Help
Images, Buildings and Signals
RailKernel combines operational information with recognisable product imagery and documentation. Buildings and signals then add both visual meaning and controllable objects to the layout itself.
Images for known products
When RailKernel knows both the vendor and catalogue number of a supported object, it can look for the matching product image in RailKernel Cloud. This applies wherever the product presenter is used, including locomotives, command-station equipment, accessory devices and signals. The downloaded image is stored in the vendor directory inside RailKernel Home and can be reused by every project.
Local cache and offline use
RailKernel first checks whether the required image already exists locally. Only a missing image is requested from RailKernel Cloud. Once downloaded, the local copy remains available without an internet connection and prevents the same image from being downloaded for every dialog or project.
Product and manual links
An image is normally accompanied by a Product link and, where available, a Manual link. The product link opens the relevant manufacturer page; the manual link opens the document in RailKernel’s embedded reader. These links are stored and presented together with the vendor and catalogue information, so documentation remains attached to the object it describes.
Vendor permission and copyright
RailKernel only displays and distributes vendor material in accordance with the permissions recorded for that vendor. Vendors have been approached for permission to use their product images, links and manuals. The short copyright notice below an image and the detailed Copyright information are therefore intentional: they identify the rights holder and communicate the applicable attribution or conditions. Removing those messages would separate the material from the permission under which it is shown.
When no image is available
An unknown vendor, missing catalogue number, unavailable cloud file or vendor restriction can leave an object without an image. This does not affect its operational definition. Check the spelling of the vendor and catalogue number first; these identifiers are also what connect the object to its product page, manual and database information.
Draw a building as a polygon
Choose Draw > Assets > Building to enter building mode. Left-click every corner of the footprint in order. A building requires at least three points. Right-click after the final corner to close the polygon, enter its name and finish the object. RailKernel assigns the building a height based on the nearest rail, so it appears on the corresponding layout level. Choose Draw > None when you want to return to normal canvas operation.
Edit and organise buildings
A building is a project asset rather than part of the railway graph. It can be selected independently from the track beneath it. Right-click the polygon to open its context menu, edit its properties, attach an accessory or delete it. Its footprint can describe a simple house or a larger irregular structure without introducing false track connections or routes.
Add controllable building lighting
Create an accessory of type ASSET for lighting or another switchable building function. During element selection, click the placed building; RailKernel accepts only an ASSET accessory for this object. The building then receives a lamp indicator whose state follows the accessory. Configure its command station and decoder address in the normal accessory definition, and operate it from the canvas or Accessory Monitor like other accessories.
Place a signal
Choose Draw > Assets > Signals. The Signal Manager opens in selection mode and lets you choose a signal model using its manufacturer, article number and technical properties. After choosing the model, click once at the intended position on the canvas. RailKernel places the signal and derives its height from the nearest rail. The signal’s product image, product page and manual can be shown when its vendor data provides them.
Connect a signal to the command station
The placed signal is the visual object. To operate it, define a SIGNAL accessory with the appropriate command station, protocol and address, then click the placed signal during accessory element selection. Only a SIGNAL accessory can be attached to a placed signal. Its aspects and operational state can then be controlled and monitored through RailKernel.