A Tool is an item found within the player's inventory, each of which is used for a specific purpose on the railway. Below is a list of tools currently in the game:
Whistle
Whistles are used by dispatchers and guards to draw attention when dispatching a train. This indicates to the driver that they should check the instruction being given, and that passengers should stand clear of the train and doors. Clicking once will sound a short whistle. Clicking twice in quick succession will sound a long whistle.
Dispatch Baton
The dispatch baton is used by dispatchers to give instructions to drivers (and guards) when dispatching a train, and are used at stations which do not have Train Dispatch Equipment Units (TDEUs). More information on dispatching can be found here.
Flags
Flags are used to give hand signals to drivers by day, indicating a specific instruction. There are 3 coloured flags used on the railway:
- Red flag - Stop the train immediately
- Yellow flag - Gives authority to pass a signal at danger
- Green flag - Gives authority to pass over an unsafe level crossing
Note that green flags are also used by guards, and should not be confused with a green hand signal. Flags are commonly used by trollers, so fixed signals should be followed unless you are confident a flag has been displayed with the authority of the signaller or staff.
Bardic Lamp
The Bardic Lamp is a powerful, handheld lamp which can be configured to display one of four colours of light: white, red, green, and yellow. It serves several purposes:
- Displaying hand signals by night, with each light colour having the same meaning as the flags above.
- Displaying dispatch/guarding instructions at night. A white light should be used to indicate Close Doors (CD) and a green light to indicate Right Away (RA).
- Acting as a general illumination device for railway personnel.
To select a specific colour (or turn the lamp off), click the desired indication on the bardic lamp UI, or click anywhere on the screen to cycle between indications.
Sticky Notes
Sticky notes can be used by signallers to make notes of any important information. The sticky notes tool is given to a player when entering a signal box. Notes can be placed on any surface near the player, and are only visible to them. Hovering over a note with the tool and clicking will delete it. A button is provided to delete all placed notes. Some suggestions for where notes could be used are: On the track layout diagram to make notes about specific lines/working arrangements, on levers to protect signals or trains, on the block shelf or pin-up board for general information.
Occupation Tokens
Occupation tokens are used to give drivers permission to enter a single line block section operated under Electric Token Block working (See Signalling Guide Section 4.1). Drivers must not proceed into these sections without being in possession of the correct token. Before you enter one of these sections, the signaller will hand you the token, allowing you to proceed. You must stop at the next signal box to surrender the token to the next signaller, even if your signal is clear.
Sword
Swords are provided to Qualified Signallers and Testers to remove trollers, drivers of derailed trains, or AFK drivers blocking the line. Swords must be used in strict accordance with the sword usage guidelines.