V Scale railroading

I've dabbled a bit with Dovetail's Train Simulator. Well more than a bit strictly speaking although I haven't touched it in a while. There is a lot of interesting content and trying to operate in a semi-realistic manner.  Downside for me, is that there wasn't as much for areas or railroads that I was interested in.

So it's been longer since I last played than I thought.  But yeah, I've played a bit.

Microsoft Train Simulator ("MSTS") is quite old but has a depth of freeware trains and routes second to none -- the only trick is getting the old Windows 98-era software to run on modern systems. It's possible, as long as you install it anywhere other than the Program Files default directory (because of modern Windows' "special" security there) and you have to have an Nvidia graphics chipset (unless you want to hunt down some special patches for AMD graphics drivers). Lots of headaches -- but there's Open Rails, which is a modern MSTS replacement that can run all the old routes and rolling stock. Some are dependent on assets in the old MSTS software, so all you have to do is install MSTS someplace convenient and never run it -- run Open Rails instead! Maybe not the latest "eye candy" graphics but excellent physics, and it's being actively developed.

@EricF posted:

Microsoft Train Simulator ("MSTS") is quite old but has a depth of freeware trains and routes second to none -- the only trick is getting the old Windows 98-era software to run on modern systems. It's possible, as long as you install it anywhere other than the Program Files default directory (because of modern Windows' "special" security there) and you have to have an Nvidia graphics chipset (unless you want to hunt down some special patches for AMD graphics drivers). Lots of headaches -- but there's Open Rails, which is a modern MSTS replacement that can run all the old routes and rolling stock. Some are dependent on assets in the old MSTS software, so all you have to do is install MSTS someplace convenient and never run it -- run Open Rails instead! Maybe not the latest "eye candy" graphics but excellent physics, and it's being actively developed.

i tried downloading open rails but couldn't figure it out

i remember the original MSTS and all the wrecks and derailments i did back in 2010-2011 on my mom's laptop

I like this one: https://store.steampowered.com...l_Railcar_Simulator/

It's pretty darn affordable and fun to "play" if you don't mind British prototypes.

There really are quite a number of train simulators out there that allow some semblance or realistic behavior and 1st-person from-the-cab operation. Just to add some useful info to the thread, here's a run-down of some , including some obscure but detailed ones:

1. Microsoft Train Simulator (or "MSTS") -- Not really the original, but certainly one of the most well-evolved. Technically, Microsoft stopped developing it just a few years after its release, but it spawned a very dedicated community that has kept it going in one form or another. Probably has the largest library of free content which outstrips the paid content by several orders of magnitude. Not always "plug and play" -- getting things working well sometimes requires learning how the sim works and how to edit text-based files to tweak things. Old software can't run on modern computers except in specific configurations, but that's fixed by its successor, Open Rails.
2. Open Rails -- A new train simulator that's both a replacement for MSTS and one with new and more capabilities. Development and improvements are ongoing. It can run anything from MSTS, plus new trains and routes designed for its capabilities.
3. Train Simulator 20'xx', now Train Simulator Classic, formerly Kuju Rail Simulator/Rail Simulator/Railworks -- Somewhat more modern sim than MSTS. Originally developed by the same studio (but not same programmers) that made the basic software engine for MSTS, then sold off a couple of times but stayed in production. Graphically nicer than MSTS, but often lacks the sophisticated physics that's possible in MSTS/Open Rails. Much more dependent on paid DLC; freeware is limited and often highly dependent on having paid DLC installed to leverage its assets. Has a wider range of international content, particularly British, as compared to North American prototypes
4. Train Sim World -- Basically re-engineered Train Simulator 20xx/Train Simulator Classic running in the Unreal Engine game platform. Completely dependent on paid DLC; there are no plans for route creation tools or even a means for enabling user-created 3D models. Has a similar international content range.
5. Trainz -- A combination of full train simulator and virtual model railroad builder. Similar to Train Simulator 20xx series in terms of realism; OK but not technical at all. Its main calling card is the relative ease of creating routes as virtual train layouts. Has a combination of paid and free DLC, but a significant portion of free content is somewhat locked behind the publisher's content management system which requires a subscription.
6. Run 8 Train Simulator -- US Railroads only, offers in-depth technical operation of freight locomotives and signaling. Only paid DLC, and just a few US routes, but they're highly technically accurate. Until now has been focused on multiplayer operation, with individuals managing switching, dispatching, and operating locomotives separately. Most recent version finally allows full single-player operation with automatic dispatching.
7. Zusi 3 -- German train simulator based on a tool for training train crews. Graphically, more like MSTS. Very authentic signaling and procedures for German railroads.
8. BVE / OpenBVE and derivatives -- Originally a Japanese sim that runs strictly from the in-cab perspective. Follows the prevailing preference in Japanese train sims with a focus on keeping to a strict schedule as a challenge, although it can offer more user-created content than other Japanese train-driving computer games which are, primarily, games not simulators. It's been adapted into use for various environments, although it tends to be best for rapid-transit-style running.
9. Rolling Line -- Free-form simple simulator that supports a lot of user-created content. Not necessarily prototypical; more about running trains for fun.
10. Diesel Railcar Simulator -- Focused on British railcar and multiple-unit trains.
11. MaSzyna -- Polish train simulator; very detailed and technical. Aside from needing to understand some Polish, you'll have to learn how to start up locomotives from cold-and-dark shutdown just to get moving! Plenty of free, user-contributed content. Focused, of course, on Polish railways and motive power.
12. ZDSimulator -- Ukrainian-developed sim. Also very technical in the same way as MaSzyna; it was and is still developed as a training tool for the Ukrainian railways; the version sold to the public has been a sideline for extra income to support the main training software project. Interface can be set to English at least in part. Covers both Ukrainian and some Russian trains and routes, with some additional routes being free to download. Spans Cold War-era Soviet locomotives and equipment to modern equipment built for the former Soviet broad-gauge railways in modern Ukraine and Russia. The basic sim must be purchased, and the website was unreliable ever since the annexation of Crimea, and then went down when the Ukraine war began. The website has since been rebuilt. Not sure if purchases are working quite yet or not. Any ongoing development will probably focus on Ukrainian prototypes.

There are also even more obscure ones out there; most are more games than they are simulators. A few others, like SimRail (another entry from Poland) are in development but not yet released. There's probably a train simulator out there to support anybody's interest, budget, and comfort level with both computers and railroading technicalities.

WOW! Lots of great choices! 😀

Thank you for all the interesting information in this thread, so far.

Have any of the above recommendations changed since these posts from 2022?

I just bought a Lenovo Legion Go, handheld tablet that supposedly is also a mini Windows based, handheld gaming console.

I mostly use it to catch up on emails and online shopping / browsing but wanted to know if there were any Train Simulator games that could use the detachable game controllers on both sides of this tablet.

I don’t usually play computer/ video games but I liked the old Microsoft Train Simulator, 20 years ago.

I like North American freight railroads and wanted to know if the paid offerings from Dovetail Games, Train Sim World or Auran Trainz would have the content that I prefer.

Thanks,

Naveen Rajan

I think V-scale has enormous potential, because the biggest expense in our hobby is the physical space we must devote to it.  Frankly I think Lionel missed a huge opportunity.  They were wasting time with silly DVD movies and action games when they should have been leveraging their brand-name and iconic offerings in the V-scale world.  How would it be if you put your Vision Line Hudson on a special sensor track, or better yet a roller base, and it appeared in the game!?  Skylanders for grown-ups

Eric^^ mentioned Auran's Trainz series (no relation to our Forum sponsor Trainz) as a kind of model railroad simulator.  I agree that it's easy to build "routes" or layouts in the software.  Another unique feature of Auran Trainz is that it has a true "multiplayer" mode, where a route and operating session are hosted on a server and more than one user can operate trains in that world, at the same time.  I guess you could "railfan" a multiplayer session too, although I haven't done so.  Online multiplayer has existed for years with first-person shooters and racing games on consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.  But as far as I know, playing Trainz on PC is the only way to run the trains you want, on a layout you designed, in real time with a friend who lives halfway across the country!  You're also not restricted to a first-person view, so it can indeed be like operating a model train layout.

@EricF you seem to be up-to-date on this stuff.  Do you know whether any of the other simulators have evolved to support real time multi-user operating sessions?

Train simulators are pretty cool. I've played MSTS, Trainz, and DTG's Train Sim Classic and Train Sim World. Trainz has route creation, which is fantastic. It's like building a model rr without the expense and with nearly unlimited space, structures, track, and trains.

I agree that Lionel should get into the market of V-Scale more. I do have Lionel Traintown, a PC game from the early 2000s. It's basically a puzzle game with Lionel Trains. The game has great graphics for such an old game, and I still love playing the game occasionally. The interface is very simple; all you need is a mouse and keyboard. Players can run trains, design and build layouts, transport cargo and passengers, solve puzzles, repair the track, and even learn about how real railroads work. Plus, there are alien spaceships, a sea monster that destroys bridges, dinosaurs, rubber ducks, and fun animations at each industry. Of course, there are quite a few funny things when you highlight certain buildings. The maps include a desert, a forest, a backyard, a living room, and even an alien planet.

I think Lionel (and other toy train manufacturers as well) could work with game developer(s) do one of two things:

1.) Remake the Lionel Traintown puzzle game with new animation, new puzzles, new trains, and of course, references to the old game.

2.) Make a model rr simulator with many different scales, models of locos from numerous companies (US, European, Asian, etc.), and of course, operations with animated accessories.

My model rr simulator idea could also include simulations of track laying (including flex and sectional track from multiple manufacturers), wiring (soldering included, too), transformers, command control systems (DCC, DCS, Legacy/TMCC/Base-3), scenery, structures, and of course, running trains. DLCs could be added later on for more fun.

As for benchwork, I'd prefer if the game did preset benchwork for a new layout. Just put in the dimensions and boom! Instant benchwork! Then a player would chose a scale they want to model and get started.

Scenery would include backdrops of different cities from all over the world, deserts, forests, rural areas, industrial and yard areas, mountains, etc. More backdrops could be added later on with DLCs. Maybe backdrops could be added from actual photos.

Of course, there would need to be tutorials included that help new players get started in the game. These would begin with setting up a 4'X8' table top, building a simple loop with a siding, wiring, and running a train. Then comes scenery, structures, and finally, expanding an exisiting layout with other tables. Block control and command control would need to have their own tutorials. Finally, a basic operations tutorial series could help players who like to operate their trains like the real thing get started.

Best of all, players could enjoy all the aspects of the model rr hobby without paying a single dollar (except for buying the game, and maybe DLCs, of course).

So basically, this Model RR Simulator would be like Trainz, but with actual model trains.

update

i now have tsw 4 with PC editor and consist editor as well as an improved livery designer

i don't play very much because my computer loves to randomly crash with my custom engines and insane PSR consists

V Scale:

I was heavily involved in MSTS for years beginning about 2002 or so. Back during that time I coined the term "V scale", and incorporated the moniker into my business name: V Scale Creations. I then began to develop and offer commercial routes, equipment packs, and sound add-ons etc. This was back in the "Glory Days" of the V scale hobby, and my V Scale Creations endeavor did quite well financially.

Even as MSTS began to fall from the limelight, my V Scale Creations website was more than paying for itself yearly until the host server failed without notice a couple years ago. That took my V Scale Creations commercial side of V scale with it. I still own the domain, though.

For the past 10 or more years, I have not developed commercial content for MSTS. (However my V Scale Creation's products continued to sell.) Instead, I notified all that I was stepping back from commercial content development, and was only going to be a hobbyist within the V scale.

That I've continued to do. I find working on routes ("layouts") in V scale relaxing and good for medicine for the ol' brain. V scale's main purpose for me is as an outlet for my love of 19th century railroading. My HO scale endeavors are diesel, but my V scale endeavors are now strictly 19th century. This works great.

Right you are Cody about V scale being cheap. I have not spent actual $$ in V scale for well over a decade or so. I keep an older XP operated machine for developing, and that's it's sole purpose. When ready to run my latest version of whatever route of mine I'm interested in at the time, I install a copy of the route into my Win 7 machine and enjoy it on that (much better graphics).

Here's a couple of pics from my "Frisco Line" route project (that is basically a historic recreation), circa 1889:

First up is a scene at the Hackett City, Arkansas engine service facilities on the Frisco's Mansfield Branch. (The Mansfield Branch was 18 miles long and rich in coal.)...

And here's a view as you stand upon a bluff overlooking the St. Paul Branch at St. Paul Arkansas. The St. Paul Branch of the Frisco was up in the Ozarks and was heavy on timber products...

And here's some views from one of my commercial products from way back in the 2000's: The 19th century "Ozark Northern" route:

A couple of early morning shots a the small town of Brashears, Arkansas...

A late evening overview of the Ozark Northern version of St. Paul, Arkansas...

And lastly, a daylight view of a mill near Cass, Arkansas...

I have several "work in progress" hobby route projects. I often share these hobby route projects with enthusiasts over at Elvas Tower. (Elvas Tower are forums dedicated to V scale.)

So, yup, I do indulge in V scale over the course of my modeling year when I need to scratch my 19th century itch!

Andre