Welcome aboard, railroader. The first day on the job is when you set the pace for everything that follows. Done right, you’ll move quickly from small, slow jobs to hauling real money. This guide is here to keep you profitable, safe, and prepared for the long haul. Follow it closely and you’ll be running Tier 3 contracts as early as day two.


If you’re brand new, don’t skip the tutorial. It walks you through movement, waybills, and how to interact with industries. These are the bones of railroading. Better to stumble here than in the middle of your first real run.


That shiny red caboose may tug at your heartstrings, but sentiment doesn’t pay for fuel. On day one, it’s nothing but dead weight. Selling it gives you a much-needed pile of starting cash. That money will go toward fueling, upgrading, and buying rolling stock that actually earns you income. You'll get another caboose later, when you can afford to indulge in nostalgia.


Passengers are your reputation engine. Running even a short passenger service keeps your reputation above 100. By the next day, you’ll likely see it at 110%. Reputation does more than stroke your ego—it unlocks higher-tier contracts faster, lowers prices on equipment, and milestones. Think of it as your daily maintenance run: it’s not glamorous to some, but it keeps the whole railroad moving forward.


Logs are forgiving freight and the perfect way to build steady income. On day one, bring empty log cars to L2 and set a waybill so they begin loading. This prep work sets you up for a Tier 3 contract the next day, netting you about $2,000 per day for delivery of logs.

Day 2 expansion: Buy more log cars if you can. (with the money you got from the caboose)


L1 and L2 handle 5 cars (you’ll need to push into the siding).

L3 handles 7 cars, but you’ll need to pull forward up the hill.

For navigation, here’s Dewclaw’s excellent interactive map
https://railroadermap.refizar.in/ (bookmark)


Resist the urge to grab contracts on day one. At that point, you’re locked into Tier 1 jobs with low payouts. By waiting until day two, you’ll have the reputation to take Tier 3 contracts, which pay significantly more.

Remember: contracts upgrade after 3–5 days of consistent service. Jumping in too early slows you down. Playing the long game here is what separates the broke rookies from the profitable veterans.


Once you’ve set this foundation, you’re free to expand in whatever direction excites you. Haul logs until your bank account is comfortable, chase passenger prestige, or branch out into industries that fit your playstyle. The main thing is momentum—your first day isn’t about being flashy, it’s about setting yourself up to thrive.

Good luck out there, railroader. Keep the steel polished, your schedules tight, and the money will follow.