Railroad Operator

Railroad Operator is a train-operating game in which you drive from the motorman’s cab using a keyboard. Choose a stage, then select a normal train or a steam train. Its controls use the mas-con handle and brake lever associated with train operation in the Showa era.

Operate the train

You release the brake with the up arrow and use Z to accelerate. X moves the mas-con lever in the opposite direction to slow down, while holding the down arrow applies the brake. Press C to hold the mas-con handle and maintain the current speed. To reverse, press D to change gear while braking, release the brake and press Z; after moving backward, brake and press S to change gear back to forward, then release the brake and press Z.

You can rotate the viewpoint by dragging with the right mouse button and return it to its original position with a left click. The controls take practice, and operating a train takes time.

Follow railway instructions

While the train is moving, on-screen prompts may ask you to reduce speed to 35 km/h or stop at a signal. You use the mas-con lever and brake to respond. Stopping at stations is also part of the operation: a green line and a red line appear behind the platform, and the green line shows the distance to go. You need to stop when the distance reaches zero; the game ends immediately if the train overruns the platform.