Model Trains Playtest · published · build 21679232
2025 ended with us reaching a major milestone in the development of Model Trains. In our recent devlog, the team took a deep dive to showcase a massive overhaul of our track-laying systems, a brand new grid and snapping system, the foundational work for our in-game physics, and a fresh look at the junctions and signals that will soon automate your rail empire.
We are thrilled to release a major update for the playtest build, packing in a complete overhaul of our track systems, brand new terrain tools, and significant quality-of-life improvements.
Here is what you can expect in the new build:
Smart Signaling: We’ve implemented a block-occupancy signal system. Large track blocks and stations now utilize proper signaling logic.
Complex Junctions: You can now create two-way junctions complete with automatic signals and switches. Plus, you have full control to manually set active track directions.
New Spawning System: Trains can now be added directly via the Station Context popup. After plopping a station down, simply select a station, pick your train from the dropdown, and watch it go!
Momentum Matters: Train physics have been significantly upgraded. Trains now realistically decelerate to a halt at stations and fight inertia to accelerate back to top speed.
Elevation Impact: Track gradients now affect performance; expect speed changes based on the elevation and steepness of your tracks.
New Terrain Tool: The world is your canvas. You can now raise, lower, and smooth terrain to your liking.
Texture Painting: The tool comes equipped with a variety of brushes and textures, allowing you to paint the landscape to match your vision.
Precision Placement: We’ve added a Grid System (toggle with G) and Snapping (toggle with Shift+G) to help you align props perfectly.
Better Previews: Track placement now offers clearer visual feedback on direction and angles before you click.
Adaptive Camera: Navigation is smoother than ever. The camera speed now scales with your zoom level; move quickly when zoomed out to cover ground, and enjoy slow, precise movement when zoomed in for detailed work.
Updated Maps: We have updated the default maps to be larger and refreshed the previews.
Visual Tweaks: The camera FOV now adjusts dynamically, giving you a wider view of the sky when zoomed out and a cozier, focused view when close up.
Context Help content updates: For first time users, you get contextual help tips for all the tools in the game as and when you use them, for returning users, help for the current context is a button press away! Hit the ❓ button on the top left if you are lost!
Various stability improvements and bug fixes included in this build.
If you know any railfans or city builder enthusiasts who would love this game, please ask them to sign up for a playtest here - https://playmodeltrains.com
If you are not on our discord, please join us there for all our latest updates - https://discord.secondquest.games
You can also catch our live streams on YouTube every month to get updates via our devlogs -
Discord: https://discord.secondquest.games
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondquest_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-quest/
Website: https://secondquest.games/
Playtest: https://playmodeltrains.com