I know I could get many answers here, but what would be your pick for buying a train simulator?
Thanks
Jon
From my post in the train sim section of the Forum
With the new BIN update for MSTS (Microsoft Train Simulator), the new routes, textures, and sceanry, it's the best sim out there, look for add-ons like x-tracks, new roads, and the new tranparent driving aid on train-sim.com (all free) (also check out the forums there for more indformation) these add-ons greatly enhance the MSTS experance. I also have Trainz 2006, and found that it was more of a headache then its worth, just look at thier "offical" forums, and see all the complaints. MSTS has the best camera view options, activities, ease of use, and until Railsimulator comes out http://www.railsimulator.com/en/index.htm (By KUJU the original makers of MSTS) in my opion, if you like driving the virtual rails MSTS is the best option. If you decide to give MSTS with the new updates and need help, feel free to PM me.
Here's what I have found out-
TRS2004 (Trainz Railroad Simulator) runs well, is easy to use, and is more detailed on textures, scenery, ect. But, unfortunetly, there is a limited amount of custom content for US modelers.
On the other hand, MSTS (Microsoft Train Simulator) has tons of custom content. Canadian Pacific even has downloads on their web site for the Holiday Train, the Empress, the Royal Canadian Pacific, and I have seen tons of WC downloads. But, on my computer (1gb graphics card, 400gb hard drive, the works) MSTS has not run up to what TRS2004 has run, as far as smoothness of running, ect. Nothing to really complain about
GET MSTS! YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED!
Phil
Well at the moment I think Train Dispatcher 3.5, the train dispatcher simulator software by Softrail, is my favorite. But that's probably because I just got it not too long agoIt's like $40 and comes with 400+ territorys. You route trains down the main, locals on and off the main, call crews to patch trains that die on the law, grant working time and maintainace time to track gangs and locals. It's a kick in the pants if your into thinking mans games.
But you are probably refering to train sims. I have never even checked out trainz, but I have MSTS and have been running it for 3-4 years now and I like it. the stock territories suck but I have the Tehachapi and Cajon add on routes from 3-D Trainstuff and north Coast Railway (Former NWP) and Carrizo George routes I got free from Microsofts sim site. I also have about 70 locomotives and 300 freight cars from there. The trainline air brakes don't seem very realistic, I think they charge up a lot faster then in reality. But all the other controlls seem pretty realistic. The views and graphics are darn good in my opinion. And the aid windows are nice, like for seeing signals and speed limits within a mile or two, or for uncoupleing and setting hand brakes on cars, or showing timetable for pass scheduals. You can build your own trains with rolling stock in you library too. You can also build your own tracks and make your own rolling stock too if you have the software, but I don't.
I also have TrainMaster (4.0?) and have had it 5 or so years now. I don't run it nearly as much as MSTS as I only have 4-5 routes (and they are rather short) and you only have so many trains to choose from so it lacks variety. You only get one view too, out the front, and the graphics are not anything special. But, I think the physics of it are very realistic. The brakes seem to have the proper release and recharge time and proper brakeing effort. On my computer it's a lot more fluid too. My only complaint is not haveing a way to see the signals far enough away. I had to make my own cheat sheets that had the exact signal locations so I would know to slow down approaching anything less then greens.
I like them all for different reasons, but hey... I'm a train nut!!!