How do i create a custom line pattern that is not a dash pattern, that can be repeated along the length of a line? For example, i am messing around with a wargame map, and want to show a line pattern that looks like a railroad (represents railroad) but will repeat end to end along the length of a line. I am a novice at using Inkscape so pardon me if im slow on the learning curve. Thank you for any help. AB

Check out pattern along path, see if it suits your needs.
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... gPath.html

Markers are another option. You can create custom markers and they are placed at each node in the path. http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL ... ke-Markers There are a bunch of stock markers, you can see in Object menu > Fill and Stroke > Stroke Style tab > Markers (need to have a path selected to enable the Markers menus).

With PAP (which td suggested) there can be distortions around curves. I haven't ever seen markers become distorted. However, probably for a railroad type of design, PAP will be better.

Feel free to share your experiments, as you're learning. We'll be glad to offer tips and answer questions