Follow a Train Simulator Classic timetable: read F1 tasks, make station stops, load passengers, recover from delays and fix unregistered stops.
To follow a timetable in Train Simulator Classic, run a Standard or Career scenario, open the task list with F1, and work through the stops in order. Obey signals and speed limits, brake early, stop at the correct platform, press T to load passengers, and depart only after loading finishes.
Follow the timetable step by step
The task list is the authoritative schedule; the HUD is only a convenient view of the next instruction.
- Choose a suitable scenario. Select one containing scheduled passenger stops, timing points or ordered duties. Quick Drive is normally a point-to-point run without a full intermediate schedule; our explanation of how Quick Drive’s point-to-point setup differs covers that distinction.
- Open the task list. Press
F1using the default controls. Read from the top: the first unfinished instruction is your next duty. If the key does not respond, check the assignment against our reference for task, HUD, map and passenger-loading controls. - Identify the exact destination. Note the station, platform, instruction type and scheduled time. On a multi-platform station, reaching the right station on the wrong track will not satisfy the task.
- Plan the approach. Compare the scenario clock with the booked time, then account for signals, gradients and upcoming speed restrictions. Brake early enough to avoid overshooting; the practical techniques are covered in our guide to braking accurately and handling the train safely.
- Stop inside the platform marker. Bring the train to a complete stand with the passenger coaches alongside the intended platform. Stopping with only the locomotive at the platform edge can leave the usable doors outside the recognised area.
- Load passengers. Press
Tand wait for the loading process to finish. If you arrived early, remain stationary until the booked departure time as well. - Confirm completion. Check that the instruction has been marked complete and that the task list has advanced before applying power.
How do I read the timetable instructions?
Each instruction tells you whether to stop, load passengers or merely pass a timing point; those duties are not interchangeable.
| Item | Required action |
|---|---|
| Pick up passengers | Stop at the named platform, press T, wait for loading to finish and observe the departure time. |
| Stop at destination | Come to a complete stop within the destination marker. Do not assume passenger loading is required unless it is listed. |
| Go via | Pass through the specified marker. Do not stop unless another instruction requires it. |
| Arrival time | The booked time for reaching the stop. An early train should wait rather than leave early. |
| Departure time | The booked time for leaving. Depart only once that time has arrived and any loading task is complete. |
Labels and the amount of timing information vary between scenarios. Some provide separate arrival and departure times; others show one due time or only an ordered objective.
Which mode should I use for a working timetable?
Use a Standard, Career or purpose-built Timetabled scenario that lists ordered stops and duties.
Career scenarios usually score punctuality and driving errors, while Standard and community-created scenarios can use their own completion conditions. Free Roam does not automatically provide an operating timetable. For the wider structure, see our explanation of how scenario tasks and ordered instructions work.
What should I do if I am early or late?
If you are early, complete the station work and wait; if you are late, load promptly and continue without exceeding speed limits or passing a signal at danger.
- Early arrival: press
T, allow loading to finish and hold the train until departure time. - Minor delay: continue safely. A Career scenario may deduct points, while a scripted scenario can impose its own failure threshold.
- Repeated large delay: check that the brakes are fully released, wheel slip is controlled and the original locomotive or consist has not been replaced with slower stock. Some third-party timetables are simply authored too tightly.
- Missed station: do not reverse blindly against the signalling. Restart from a save before the approach or restart the scenario if recovery is not authorised.
A mistake we see constantly is trying to recover one lost minute by speeding. That often creates a larger delay through emergency braking, wheel slip or a signal violation.
Why is my station stop not registering?
A station stop normally fails to register because the train is at the wrong platform, outside the destination marker, still moving or has not started passenger loading.
- Confirm the platform name or number in the
F1task list. - Bring the train to a complete stand, with the passenger portion inside the platform area.
- Press
Tfor a passenger-pickup instruction and wait for the process to finish. - Check that the instruction is not a Go via task, which expects you to pass the marker rather than load passengers.
- If the consist was edited, restore the scenario’s original passenger stock; an unsuitable consist may be unable to complete the pickup.
- If a resumed save leaves the instructions stuck despite a correct stop, restart the scenario. Some scripted scenarios do not resume cleanly after saving.