The below screenshot says it all: straight lines up and down hills just aren't possible. That's not a quirk of Train Fever, that's how things work in real life! Train lines that are built in mountainous areas are always windy because trains can't climb steep slopes.

If you try something like what you see on the below screenshot, you'll likely build a bridge across half the map of the game. My advice: don't do it.


Instead, try the following...

First, activate the "Contour Lines" option. You can find it in the bottom right corner of your screen as a data layer.

Using the contour lines as a guide, lay the train tracks in such a way that you follow the contour lines and only cross one or two of them on every pass.

Using the white/grey dot at the end of the track section you're trying to lay, move your track around before you hit the build button. Any time that the track changes into a bridge, DON'T do it! Instead, move the track down the hill without creating a bridge.

Then, circle around and go the other way, again only crossing a few contour lines on your way down the hill. Repeat until you're at the bottom! See the screenshot below for a successful rail line going up a hill.


Yes, this will take a little bit of trial and error! Finding the best way down (or up) a hill is not as easy as drawing a straight line, but you will absolutely love watch your trains climb those mountains when you're done.

Let me repeat one last time: trains CANNOT climb steep slopes, they need gentle elevations, same as in real life. Use the tips above to build a beautiful and very scenic rail line to your hilltop towns and cities.

Enjoy! :-)