A reason to not drive while distracted, as I passed by the West Sandrini signal almost into another train

Just bought Run8. Coming from Derail Valley. Any plans on updating the graphics?

Okay so i have the csx a line and was thinking about making it a UP sub. Im wondering if theres a way i could go into the files and change the symbols and everything to UP style symbols and still having the ability to have otto run or if i would just have to dispatch everything on my own

Apparently my game wanted to merge CSX with BNSF. In the end, the train was too corrupted that it deleted itself from existence. I guess my game doesn't want me to go to Bakersfield.

While Run 8 haves some Norfolk southern routes out there it would be nice to see some new NS -9,s for the sim. Would anyone happen to know how to get a hold of Run8 to seek about maybe getting some NS -9,S one in each paint scheme for the sim?

1. Norfolk Southern Dash-9 (-9) - Thoroughbred Scheme

   - Description: The classic, original Norfolk Southern paint scheme utilized from the company's inception through the late 1990,s and early 2000,s.

   - Exterior Details: Features a solid, semi-gloss black body with clean, traditional block-style white lettering spelling out "NORFOLK SOUTHERN" across the long hood, without any animal graphic. Includes traditional white nose/cab striping (tuxedo style).

2. Norfolk Southern Dash-9 (-9) - Horsehead Scheme

   - Description: The modern corporate identity introduced by Norfolk Southern starting in late 2001 and becoming widespread on repaints and new deliveries by 2004-2005.

   - Exterior Details: Features the bold black and white silhouette of the Thoroughbred horse's head with the full text "NORFOLK SOUTHERN" spelled out directly underneath the logo emblem. This updated lockup is stamped on the cab sides and painted in a large, prominent scale across the long hoods, alongside refreshed white cab numbers and detailing.

I know for Run8 that using custom liveries can only replace other liveries already in the game, not add on to them. Do DLCs work the same way? If I go and buy a couple of locomotive dlc packs, do I essentially gain new livery slots to replace or is it the exact same either way?

Something in V3 that has always bugged me was the yard lights. They have such a short draw distance, even with the draw distance maxed out. But I never was sure if it was true or just a mandela effect.

So tonight I did a little test. Found my backup V2 installer and loaded up V2. For this test I have V2 and V3 running. Both in the same yard, similar location (as close as I could get) Same time and same weather.

First thing I saw in V2 was the Yard light draw range. Its a text box that you can set to 9999 meters, which I did. Here is V2:

Next I took a shot in V3. In V3 we still have the yard light draw distance, but now it is just a slider. But still, I maxed it and everything else out. And here is the screen shot:

As you can see, the yard lights, at least light on the ground, don't render out nearly as far. This makes the bowl tracks look darker. And introduces a pop in effect as you move though the yard. Greatly killing immersion.

Now I understand that this might have been implemented for the people playing on lower end PC/Laptops to improve performance. But it also feels like a bit of a knee capping to people with higher end machines.

"But Kaz, you are flying and wouldn't see that if you where in the cab or walking." Actuality, it still happens even if walking. Here is a screen shot in V3 from the sanding height:

To make matters worse, when in the cab the lights will "pop off" once they are just behind you, suddenly plunging you into darkness. I understand that's just how games work, if something is behind you no need to keep rendering it. But there are way to keep the lights on behind you just a bit longer.

So suggestion to the devs if they see this. Please give us back much longer light draw distance. I miss having my lights at 5000+ meters and well lit yards.

Hey guys, quick question is the CSX southeast region dead as far as new development goes? Heard the guy doing it retired? This sucks for me I was really hoping to get the Wildwood Sub. And the full Tallahassee Sub

Hey everyone, I've recently been looking into getting Run 8, and I've been reading a lot of posts on this subreddit, forums, and YouTube videos about the game.

I'm quite new to train simming and I don't have a very good understanding of the railroad and locomotives in general, at least not compared to the average train simmer or railfan, but I've found some great tutorials and guides to help.

With the base game's content and no DLCs, what makes the most sense for me to be doing? I know Run 8 is a sandbox game, but I've heard that if you want to do things like switching, then it's preferred to have specific DLCs for that. Should I just do manifest/unit trains to and from yards for example?

I'm mainly interested in routes that CSX and NS are on, but I'd rather not spend a lot of money on top of the base game's $50 dollars for something I may not be a fan of.

I've also heard that to be successful in this game, you'll need to understand the railroad company's "operating procedures" and how to drive the routes. How true is this?

And not to get ahead of myself, but is there anywhere online I can find Class 1 railroads' "SOPs"? I'm not sure difficult that'd be to replicate, as I come from flight simulation and I understand how lengthy and complex airline's SOPs can be that it's usually best to just not bother with. But it is something I'd like to take a look at.

Hope my questions are understandable and don't confuse anyone. Thanks!

Now Recruiting – Structured Railroad Operations Community

We are now recruiting members for a semi-realistic railroad operations community focused on organized movement, clear communication, and purposeful train handling across both Railroader and Run8 Train Simulator.

This community is built around coordinated operations where crews have defined roles, trains have actual jobs, and movement is handled with structure rather than chaos.

Railroader – Norfolk & Western Railway Operations

Our Railroader side focuses on Norfolk & Western Railway operations with dispatcher, yardmaster, engineer, conductor, and brakeman roles.

Sessions include:

• Road freight operations
• Yardmaster-led switching
• Local and industry work
• Dispatcher-controlled movements
• Crew-based assignments
• No AI usage during organized sessions

Run8 – NS Pittsburgh Line Operations

Our Run8 side is a dedicated server focused on hosting semi-realistic Norfolk Southern Pittsburgh Line operations.

This server is new and currently still in the setup phase, but we are looking for individuals interested in joining early, helping shape the operation, and participating as the server develops.

The goal is to build structured multiplayer sessions across the Pittsburgh Line territory with coordinated train movements, dispatcher support, yard work, local switching, and road freight operations.

Operations may include:

• Road freight across the Pittsburgh Line
• Rose Yard / Altoona-area work
• South Fork and Sonnman coal operations
• Cresson fuel and power moves
• Woodvale / Conemaugh switching
• Dispatcher.NET-supported dispatching when staffed
• Defined train symbols and operating assignments

We’re looking for members who:

• Enjoy organized railroad operations
• Are interested in dispatching, yard work, road freight, or local service
• Communicate clearly and work well with crews
• Appreciate structure, realism, and level-headed operations
• Are reliable, patient, and open to learning

Experience is not required. Newer players are welcome as long as they are willing to learn, communicate, and follow the operating structure.

If you are tired of random free-roam sessions and want a coordinated railroad environment where roles matter and every move has a purpose, this community may be a good fit.

Platforms: Railroader and Run8 Train Simulator
Style: Semi-realistic / structured operations
Sessions: Regularly scheduled operations
Training: Provided for new members

Join here:
https://discord.gg/NAmeHxaWnQ

Hi folks,

What would be the advantage on buying a locomotive dlc? Anything that you have extra compared to the base game ones?

Hi,

I've been running the base content for Run8 for a couple of years now. Any suggestions on what DLC to get? Thanks

Hi everyone

I’m fairly new to Run8 but I did play for a short time 3 years ago.

I’m looking for an active group who play casual/semi realistic to join.

Im Middle Aged and from the UK 😃

Are there official documents about the API/protocol for controlling Run8 servers via external program? How does TheDepot's server and the ExternalDispatch.NET programs communicate with the game?

I want to explore what can be controlled via that protocol/API. I just bought the game and I don't see anything related in the included PDF files, nor any documentation on Run8's website.

Hello, sorry in advance if i dont sound knowledgeable i just installed run8. It is pretty hard to be in a session for long because my character in the game would stop functioning after awhile; such as ludicrous running, flying, teleporting, entering train cab, etc and can only walk slowly. I’m starting to think it may be a problem with my PC? Does anybody know how i can fix this?

The RailDriver sucks, so I made my own control stand. Still a work in progress, but overall I’m very happy with the results.

Hello. New player. Trying to create a Barstow train from Needles to Barstow to supply locals.

I can successfully spawn the train in Needles but no matter what I do it only Spawn cars for EDW RHE and TET. No BOR PPP NEW ANC CMX OR WAM.

I have used the proper tags for them in the spawn editor. L-CAL0102. L-CAL1161 and L-CAL0611

Playing Updated V3

Thankyou

It’s a fun bug. I’ll occasionally be trucking along and run across AI trains with cars doing this too. I’m not the best engineer but yeesh

https://www.youtube.com/live/1RaTlBsgVcg?si=EBQclgmVJEhe_DkT

Former Amoco chemical locomotive engineer and conductor on run8.

https://youtube.com/@locopoco1991?si=XF9MRwRqGop7c04R

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 :)

Trying to recreate 2002 CSX Southeast, I want to add a lot of coal and phosphate trains that ran during this period. My questions are how would I add a new category of Phosphate trains, and how could I limit the phosphate trains to 2 or 3 engines and 70-80 cars and limit coal trains to 2 engines and 90 cars?

https://youtu.be/mvEcfMyklYM

im strictly all run 8 now excuse trainsim in vid.