There are a number of download sites for free software for MSTS.
Ive had some luck with a few "Good" copies of software but many are either missing files, corrupted or otherwise a problem getting to run on the MSTS. Ultimately I had to remove some due to spyware, adware and potential problems affecting the computer itself.
It is my hope that they continue to make realistic video games allowing you to run a wide variety of trains. My one beef is that they dont focus well on North American Steam.
The best software that I have used were not the free kind. For example there is a retail add-on called "Sand Patch" for the MSTS. I think it was 15.00 at the game store but works very well with MSTS.
with kind regards, Richard Plokhaar Signalsoft Rail Consultancy Ltd. http://www.signalsimulation.com
John Baker
I prefer to get my material on DISK instead of downloads. Games are getting more bloated each year. (Nerfted too but that is a different story)
Now if they can program a steam engine to respond to inputs more preciesely I would be happy. Hate closing the throttle, nuetralizing the reverser and adding locomotive braking to hear the steamer chugging away at full power until the speed drops below the next rounded 10 mph.
Safety Valve wrote: Now if they can program a steam engine to respond to inputs more preciesely I would be happy. Hate closing the throttle, nuetralizing the reverser and adding locomotive braking to hear the steamer chugging away at full power until the speed drops below the next rounded 10 mph.
Now, I'm no expert on steam engines and I don't run them that much in MSTS, but on a steam loco the cylinders (the source of the "chuff" sounds - they exaust steam through the stack) are connected directly to the driving wheels. This being the case one would not expect them to go silent once the throttle is backed off. The wheels are now driving the cylinders. The sound should, perhaps, change, but it should only decrease in frequency (cpm - chuffs per minute) in direct proportion to the speed (rpm) of the drivers. Of course the speed of the drivers (assuming they are not slipping) would be directly proportional to the speed of the loco/train.
A diesel, which has no direct physical connection between the engine itself and the drivers (unless it is something like a Kraus-Maffi), will respond more directly to throttle inputs.
-George
"And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers ride their father's magic carpet made of steel..."
Here is a video I have saved in my favorites on Youtube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSz_aY2RS7s
This video is a little long but shows the steam engine stopping in relative peace and quiet sitting there boiling and cleaning before starting up again applying power with stack talk to match on what is a heavy load on a little engine.
It also has been my experience on steam tourist lines such as Strasburg that once the engine gets the train up to road speed (20 mph or so if that...) the stack talk diminishes greatly with just enough "Effort" to maintain cruise. Should the engine be backing to connect to the train after watering, it is virtually silent not CHUG CHUGG CHUGG at full power... that would scare the people.
I think the problem is the coding inside the game software to exhibit sound behavior acording to what the operator is doing.
You can also try Mophouse (http://www.themophouse.com/) for more current locomotives (They have some of the UP heritage units available, as are BNSF ES44ACs). You have to register, but it doesn't take long to get access. Some interesting fallen flag locomotives there, as is a route for the Frisco.
Maple Leaf Tracks Downloads is good, but a lot of their stuff requires an MLT shape file. Good site for UP patch units and NS stuff. Some of the stuff is also at Train-Sim, but it is easier to get in here.