Prime Rail Control puts you in charge of railway traffic, requiring you to set routes, switch points, and manage trains while avoiding conflicts on the tracks. The in-game signalling systems mimic real-world practices, so you’ll face a steep learning curve when it comes to mastering the controls. Prepare for a rewarding challenge as you find your rhythm in this simulation.
It can be easy to get lost in the myriad of commands and shortcuts, especially when you’re trying to juggle multiple trains and signals. I’ve been there—spending precious time searching for the right action instead of focusing on train management. Once you grasp the controls and movements, we’re talking about a satisfying management experience.
Before diving into the details, press H during the simulation. This shortcut opens a window that shows you all the commands at a glance, making it easier to learn while you play. Keep it handy beside your control panel!
You can operate various interlocking panels, such as relay interlocking, numeric-choice interlocking, and advanced electronic systems adapted from Central European and German practices. The geometric control view enables direct management of trains via the track layout, adding another layer of immersion.
Why You Need This Prime Rail Control Guide
Prime Rail Control combines mouse actions with function keys and Ctrl shortcuts to achieve seamless railway management. Commands vary depending on whether you are interacting with a train, signal, or track. Knowing when and how to input the right command can significantly improve your efficiency.
To familiarize yourself with the game, pressing H will reveal the shortcut window during gameplay. This is a valuable tool for learning to navigate and utilize controls better.
The shortcuts below cover areas such as route setting, train information, dispatcher tasks, shunting, train handling, display customization, and how to utilize multiple monitors effectively. These controls will streamline your operations and help you manage trains swiftly without digging through various menus each time.
Prime Rail Control Mouse Controls
Mouse actions form the backbone of your operations. To set a route, simply click on the starting signal and then the destination signal. Modifier keys can alter the route type you are establishing, so understanding these combinations is key.
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Left-click | Set a route by clicking the starting signal and destination. Click a train to select it. |
| Ctrl + Left-click on a signal | Set a shunting route instead of a train route. |
| Shift + Left-click on a signal | Set a manual route by determining the path through the points yourself. |
| Alt + Left-click on a signal | Start the call-on signal procedure. Once granted, the route is built from the same signal. |
| Ctrl + Left-click on a shunting set | Enable shunting based on verbal order where no signal is available, then click the destination track. |
| Right-click | Open the context menu for a signal or track. |
| Middle mouse button + Drag | Move around the control panel. |
| Mouse wheel | Zoom in or out. |
| Esc | Cancel a route in-progress and hide track information and popups. |
Train Information and Station Shortcuts
These essential keys will allow you to check train timetables, inspect tracks, and get an overview of your station’s operations.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| F1 | Show the timetable of the train under the cursor, including stops and times, or show booked trains on an empty track. Press again to hide. |
| F2 | Display information about the track under the cursor and the train occupying it. Press again to hide. |
| F3 | Open the station and track lists to check booked trains. |
| G | Open the train graph, displaying the time-distance diagram in a separate window. |
| Ctrl + D | Open the marshalling yard view for checking track occupancy. |
Dispatcher and Station Controls
The following shortcuts help with signal management, track permissions, incoming trains, and overall station operations.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| F4 or F7 | Open the dispatcher window for managing points, track consents, call-on signals, and faults. |
| Ctrl + H | Open the train entry consent window to approve incoming trains. |
| Ctrl + U | Open the track consents window to set direction consent for the line to a neighboring station. |
| F5 | Select the station you wish to operate. The automatic dispatcher handles others. |
| Ctrl + F5 | Toggle the automatic dispatcher on or off, which is disabled by default. |
| + | Increase the number of random trains for a session. |
| − | Decrease the number of random trains for a session. |
Train Handling and Shunting Shortcuts
Use these commands carefully, as they directly affect the train or shunting set under your cursor. Make sure you’re pointing at the correct train before you hit the keys.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| F11 | Convert a stationary train into a shunting set; it will be removed from the departure board. |
| F12 | Convert a stationary shunting set back into a train; requires a locomotive or powered unit. |
| F8 | Detach the locomotive for repositioning or handling breakdowns. |
| Shift + F8 | Detach the rear banking locomotive. |
| Ctrl + F8 | Split wagons when a wagon is damaged or the train breaks down. |
| F9 | Attach adjacent sets or wagons together. |
| Alt + F5 | Reverse a stationary train in-place (works only with specific setups). |
| Shift + F5 | Divert a train temporarily, with direction checking disabled until the next station. |
| Ctrl + N | Assign a number to the train beneath the cursor, including light engines or sets formed during the session. |
Numeric Route Selection Shortcuts
For relay desks and some control panels, you can input a route code directly from the keyboard using the following keys.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| 0–9 | Enter the route code using the two-digit track number and point. |
| L / P | Select the throat (L or P). |
| Backspace | Clear the number you have entered. |
| Esc | Cancel the current selection. |
Departure Board and Display Shortcuts
These shortcuts allow you to customize how trains, signals, and track layouts are displayed on your screen.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + B | Open the departure board, allowing you to switch views for the next 90 minutes and operational requests. |
| Ctrl + I | Show live updates on the modern board, including speed and position. |
| Ctrl + T | Show or hide exact positions of each train, including head dot and body details. |
| Ctrl + O | Toggle automatic-block section signals on or off. |
| Ctrl + J | Switch between the original and new interlocking panel appearance. |
| Ctrl + L | Enter layout mode to move and resize screen elements. |
| Ctrl + Shift + L | Restore the default screen layout. |
| Ctrl + W | Adjust track thickness using sliders. |
| Ctrl + G | Adjust spacing between panel strips. |
| Ctrl + P | Adjust spacing between parallel tracks. |
| Alt + Enter | Toggle full-screen mode on or off. |
Multi-Monitor Shortcuts
If you’re a multi-monitor user, Prime Rail Control allows you to extend the railway layout and windows across multiple screens, enhancing your overall gameplay.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + M | Arrange connected sections of a railway line across multiple monitors. |
| Ctrl + Shift + B | Move auxiliary windows to side monitors. |
| Ctrl + F12 | Open the live load panel, aiding in performance reporting. |
Quick Tips for New Players
- Press H to check shortcuts: Keep the shortcut window open while you learn the controls.
- Check which train is under your cursor: Most commands directly affect the train beneath the mouse pointer.
- Use F1 and F2 for information: F1 provides timetable data, while F2 displays track and train details.
- Use F4 or F7 for dispatcher tasks: These windows give quick access to points and track consents.
- Press Esc when you need to cancel: It will cancel active routes and hide information popups.
The status bar at the bottom of the screen gives you feedback on commands executed and why certain actions might not work. Check it if you notice a route or train operation failing to function as expected.
