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Post by hermankreimes on Dec 18, 2014 10:55:23 GMT -5
I realize that this is a bit OFF TOPIC.....but I thought I would ask.
Since I don't have the room for a real model train set I thought it might be interesting to get into Train Simming. I am looking for some suggestions from the Train Simmers out there on how to get started as a beginner. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Herman
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Dec 18, 2014 12:19:17 GMT -5
I haven't used a train sim for a few years now, so hopefully someone with more recent information will chime in.
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Post by leutnantwerner on Dec 18, 2014 13:06:13 GMT -5
Hi Herman,
I have started with the good old Microsoft Train Simulator many years ago. Just like FS9 it's a bit *aged* but still with a lot of rolling stock and sceneries (commercial and free ware) one of the best. With the help of an very active community (TrainSim.com), who digged even in the MS game engine, it is now very stable too.
With the *Train Sim Designer* from Abacus (same graphical surface as FSDS2) one can create trains and scenery objects.
If you need more *eye candys* then buy Railworks. Same as FSX, it needs a good hardware to max out all settings, but then you can enjoy live at the platforms too.
I tryed also *Train Perfect 2* but didn't like it that much.
Cheers
Bernie
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Post by gwhess on Dec 18, 2014 23:37:17 GMT -5
Another good train simulator is Run 8. It has very realistic train handling physics.
Gary
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Post by qxtoolman on Dec 19, 2014 4:19:24 GMT -5
As someone who now spends 90% of the time in Train-Sim. MSTS is my choice. Still well supported by freeware & payware. A lot of talented people to help You. ( Steam-4 Me is a must website) Now with Open Rails (ORTS) it can go on forever. Stay away from the TS2015. It is a moneypit.
The "other" Stefan
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Post by aeroart on Dec 19, 2014 20:40:05 GMT -5
Hi Herman,
I've been using a railroad simulator, Trainz, from an Australian publisher, auran.com, for years. You might try that website. This sim also allows you to build your own railroad in addition to the ones provided that are ready to run. They have very good forums, and the other users have always been ready to help.
Years ago I found an outdated version, TRS2006, on the wire racks in the corner of an Office Max or Office Depot for $9.95. I'm running it on Windows 8.1 Update, and it runs fine. The new versions are more expensive, but the company sometimes has specials advertised on its website.
Art
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Post by johnhinson on Dec 20, 2014 5:35:47 GMT -5
I guess it depends what you want out of it but for realistic trains and surrounding scenery I don't think anything comes near Train Simulator 2015. I tried MS Train Simulator first but was very disappointed - it is a long-dead product likie FS2004 is but it's age shows far more. It isn't like FS2004 vs FSX, it is FS2004 vs FS95!
But if anybody wishes to to give MSTS a whirl I have had the box sitting by my desk here for years. It is anybody's for the cost of "signed for" postage. I also have an add-on route which is anybody's too. Just PM me.
There is talk of a massive upgrade of Trainz to catch up with TS but from the pictures it looks as if it still has a way to go.
TS2015 is on 50% off sale over Christmas, by the way.
John
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Post by hermankreimes on Dec 20, 2014 11:25:32 GMT -5
Thank you all for your valued advice and comments.
Herman
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Post by aeroart on Dec 20, 2014 16:17:53 GMT -5
John,
Check PM.
By the way, has your MSTS been registered?
Art
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Post by aeroart on Dec 20, 2014 16:41:48 GMT -5
On second thought, John, I surfed for information about MSTS's compatibility, and found that it doesn't run with Windows 8. Thanks anyway for the offer.
Art
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Post by johnhinson on Dec 20, 2014 16:45:51 GMT -5
No probs. If anyone else can find a use . . .
John
PS - I am pretty certain registration is not an issue, and that it is legal to pass on.
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Post by qxtoolman on Dec 21, 2014 1:48:11 GMT -5
On second thought, John, I surfed for information about MSTS's compatibility, and found that it doesn't run with Windows 8. Thanks anyway for the offer. Art I don't where MSTS doesn't run on Window 8 comes from?? I have been running it for almost a year and half. You install it just like FS9 & FSX, in any other folder than X86 Programs. The only issue is if Your computer has ATI on motherboard video. Also Open Rails makes MSTS content runs much smoother, also the Graphics & Train Physics is huge improvement. "The Other" Stefan |
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Post by milspecsim on Jan 14, 2015 18:55:19 GMT -5
Open Rails and MSTS is my choice. Plenty of freeware and works really well on my x64 Win7
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Post by mrcapitalism on Jan 20, 2015 0:40:18 GMT -5
I have TS2015 and it still has a lot of problems. The graphics are beautiful and it runs very well, but the physics are lacking. Especially the modelling of air brake systems.. it makes the trains almost unusable IMO. I might make the switch to Run8 just for these issues.
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Post by zswobbie1 on Jan 20, 2015 3:06:03 GMT -5
Best freeware train sim?
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