diff --git a/src/rail_cmd.cpp b/src/rail_cmd.cpp
index a8c20e3394..a5face14c5 100644
--- a/src/rail_cmd.cpp
+++ b/src/rail_cmd.cpp
@@ -455,7 +455,7 @@ CommandCost CmdBuildSingleRail(TileIndex tile, DoCommandFlag flags, uint32 p1, u
 			CommandCost ret = CheckTileOwnership(tile);
 			if (ret.Failed()) return ret;
 
-			if (!IsPlainRail(tile)) return CMD_ERROR;
+			if (!IsPlainRail(tile)) return DoCommand(tile, 0, 0, flags, CMD_LANDSCAPE_CLEAR); // just get appropriate error message
 
 			if (!IsCompatibleRail(GetRailType(tile), railtype)) return_cmd_error(STR_ERROR_IMPOSSIBLE_TRACK_COMBINATION);