will be changed again.
We were not yet able to fix all the crashing bugs, some fatal errors still might occur. For this reason we will not release this build on the Main branch yet. We keep on working on the fix but most likely we will only be able to release it with the next bigger update.

Following issues have been resolved:

• Fixed an issue with fatal errors when applying handbrakes
  
• Fixed an issue where clients would get kicked out of the 3rd person driving UI.
  
• Fixed several coupling issues
  
• Fixed an issue where the wiki had incorrect description for the logging flat car.
  
• Fixed an issue where the sander button on the driving UI did not activate the sand animation on locomotives
  
• Fixed an issue where locomotives had missing parts after buying them
  
• Fixed an issue where the class 125 had light from its fire appearing outside of the boiler
  
• Fixed an issue where the roundhouse doors would not automatically open when a loco was near.
  
• Fixed an issue where the roundhouse was not automatically refueling locomotives.
  
• Fixed an issue with the Tweetsie rear knuckle (duplicate)
  
• Fixed an issue where you could still fly after entering the driving UI
  
• Fixed an issue with the rotary snow plow not working for clients (flanger and buffle only work in first person for client at the moment)
  
  
  

Your Railroads Online Team