Getting Started - TeamOpenIndustry/ImmersiveRailroading GitHub Wiki
Before establishing a railroad empire, it's a good idea to ensure a robust supply of Steel, Treated Wood, and electrical power.
When ready, create a Blueprint Book, a Large Wrench, and a Track Blueprint. These three tools are essential to progress and construction through the mod.
Setting up a clear, level space at least 2 chunks by 2 chunks is recommended. This will provide enough space for constructing machinery and rolling stock. The first machines you will need are the Casting Basin and Track Roller to create tracks. Making tracks requires a Rail Casting, which is made in the Casting Basin.
Next, place down at least 20 blocks of track end-to-end to have enough space to place a Frame on the rails, which is created in the Casting Basin. Make sure your Frame and Track gauges match up! With the Frame in hand, right-click the rail to place it. Then, with the Large Wrench in hand, right-click the Frame. It will list the parts needed to complete the piece of stock and which machines are needed in order to make those parts. For example, a newly placed A1 Peppercorn Frame will list out that it needs 2 Cylinders, which are made in the Casting Basin and then processed in the Steam Hammer.
Continuing on with the creation of an A1 Peppercorn, we don't need another machine until we get to the point of creating the engine's firebox and boiler, using the Boiler Roller and Plate Rolling Machine.
A word of warning: Steam Engines require a constant water supply when fueled, and if they boil off 75% or more of their water, there is a chance that they will explode. As such, it's a good idea to remove any fuel from idle Steam Engines, or ensure they have a constant supply of water through a Loader and fluid piping.
Locomotives and cars can be instantly removed and picked up by using sneak + click on them.