The Map & Spline Update is out now on the Beta Branch!

27 May 2024Developer post

Source: Steam Community (opens in a new tab)

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!

Check out the new info packed Maximap!🗺️

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!

Get better orientation with a mighty minimap!📍

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!

Placing splines has just become sooo smooth! 💫

Lay perfect tracks with the new Spline System!

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!

Color to the splines!

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!

Build parallel tracks!

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.

Prelaid maps!

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!

The complete Changelog (Build 0.9.0.0.0 /48537)

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

MAP UPDATE:

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

SPLINE UPDATE:

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

Bug Fixes:

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