To perform a locomotive run-round in Prime Rail Control, let the train stop and uncouple automatically, then use shunting routes to move the locomotive around the coaches and return it to the opposite end. Start by holding Ctrl and clicking the signal in front of the locomotive. Choose a destination such as the shunting signal on the neighboring track, then route the locomotive along a free track to the far end of the station and back onto its original track. When it reaches the coaches, it couples automatically and the train becomes ready for its next departure after the required brake test.
Run-round procedure
- Allow the locomotive-hauled train to arrive and stop at the station. For a scheduled run-round, the simulation uncouples the locomotive automatically. The coaches remain in place while the locomotive is moved.
- Identify the signal in front of the locomotive. Hold
Ctrland click that signal to begin a shunting route. A main signal or a shunting signal can be used as the starting signal. - Click a suitable destination in the direction of travel, such as a shunting signal on an adjacent track. The route is displayed in white, the shunting signal clears, and the locomotive moves away from the coaches.
- After the locomotive stops, set another shunting route along a free track toward the other end of the station. Shunting routes can be routed onto an occupied track when the intended destination is standing wagons or coaches, but a route in the opposite direction prevents the movement.
- At the far end, set a further shunting route that reverses the locomotive onto its original track. The locomotive moves back toward the coaches.
- On contact, the locomotive couples to the coaches automatically. It then becomes the train again under its new number.
Important controls and conditions
| Control | Use | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
Ctrl + signal click | Set a shunting route from the signal ahead of the locomotive | The movement must be handled as shunting |
F11 | Switch a standing train to shunting | Use this only if the set has not already become a shunting movement |
F12 | Switch a standing shunting set back to a train | It must have a locomotive, or be a multiple unit |
F2 | Show what the coaches or train are waiting for | Place the pointer over the coaches or selected set |
Checking why the train is not departing
Place the pointer over the coaches and press F2. The information can show that the coaches are waiting for the locomotive to run round, the departure time, or both. The train cannot leave until it has both its locomotive and all required wagons or coaches. It cannot be forced to depart by hand while that formation is incomplete.
Once the locomotive has coupled at the new end, the train undergoes a three-minute brake test. After that, it waits for its scheduled departure time and for the normal departure route. A train standing at a signal does not use a white shunting route set from that signal, so make sure the locomotive is actually a shunting movement before attempting the run-round.
If a route does not start
- Set the route from the signal directly in front of the locomotive, not from a signal it has already passed.
- Use a white shunting route for each part of the movement. The locomotive will not continue automatically after stopping, coupling, or uncoupling.
- Set the next route only after the locomotive has stopped at the end of the previous movement.
- Remember that shunting movements obey the signal ahead of their locomotive and remain within the station, sidings, or depot rather than entering the open line.