I would like to get a train simulator and want opinions on the different ones. I think I would like to have Microsoft train simulator so I could run it on my 98 computer. We also have an XP computer.
Justin
I have MS Train Simulator and did not find it very much fun and expanding the routes and roster wasn't as easy as I would have liked. It got a little boring running the same routes over and over.
But, it was instructive to get a feel on braking and how it's effected by terrain and weather. Trying to get from point a to point b in the quickest time without violating speed/safety restrictions was interesting.
Richard
I also have MS Train Simulator, and I also got bored with it very quickly. It's very limited out of the box, and I don't have the time to tinker with it and add stuff.
There's a subway simulator that I've thought of getting. The minimum system specs are a lot higher than for MSTS.
This is a Train Simulator forum hosted by AVSIM, my favorite Flight Simulator site.
http://forum.avsim.net/forum/150-train-simulators-forum/
Microsoft used a lot of the same code for Train Simulator as Flight Simulator, so I guess that's how the two ended up in the same computer world. Some of the same people, too, I guess.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Somewhere I have an old copy of MS train simulator. There wasn't much to do and it didn't really feel like I was running/riding a train. I haven't run it in many years.
Paul
JLK I would like to get a train simulator and want opinions on the different ones. I think I would like to have Microsoft train simulator so I could run it on my 98 computer. We also have an XP computer.
Microsoft Train Simulator is probably the only sim you could run on either computer. It can be found used on Amazon reasonably.
The best MSTS forum is:
http://www.trainsim.com/home.htm
Visit this site for all there is to know about MSTS:
http://msts.steam4me.net/tutorials/index.html
You either love train-sims or you find them boring. I love them.
Harold
There are a couple of nice Sims out there, like Railworks 3 for example. But in order to enjoy them you need a pretty souped up system that can handle the graphics of those simulations. And when I saw Windows 98 mentioned..
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Dr.Gonzo62 And when I saw Windows 98 mentioned..
And when I saw Windows 98 mentioned..
Yes, but I have an XP computer that could handle most games.
Than I would suggest Railworks 3. A really nice program.
But again, I have to reduce the graphic resolution when I play RW3 in order to get smooth motion on my quad-core PC that has a pretty expensive graphic card put in. Try to get a free demo of the simulator first before you buy something just to find out that your PC can't really handle it.
JLK Yes, but I have an XP computer that could handle most games.
If it is an "XP" computer you will probably max-out with Trainz 2009 a really good game. Buy it from Auran directly. Never buy a used copy.
It will not run RW3 for sure.
I have Win-7 64, i7-2500K, 16 ram, GTX-560TI and it barely runs RW3. Worst game ever!!!
Can all train simulators be added on to?
JLK Can all train simulators be added on to?
Yes some eeasier than others
Easiest: Trainz
Built this house and had it in the game in minutes.
Built this much in a day even using USGS data for terrain:
Trainz has the best route editor
Got a "tutorial" narrow gauge flat into the game in an evening:
Trainz is the most user friendly and has a massive library of addons
Clumsy: MSTS
The same store took more time and was only available in the route being worked on.
The Route editor is awful but manageable. Need to jump over hoops to get anything in the game.
There are enough routes available to run MSTS without making anything and most of it is freeware
Aggravating: Railworks
Everything is difficult and seems to be geared to selling their content.
Took me over a year of hair pulling to figure out how to get their "tutorial" car in the game. Worst file system in the world.
Found the route editor totally impossible to locate assets but got this far:
None of those 3d party locos work with the latest update. Most routes in the Railworks community that are made by third parties require a payware addon to get assets. Dumb!!!
As far as operating:
Trainz has CMTM a car forwarding system which is really fun and is free.
MSTS has "Activity Generator" which works really well:
http://www.skylinecomputing.com/SLG.htm
Railworks has no activity generating software
Putting just a little bit of effort into MSTS and it is a vastly better product than what was in the box. There are tons of things available, and adding items is made easier through repetition and several free or inexpensive utilities. Lots of routes available, both free and pay, and they are far better than anything in the box.
That is the style of MS simulators though. They put out the bare bones and expect the community to add the bells and whistles. Was the same with the flight sims.
If Microsoft Train simulator is anything like Monster truck madness 2 It will be lots of fun. You can add custom trucks and tracks that can be downloaded from the Internet.
Being a former RR employee who was allowed to run the real thing a few time, "TRAINMASTER" was one of the first simulators that came out. It was updated several times and the latest version gives you a view right out of the windshield.
You have a choice of several different routs, different trains, power and the sound is awesome! One of the last things that was made was a 1/4 scale desktop control stand that greatly increased the realism of this simulator. But I spent many hours just using my mouse working the real throttle and brakes on a EMD control stand. I still have it on this computer and now that I think of all the fun I had, I think I'll dig out my control stand and fire up a train!
misty
I tried Railworks, and while it looks great and has some awesome features, my computer just wouldn't cut it. Before that I spent years with MSTS. One thing I did that kept me going with MSTS was joining a Virtual Railroad. They had uploaded better locomotives and rolling stock than you find with the default package, and the physics were WAY better. Actually the physics on the equipment I used for the Cascade & Northwestern is another thing that kept me in the MSTS game. In Railworks it seemed like my train was either in run 8 or coming to a stop on a dime! Drove me nuts.
I highly recommend MSTS and joining a VR. It's a lot of fun!!