I’ve never operated a train before. Most movies and shows, even ones set on trains, never put a lot of effort into showing you how they actually run. Of course, most movies and shows don’t feature a gigantic spider train monster bearing down on you. In such a situation, it’d probably be wise to learn how to drive a train in a hurry. Here’s how to operate the train in Choo Choo Charles.
How to Operate the Train in Choo Choo Charles
Early on in Choo Choo Charles, you’re introduced to your most steadfast companion throughout this bizarre and horrifying journey. No, not Eugene, I’m talking about your personal train. Your train is the most important thing in the game next to your own health (which is why its health bar is right next to yours), serving as your means of travel, defense, and offense. It’s only by upgrading the train and mastering its operation will you have a chance at taking on Charles.
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The train is commanded from the main cab, which also serves as your home base and respawn point should you get 86’d in the wild. The train is operated at the front of the cab by three levers:
- The central lever makes the train go forward, gradually ramping up in speed.
- The right lever is the emergency brake. Throw it to gradually slow the train down to a stop.
- The left lever is the reverse, making the train go backward on its current rail.
Rather than sitting in a designated operating seat, you need to physically move and aim at the levers you want to use in order to throw them. If you need to leave the train cab in an emergency, the brake lever will activate automatically.
Train Utilities
Behind the main controls are your train’s various utilities.
- The Blueprint Table: Interact with this to bring up your train’s upgrade menu, where you can allocate Scrap to improve its stats and functions, including Health, Speed, Damage, and Armor.
- The Gunner Platform: Interact with this to take up the turret and fire at anything behind the train. All of your guns have infinite ammo but will overheat if fired for too long.
Keep in mind that your train can only travel on the island’s established rails, on which there are a handful of junctions visible on your map. When a junction is coming, you’ll need to get out of the train and manually activate the lever on the ground to select a direction. If you know there’s a junction coming up, get ready to throw the brake!
Skillful operation and maintenance of your train will be the key to your survival against Charles. The only way you can defeat a train, after all, is with another train. It’s a scientific fact, look it up.
