Anyone try/use them? They look very interesting..
Trainz Railroad Simulator <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ts2009.com/">http://www.ts2009.com/</a><!-- m -->
Amazing graphics here <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ts2009.com/screenshots.php#">http://www.ts2009.com/screenshots.php#</a><!-- m -->
Microsoft Train Simulator <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.microsoft.com/games/pc/trainsim.aspx">http://www.microsoft.com/games/pc/trainsim.aspx</a><!-- m -->
I see MS Train Sim is comming out with 2, but haven't looked into it yet
Looked into it briefly, but couldn't get everything set up right. I do know that your can even try your hand at traction, but I wasn't interested in meeting rigidly precise schedules; I was more interested in cruising the virtual landscape and getting the feel of it, and I couldn't find any sims that actually allowed that.
Both the boys use both Trainz and MSTrain...from what I can tell, the folks at Trainz took more time to model the world around the train tracks, and did a really nice job with the engine cab interiors. You can also build your own routes pretty easily with Trainz, literally from the topography up starting on essentially a flat earth and adding hills, mountains, etc, and adding the track in whatever direction you'd like. The MS sim has less graphics modeling the world around the tracks, (very few moving cars, no people). But you can get downloads for just about any diesel you'd like to run, some for a fee and some for free. Neither of my boys try to run trains on one of the "schedule routes", so I can't speak to how the sims run in that regard. Overall, and just from observing over their shoulder when they use the programs, I like the Trainz a bit better for the graphics and various views you get of the train and countryside.
I have both but prefer Trainz. I still like the real layout better because when you turn the computer off you have nothing to show for your work. However both programs are great for those that don't have any space or have physical problems that prevent them from building a real layout.
I have been told that the sims allow virtual world testing of layouts as well, and that problems can be identified that are not always apparent when designing layouts. One guy even identified a serious operating conflict that would have occured if he operated as he had planned to on his layout.
I have MIcrosoft Train Simulator but haven't used it for a couple of years. I'll admit that I'm bored running low speed orders some of the scenarios include and some of the long runs between stops get dull. I added some runs like Sandpatch which made things more interesting. I wish there were more train meets and the need to respond to signals along the routes. I also wish there was a better switch list for set outs and pick ups. My copy of the program had some glitches like occasional coupler failure so I couldn't pick up some cars. Eventually i got bored and started playing with the trains by racing them into derailments or on the Sandpatch run uncoupling from a unit train of coal hoppers on a grade and running the locomotives as fast as I could to reach a siding so the now free rolling hoppers could pass by safely. That took a few tries!
I like the audio for the diesel sounds and the challenge of dealing with the train's momentum when trying to stop.
Ralph
Thaks for all the good info guys
I think I'll try the Trainz 2009
I have both Trainz and MSTS and prefer Trainz over Microsoft
I have MSTS and like it. Bought a couple 3rd party routes for it. Haven't played in a long time though. I also have a Rail Driver controller.
I also recently got
Rail Simulator (By Kujo, developers on MSTS). Looks great compared to MSTS, but there's not a lot of US content (only 1 US route). It was $10 from amazon so I thought I'd check it out.
Looking forward for MSTS 2 though.