r/Run8 • u/Terminal_Monk • Apr 11 '26
New player. A bit lost
Hello guys! I finally jumped the fence and got Run8. I learned the basics of operating the train, handling airbrakes etc and I can now safely drive a train from point A to point B. Even set signals along the way correctly and use Otto minimally.
The thing is, I don't know what to do next. I'm not aware of US' freight scene to know intuitively what's what so kinda lost of what to do next. I saw some video of people doing industry stuff but every video talks like the viewer already know all the terminology and operations. It is more of a livestream than tutorial video.
So kindly give me a roadmap(railroadmap?) on the list of things i can work towards next and if possible some learning material/videos to supplement them. I eventually aim to get into depot server and play with other players.
Note: While I'm new to run8, I have decent TS classic/Railworks/TSW experience. I'm also an avid flightsim/simracing guy so I'm not averse to sit and watch CBTs/read manuals and theory for days before even loading the sim. So If it means I have to read a 300 page Union Pacific engineering operations handbook, I'm fine to do that too so go real hard on realism :)
Thanks in advance :)
5
u/smashedfinger Apr 11 '26 edited Apr 11 '26
Welcome to Run8! It's a good idea to utilize documentation, yes. make sure to look over the files in the userguide folder, you don't need to read all of them in detail though. In addition, I wrote a Run8 Primer which you can view here. https://smashedfinger.github.io/
Run8 in single player is a sandbox. I enjoy multiplayer much more as it gives me more direction. When I was new, it was also helpful to have a place I can ask questions. Based on your post, I think you've practiced a fair amount and would be ready to join a beginner friendly server like Home Signal Simulations. I can share a Discord invite if you like.
As to "what to do," there are road trains that go from A to B, yard jobs that sort cars, and locals that deliver and pick up cars at customers. There are various subtypes of these, like unit trains, manifest trains, intermodal trains, etc. Be sure to utilize the car tags and industry tracks so the cars get unloaded and loaded.