Ok, just got a new computer that will handle running the newer software. Out of the rail sims, is one better than the other? What's your preference? Any advice is greatly appreciated in advance. Thanx
I had Train Sim for a quite a while, I like it best since there are FAR more downloads for it on the 'net. such as: Train Sim.com
I too prefer to Train-Sim, I recently downloaded the Durango & Sivlerton and the Cumbres & Toltec routes for it from Train-Sim.com and they are fantastic routes. I have problems with the C&T though, but I'm getting it worked out. That 4% grade out Chama is a tough one.
Personally, I loved Trainz better. Unfortunately, it needs a monster PC to run smoothly and they kept coming out with new versions every 12 months that up'ed that ante. My PC was at the bottom end of what the "required" so I gave up.
I also have Railroad Tycoon 2, which I like to play too. It's challenging in that it simulates railroading from a business stand point than from operating the trains. Hey Marshall, have you had the chance to see the 3dtrain stuff's new Donner Pass route. I want to get, but I don't think my computer can handle anymore stuff on it.
I've seen some stuff from the Donner Pass Route, but I don't own it. It looks great though and comes with tons of stuff. I was tempted to get it but I like the more modern stuff, like the stuff that comes from Streamlines.ca. Plus I'm already out of memory. lol. Marshall
I had kinda skipped rr tycoon. I supose it would be a good way to help understand the running of the whole railroad. From what I've been reading Train Sim does seem to be the better choice for opperating trains. I recently saw an ad in MR for a train control consol for the PC. I'm thinking you gotta be pretty serious into this software to justify that exspense. Has anyone tried this thing out?
From what I understand, you cna set all those buttons to do all the functions of the keyboard. It comes with labels to help you out. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about it but, the price is pretty hard to get over. Although, if your into flight sims, wouldn't you want some heavy duty "realistic" controls too?
Great point! I work in the aviation industry and have been heavily involved with flight simulation as my primary hobby for close to 20 years (took that up when I ran out of room for trains after high school). The 150.00 for the rail driver controller is, in comparison to flight simulation hardware, extremely cheap. The cheapest USB flight yoke on the market will run you 100-130, rudder pedals another 100-130, and then if you want a multi-engine throttle quadrant that'll be close to another 200. Again, these are the most cost-effective options available. If money is no object then there are components available starting at about the 1,000 range and go up from there. Believe it or not there are companies out there that produce parts for people who are interested in building full size airliner flight decks at home! http://www.flightdecksolutions.com/ I just wish somebody made a USB control stand for second generation EMD Diesels! I'd love to have one to run an SD40-2 in Train Sim! Mike C Phoenix Az
As Mike C's best friend for over 30 yrs. and co-conspiritor in most of his Model RR' ing experiences and experiments I would also like to say that he is also one of the leading Flight Simmers. Know this is off of the topic, but if you are interested in his FS work you can go here http://www.midconair.com/ and check this end of his work also. This is his Virtual Airline website He is also a very talented Model RR designer and a great friend
I haven't delved into Mr. Gates' software, but have done a lot with the Trainz. I found most of the free items are of a Euro nature, but can pass for U.S. Also, that it was more for those who want to create something from scratch (not a great deal of pre-made routes). I've done several routes of my own, and expanded on some that another did. It was quite fun, some of it was serious (like an Aussie coal run that would go REAL-TIME... all ten hours of it). The best part was being able to "build" my model RR on the software and see how the items ran. They would react as the model/real thing would. Thus I could find if a curve was to tight or a climb to steep. It is possible that the reason there is less American items in Trainz is because Gates bought all of the Rights or the RR's are charging big rates for the Rights. (Remeber- UP demanding Rights to the Fallen Lines Copyrights, and demanding a ransom for the use of those emblems???)
If I recall, and it's been awhile since I'e been active in the Trainz community, there was a lot of American stuff out there. You really need to be a memeber of the forums at Auran to "be in the know" of what's available. I have two or three CD's of stuff I downloaded over the year or two my PC could actually run it. The best part of Trainz is the ability to import terrain files. I had the entire Northwesten Pacific SP branch ready for trackage and scenery. Too bad my PC bogged down with it.
Trainz is a great simulation if you like to play with trains. similar like a model railroad. The editor of Trainz is a breeze to work with. complement to the developers there! Trainz is also good for playing some freight scenarios with multiple trains. MSTS is a great simulation if you concentrate on the locomotive engineer's job. sometime hell of difficult to do that job. (and I know where I am talking about ) Unfortunately the sequel to version 1 got postponed to the future. Train Master Train Simulator (TMTS) and Kuju Rail Simulator (KRS) both promise to become great hits for the "one person" simulator types. Both have similarities, but will have a slight different approach to things. Aerosoft of course will support both products with a great set of exciting add ons! (keep an eye on www.train-world.com for announcements next year!) But do not forget Zusi. (www.zusi.de) Though very german orientated it has lots of potential. The issue is that you must know a lot of driving trains to handle that simulator.
