ThirdRails for Rookies

Your journey doesn’t end in the cab — it starts there.

Welcome to ThirdRails! While installing and using ThirdRails is straightforward, the wide range of features can feel a little overwhelming at first.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics from a "helicopter view" perspective. For deeper dives into specific features, check out the ThirdRails Online Help.

ThirdRails combines a Windows application with a companion website, giving Train Simulator Classic (TSC) and Train Sim World (TSW) enthusiasts a powerful set of tools to enhance every ride. The four major parts of ThirdRails are:

  • ThirdRails App
  • ThirdRails Radar
  • ThirdRails Community Radar
  • ThirdRails Whistle Board

1. ThirdRails App

The ThirdRails App is the core Windows tool you run alongside Train Simulator Classic or Train Sim World. It shows a live map of your journey, based on your train’s real-time GPS position — either from Train Simulator’s Raildriver interface or from Train Sim World’s new official API.

Main uses:

  • Perfect for route learning or scenario building with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Add Points of Interest (POIs) during your run for future reference or design.
  • Ideal for HUD-less driving — enjoy an uncluttered cab view while keeping track externally.

ThirdRails HUD: The app also offers an optional ThirdRails HUD, both for TSC and TSW:

  • Display immersive, in-cab panels such as radar, speedometer, EBula (digital timetable reader), and timetable panels.
  • Customize your driving experience to your preferences, whether for casual rides or professional-level simulation.

Display options:

  • Overlay the map and HUD over Train Simulator or Train Sim World (borderless window mode recommended).
  • Or move them to a second monitor for full control and overview.

2. ThirdRails Radar

If having the app over your simulator isn’t ideal, ThirdRails Radar offers the perfect solution. It allows you to broadcast your location to a personal live map on the web — accessible from any device: smartphone, tablet, or PC.

When you start a broadcast, you’ll receive your own private website link where you can:

  • View your live train position and route (TSC or TSW).
  • Display any Points of Interest you added during your session.
  • Experience a true out-of-the-cab navigation wherever you are!

Note: New POIs must be added from the Windows app, not from the web.

While broadcasting, you will also automatically appear on the ThirdRails Community Radar!

3. ThirdRails Community Radar

The ThirdRails Community Radar pulls together all players broadcasting their rides from TSC and TSW worldwide. Think of it like a live railway operations center—only for sim drivers!

Key features:

  • See other drivers in real-time, with service and train details.
  • Adds a multiplayer feeling to Train Simulator Classic and Train Sim World, without needing full multiplayer.
  • Perfect for Multiplayer Events and Virtual Train Operating Companies (VTOCs).

Even though it’s not true multiplayer, the radar creates the feeling that you're part of a living, breathing rail network.

Private Group Radar

Planning an event? You may not want to see all global drivers — just your participants. Group Radar lets you focus on a private group:

  • Everyone in the group uses the same secret tag during broadcasting.
  • Viewers use a special link (e.g., www.rentor.nl/?tag=yourtag) to see only the group.
  • You can offer a public spectator view without exposing the private tag to outsiders.

Keep your tag private to avoid surprise visitors!

4. ThirdRails Whistle Board

Since version 3, every ride you broadcast — whether in Train Simulator Classic or Train Sim World — is saved to your personal Logbook. There, you can review:

  • Miles driven
  • Locomotive usage
  • Ride histories

You can also optionally publish your rides to the ThirdRails Whistle Board — the social network for train drivers, inspired by platforms like Strava for runners and cyclists!

On the Whistle Board you can:

  • Follow other drivers
  • Get inspired by their rides
  • Download the timetables they used
  • Hand out "SPADs" (which, for once, is a good thing!)

Find out more about the Whistle Board here.

That’s pretty much it!

ThirdRails is simple to use but packed with possibilities. Whether you drive in Train Simulator Classic or Train Sim World, ThirdRails brings your simulation experience to life — from solo HUD-less driving to multiplayer-style community events.

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