For train sims my favorite is Trainz by www.auran.com
If you mean however, train sims that allow you to make a layout then I don't know.
BUT, I have used the 'surveyor' mode of the trainz demo to make a layout idea. It is free to download and use at the same address above.
I hope that helps you out. :)
MSTS is more realistic, but I would say that TRS2006 (Trainz) from Auran is easier to start with, and easier to install add-ons to. The graphics are very good in TRS, but some graphics are better in MSTS. There is probably more ability to create routes easier in TRS, but MSTS is definately better for creating activities (an asigned train, work order, computer controled trains (AI), etc.) and engines, if you get TSM (Train Sim Modeler)from abacuspub.com. To see some of the items available from MSTS, visit and join the file library at train-sim.com. There are some great MSTS support sites/forums such as: mltdownloads.com (will be off until August 3rd or 4th) , 3dtrains.com (click on forums), vscalecreations.com, etc. There are also many freeware (products are free) producers of add-ons. Some payware (not free) companies are: 3dtrainstuff.com, 3dtrains.com, mapleleaftracks.com, trainartisan.com, dieselswest.com, and many others. If you have a question about MSTS, it might help to post on one of the boards such as MLT Downloads (will be off until August 3rd or 4th), where there are many expert MSTS users. If you have a question you can also e-mail me at Trainsim1 AT yahoo.com.
You also can't beat the price of MSTS right now, since it has been out for so long. You can pick it up for under $10. With all the free stuff out there, that could be your whole investment. I highly recommend the new bin patches (unofficial) 1.6 or 1.7. It literally transforms the game graphics. Better handling of the lighting, shapes, memory, etc. External shots now look very realistic.
Route building on your own is harder, but it can be done. There are lots of free add-on buildings, trees, and objects you can use.
I've seen Trainz used to build a route. It seems to be more like building a model than the real deal. Each camp has its loyalists. I am, obviously, in the MSTS camp. You just can't beat it for a simulator backed by a real class 1 railroad (CP)!
StillGrande wrote: You also can't beat the price of MSTS right now, since it has been out for so long. You can pick it up for under $10. With all the free stuff out there, that could be your whole investment. I highly recommend the new bin patches (unofficial) 1.6 or 1.7. It literally transforms the game graphics. Better handling of the lighting, shapes, memory, etc. External shots now look very realistic.
Do I need to have the official MSTS patch to download the bin patches, or can they be downloaded without the offical patch?
Willy
WILocoworks wrote:You need to have the MSTS 1.2 (actually 1.4) patch to use MSTS Bin, but there should be no other version of Bin installed before installing the next version. Always run the previous uninstaller first.
I installed MSTS Bin and I like what I see so far. However, I'm a little nervous to go into the files and change stuff (like for the cab to go dark in tunnels and for mirror animation) without step-by-step instructions. You don't suppose you (or anyone else) could provide me with those instructions, do you?
Willy2 wrote: WILocoworks wrote:You need to have the MSTS 1.2 (actually 1.4) patch to use MSTS Bin, but there should be no other version of Bin installed before installing the next version. Always run the previous uninstaller first.I installed MSTS Bin and I like what I see so far. However, I'm a little nervous to go into the files and change stuff (like for the cab to go dark in tunnels and for mirror animation) without step-by-step instructions. You don't suppose you (or anyone else) could provide me with those instructions, do you?
WILocoworks wrote: Willy2 wrote: WILocoworks wrote:You need to have the MSTS 1.2 (actually 1.4) patch to use MSTS Bin, but there should be no other version of Bin installed before installing the next version. Always run the previous uninstaller first.I installed MSTS Bin and I like what I see so far. However, I'm a little nervous to go into the files and change stuff (like for the cab to go dark in tunnels and for mirror animation) without step-by-step instructions. You don't suppose you (or anyone else) could provide me with those instructions, do you? I'm not really sure how to either.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that can't figure this stuff out.
I did some searching in the train-sim.com forums and found one set of step-by-step instructions that worked well, except that I couldn't see anything out the windows other than a blue screen after I followed the instructions. With school starting again, I doubt I'll have time to try anything else, so I'll just settle with I've got right now.
I see it as:
MSTS=Running the real deal....Realism
TRS=Easy route making and model RR's
I have a mixed view on this subject..... as I own both MSTS and Trainz.
Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) is cheap and easy to get lots of free routes and downloads. There are many add ons. The controls and cab are realistic as well; however, MSTS really sux if you are trying to make your own route, it is unrealistically difficult to learn and the graphics are not too great. It just doesnt make sense to me why they don't have automatic flexible track like TrainZ does, when making a route, you have to calculate (or guess) angles etc...
Trainz on the other hand is more expensive but has much better graphics, and the route editor (surveyor) is way easier than the editor for MSTS, I learned it without any instructions . So I reccomend using Trainz if you are want to build a route, you can add to the terrain as you go, alter it, level the track (which is like an extendable flex track) and add scenery and roads easily. The downside however, is that you can't really save it to a "file" and put it on disk to restore the route if say your computer crashes, also downloads are not as easy to find. Trainz has its own limited access "download station" where you can find some downloads"
In general, MSTS for play and Trainz foor route building. That's how I play. Both simulator have had crashing problems, but more so with MSTS. When MSTS 2 comes out I will try that, but if it only is supported on Vista (which is retarded of the programmer to limit the game players to Vista users only) I probably won't like it, i dont support Vista nor do i want it on my computer -- but thats a different story.
Check out the new Rail Simulator from EA Games. It was made by the same company that made the original MSTS (Kagi). It only has one US route so far (Cajon) but is geared towards realistic mainline operation.
EA has a demo version available for download.
If you're just starting out, you might want to try BVE - it's a straight out-of-the-cab simulator which mainly focuses on commuter lines. Everything is free, including add-on routes and trains, and there are many USA items. I was actually surprised at, for being free, it's a pretty realistic sim, with very well-looped sounds, and swaying around curves and when people are getting on the train. There are two versions: 2 and 4. You can download both at the official website: http://mackoy.cool.ne.jp/. For tutorials on how to install as well as many New York subway routes, you can visit http://www.bvestation.com/. It's a little hard to figure out at first, but you catch on pretty fast.