Train simulator programs

What are the major commercially available train simulator programs?
Microsoft Train Simulator Auran Trainz Boso View Express
... others?
--
Mark



Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
:

Actually, Microsoft Train Simulator has been out of production for some time, and no new version is going to be produced. From time to time, however, a bunch will show up at some retailer.
It's my understanding that a company called "Train Artisan" (who made some very nice add-ons for MSTS) is currently working on a completely new train simulator.
Boso View Express....I wouldn't quite say that is commercially available, it's more of a freeware thing that anyone can download. I've never seen references to it being retailed anywhere.
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload

As long as I see it listed at Amazon.com, that's proof enough to me that's available commercially.
Every two months I update http://www.greenbayroute.com/ with a new poll (either model or prototype related), and I was thinking of running one on "favorite train simulator programs." So I was looking for ideas of programs to list.
The poll just ending is: " What's your favorite railroad hobby activity?"
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
On Thu, 03 Feb 2005 14:54:47 GMT, Steve Hoskins

This page seems to indicate that it is being sold:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/pc/trainsim.aspx#buyit

-- Email: Usenet-20031220 at spamex.com (11/09/04)
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
I just bought a CD of Microsofts Train Simulator less then two weeks ago at Staples. They still have a web site that supports additional engines and I think routes.
It looks alive and well to me.
Jack
wrote:

Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload

You can buy Microsoft Train Simulator at Amazon.com for $8.99. This sounds like a close-out to me!!!
                            ---john.
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
There is a really cool add on route at www.facingpoint.com. Its a really good add on for MSTS.
raildriver.com also makes a simulator. I think its supposed to be really accurate but it looks really crappy :). They are supposed to be making a newer version though.
wrote:

Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
raildriver.com also makes a simulator. I think its supposed to be really accurate but it looks really crappy :)
I received a Raildriver controller console for Christmas and it has yet to work properly. Repeated e-mails to the factory support folks have been fruitless. Their software is buggy, too. What experiences have you had with MSTS?
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
video guy wrote:

I got my control to work pretty good with MSTS. I have a lot of problems getting it to work right with Trainz though. Its a backwards situation if you ask me, Trainz was designed to work with raildriver while MSTS wasn't.
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
On Tue, 08 Mar 2005 09:23:38 -0500, Michael Dauria

Do I need anything more than a keyboard and mouse?
Would a joystick help? Other peripherals?
-- Email: Usenet-20031220 at spamex.com (11/09/04)
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
Of the 28 carefully labeled buttons on the Raildriver console, NOT A SINGLE ONE does what it's supposed to do. Someone in their product development was really asleep at the switch... or button.
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
video guy wrote:

My RailDriver shipped with two sets of labels for the buttons; one for MSTS and one for Trainz. Using the MSTS labels while running MSTS, every button does exactly what it's supposed to do.
--
Mike Brandt

Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
Aha! Thank you for the input.
The throttle on my unit is very squirrily in that the same positions will return different notches. Is yours repeatable?
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
video guy wrote:

Pretty much; there are throttle positions where the notch will jump back and forth between two adjacent values, but I can always find a position where the notch stays steady. Still, I know what you mean - if you look at the raw data coming from the RailDriver (you can do this by downloading the free Software Development Kit from PI) there is a fair amount of fluctuation (noise) in the values even when you're not adjusting the controls.
Another somewhat surprising thing is that the headlight and wiper switches are analog.
One more thing: if the RailDriver's "engine type" doesn't match the locomotive that you're running, the throttle and other settings can jump all over the place as RailDriver and MSTS fight it out.
--
Mike Brandt

Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
Michael Dauria wrote:

Anybody ever tried the routes and engines they have at http://www.3dtrainstuff.com/ ? Tehachapi, Cajon and they're planning to release Donner this spring. I haven't bought any of these yet but I'm very interested in them.
--

Rick Jones
Remove the Extra Dot to e-mail me
  Click to see the full signature.
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
wrote :

Both Cajon and Tehachapi are very well done routes, even though some details are lacking, mainly in trackwork. The basic mainline operation IS there, however -- curves, gradient, etc., are all very true to prototype. The talking hotbox detectors suck, though -- the route designed used one of their teenage female relatives to produce the readouts and they sound hokey. However, someone recently uploaded actual readout sound files to train-sim.com for the Tehachapi route.
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
snipped-for-privacy@fidnet.com wrote:

How many versions of Flight Simulator are there now? 133? <g>
For a game to be alive, there has to be improvements, new features, new versions, and bug fixes. MS gave up on it and unless another publisher buys the rights, MSTS will slowly wither and die.
$8.98 at Amazon.com is not a sign of health.
Mike Tennent "IronPenguin"
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
Here is one more site http://www.ongakukan.co.jp /
I just got this one for my PSP. Its kinda neat, they use real video. Everything is in Japanese but its still not to hard to understand what to do.
I noticed too that if you look around, in Japan they have a lot of train simish (probably more arcady than sim) type programs for the PS2. They even make a controller for the PS2.
Top Spin wrote:

Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
I just recently picked up the latest Auran Trainz Railroad Simulator Deluxe Edition from Circuit City for $19.99.
It takes a little getting used to... but even with the limited time I've spent using it the simulator has been interesting and enjoyable.
I'm still trying out the basic built in scenarios and 'DCC' mode loco controling at this point. You can 'drive' or give orders to 'manage' a train. You can run scenarios where you take orders to build small consists and deliver the product to the appropriate locations.
I also managed to build a quick layout and amazingly run an engine on the mess I created.
It includes some US but mostly UK equipment and rail layouts.
Terry
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload
Terry,
I have the "latest" version which is (was?) Trainz RR Somulator 2004, but haven't used in in quite awhile. Is the one you mention a replacement for it, IOW, the latest, greatest version one can currently get?
Thanks . . .
Paul - "The CB&Q Guy" (Modeling 1960's in HO.)
Add pictures here
✖
<% if( /^image/.test(type) ){ %>
<% } %>
<%-name%>
Add image file
Upload

Site Timeline

Related Threads

Polytechforum.com is a website by engineers for engineers. It is not affiliated with any of manufacturers or vendors discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.