Train Simulator, like Microsoft's Flight Simulator series, is focused on bringing as accurate a representation of driving the powerful steel beasts as is possible. Every control, down to the smallest switch and instrument dial, is present and rendered in exceptional detail. MSTS uses one of them (if you don't apply the MS updates, you have to insert the CD to run the game). If you can get it to install by some other method (such as copying everything to a directory and running from there), then don't even try to run it: immediately apply the MS update (also available at steam4me; MS no longer provides it) which.
Microsoft Train Simulator
Microsoft Train Simulator brings the power and excitement of some of the world's most famous trains to your PC.
- Publisher: Microsoft
- Home page:www.microsoft.com
- Last updated: July 29th, 2010
Electric Drive Train Simulator
The program can be used to simulate electric drive trains. You can select the ratings of motors, batteries, wheels, etc. The power you'll get out of a system depends on the motor, batteries, and the electrical resistance of the speed controller and wiring. EDTSim takes all these factors into account and tells you the power of all the components combined.
- Publisher: Enigma Industries
- Last updated: May 26th, 2020
PS2 HD Handiness
Put Games straight from your computers HD to your Ps2 HDMain features:-Imstalling to HDD from Disc Images(iso,cue,nrg,gi,iml,)-choss a ps2 hdd from the drop down list wich shows only ps2 formated drives-chenge title for the game-toc is automaticly refreshed
- Publisher: sksapps
- Last updated: July 18th, 2008
Versystem Soundboard
Versystem-Soundboard is an automatic on-board announcement tool for Train Simulator.Main features:- Adjust the volume independently of Train Simulator.- No extra load for the game, audio is played outside the game.- Manual playback of the board announcements without Train Simulator is possible.
- Publisher: Trains and Drivers
- Last updated: January 23rd, 2017
Open Rails
Open Rails is a train simulator with a collection of routes, rolling stock, and activities, which are compatible with Microsoft Train Simulator. You can also run most of the contents developed for Microsoft Train Simulator on the Open Rails platform.
- Publisher: Open Rails
- Home page:www.OpenRails.org
- Last updated: February 12th, 2017
Routes OnOff
A program to interactively enable/disable Microsoft Train Simulator routes. Disabled routes are not processed by the MSTS loader program, so the application starts quicker than with all routes enabled. The application requires that Microsoft Train Simulator is installed in your computer.
- Publisher: Keystone Computer Services, Inc.
- Last updated: August 14th, 2012
UKTS Freeware Pack - Blocks and Lofts #1
UKTrainSim ('UKTS') is a web site that acts as a kind of virtual club-house. People who enjoy Train Simulation gather here and share their work, knowledge and experience with others. It might be a new loco someone has built, or a route, or it could be sharing some knowledge about real world train operations.
- Publisher: Atomic Systems IP Ltd
- Home page:www.uktrainsim.com
- Last updated: October 3rd, 2011
- Publisher: 3D Train Stuff Llc.
- Home page:www.3dtrainstuff.com
- Last updated: November 13th, 2009
MSTS bin
MSTS Bin is a new project, aimed to try improve some features of MSTS (MS Train simulator) ver. 1.1.xx. It has arisen persuant to requirements of users put simulator near to reality and improve some features, what was forgotten by authors or authors maybe rate this feature unusefull.
- Publisher: UKTrainSim
- Last updated: May 13th, 2008
Route Riter
Route Riter is a set of tools for Microsoft Train Simulator. The Route-Riter Unicode text editor allows for automatic aliasing of Sound (.SMS) and CabView (.CVF) files. This utility allows you to carry out most types of file and disk maintainance, such as Deleting and Renaming files, Editing text etc.
- Publisher: Digital Rails Corporation
- Home page:digital-rails.us
- Last updated: September 18th, 2015
Msts Train Simulator Download
Advanced Find and Replace
Advanced Find and Replace performs search of local files with smart queries as with Google. It allows replacing of simple or multiline text in multiple files. With batch replace operation you can easily replace or update hundreds of different links in several files. It saves results in XML and other formats and works with command line params.
- Publisher: Abacre, SARL.
- Home page:www.abacre.com
- Last updated: May 26th, 2020
X-Tracks
The way we designate track sections in MSTS is more closely related to model railroading terms than to the prototype. Prototype railroads measure curves by degrees while we use radius, switches (turnouts) are measured by numbers while we use degrees. When working from prototype information this can become a problem to know what sections to use.
- Publisher: okrasa
- Home page:www.nklj.se
- Last updated: April 12th, 2012
UKTS Freeware Pack - Ambient Audio
UKTrainSim Freeware Pack - Ambient Audio #1 is an add-on designed for your train simulator that provides a collection of over 50 ambient sounds to add a variety to your route. It is a pack that enables you to add a sound ambiance to your route when playing.
- Publisher: UKTrainSim
- Home page:www.uktrainsim.com
- Last updated: June 26th, 2015
ChrisTrains NS Koppelwagen
Microsoft Train Simulator Iso
ChrisTrains NS Koppelwagen is an add-on for the Train Simulator game. A 'Koppelwagen' (coupling car) similar to the type used by the NS for train rescue. This wagon has a 3-link coupling on one end and a basic scharfenberg coupling at the other. Use it to allow freight locomotives such as the NS6400 to tow EMUs like the SGM Sprinter.
- Publisher: ChristrainsTM, Chris Longhurst
- Home page:www.christrains.com
- Last updated: June 25th, 2015
Trainz Downloader Pro
The Auran Download Station contains tens of thousands of items you can download for the model train simulator Trainz. The download station is great but suffers from a very lousy usability. Trainz Downloader Pro is a client for Windows that provides a more user-friendly access to the Trainz Download Station.
- Publisher: Jelte Jansons
- Last updated: June 30th, 2009
UKTS Freeware Route Pack - Candlewick
UKTS Freeware Route Pack - Candlewick is a free train simulator add-on set in the Steam era and is approximately 6.25 Miles long. It operates a local passenger service between Edison, Lumens and Faraday. It includes two Free Roam Scenarios and one Standard Scenario along with a manual detailing the background to the route.
- Publisher: UKTrainSim
- Home page:www.uktrainsim.com
- Last updated: June 5th, 2014
UKTS Freeware Pack - AP Class Scenario Pack
This addon contains 6 scenarios for the Class 142 by Armstong Powerhouse/Waggonz. It can be installed on your Train Simulator game. To use this route you must have the legacy TS2012 content and the Armstrong Powerhouse/Waggonz Class 142. Two of the scenarios use the UKTS Freeware Route Pack-Coniston Branch route.
- Publisher: UKTrainSim
- Home page:www.uktrainsim.com
- Last updated: May 31st, 2016
ChrisTrains Scenery Mat54
ChrisTrains Scenery Mat54 is an add-on for RailSimulator. The add-on enhances the game by adding the Mat54 locomotives and improves the assets with additional scenery and visual modification of the built-in graphics. The add-on can be installed on RailSimulator or Train Simulator since it's compatible with both games.
- Publisher: Christrains
- Home page:www.christrains.com
- Last updated: July 27th, 2016
| Microsoft Train Simulator | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Kuju Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Microsoft |
| Director(s) | Paul Chamberlain |
| Designer(s) | Phil Marley |
| Programmer(s) | Rhona Robson |
| Artist(s) | Dan Frith Tony Zottola |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release | May 2001 |
| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Microsoft Train Simulator is a train simulator for Microsoft Windows, released in May 2001 and developed by UK-based Kuju Entertainment.[1] It sold one million units worldwide by 2005.
Features[edit]
The simulation allows players to operate a train on various routes in Europe, Asia, and North America. Players need to stop and start the train, couple wagons, using the computer mouse, keyboard or a hardware addition such as Raildriver to operate the controls. Sound effects are enabled.[2]
Routes[edit]
The game featured six routes in four countries: Austria, Japan, United Kingdom, United States. Four of the routes use in standard gauge (1,435 millimetres (4 ft 81⁄2 in)) and two in 1,067 millimetres (3 ft 6.0 in) Gauge.[3]
| Route name | Featured trains | AI Featured trains | Featured Loco | AI Featured Loco | Terminal stations | Gauge | miles | km | Set in | Co |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hisatsu Line | JR Kyushu | JR Kyushu | KiHa 31 | KiHa 140 | Yatsushiro to Yoshimatsu via Hitoyoshi | 1,067mm | 53 | 85 | 2000 2001 | |
| Innsbruck - St. Anton | Orient Express | ÖBB | Gölsdorf 380 | Gölsdorf 310 | Innsbruck to St. Anton via Imst-Pizatal | 1,435mm | 63 | 101 | 1930s | |
| Marias Pass | BNSF | Amtrak | Dash 9 GP38-2 SD40-2 (1.2) | Genesis SD40 | Shelby to Whitefish, including Kalispell branchline | 1,435mm | 152 | 245 | 2000 2001 | |
| Northeast Corridor | Amtrak Acela Express Acela Regional | Amtrak | Acela Express Acela HHP-8 | Genesis Metroliner | Philadelphia to Washington via Baltimore | 1,435mm | 133 | 214 | 2000 2001 | |
| Settle & Carlisle Line | LNER British Rail (1.2) | LMS GWR | Flying Scotsman BR Class 50 (1.2) | Royal Scot Pendennis Castle | Settle to Carlisle via Appleby | 1,435mm | 72 | 116 | 1920s 1930s 1980s (1.2) | |
| Tokyo - Hakone | Odakyu Electric Railway | Odakyu Electric Railway | Odakyu 7000 series LSE Odakyu 2000 series | Odakyu 30000 series EXE | Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto via Ebina and Odawara | 1,067mm | 55 | 88 | 2000 2001 |
Reception[edit]
Sales[edit]
Train Simulator achieved sold 191,952 units in the United States by the end of 2001, which drew revenues of $8.7 million.[4] These numbers rose to 330,000 copies ($11.6 million) in the United States alone by August 2006. At the time, this led Edge to rank it as the country's 54th-best-selling computer game released since January 2000.[5]
Internationally, Train Simulator received a 'Silver' sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA),[6] indicating sales of at least 100,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[7] In the German market, the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD) presented it with a 'Gold' certification in early 2003,[8] for sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.[9]
Train Simulator ultimately sold one million units by 2005,[10] and is, despite its age, still very popular and has a large, active community.[11]
Reviews and awards[edit]
John Lee reviewed the PC version of the game for Next Generation, rating it four stars out of five, and stated that 'All aboard for HO scale fans, trainspotters, and nostalgic rail buffs. Train haters, however, may prefer the old cliché, 'Run for the roadhouse, boys. They can't corner you there.'[12]
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Microsoft Train Simulator for its 2001 'Computer Simulation Game of the Year' award,[13] which ultimately went to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002.[14]
Mods[edit]
The game also included a route and activity editor, that enabled users to create and modify routes, trains and activities.[15] The game also allowed for mod support to add and change routes routes, trains, cargoes, scenery, etc. The installment of the mods is somewhat tricky since they have to be loaded into set files like Routes for Routes and Trainset for Trains, rollingstock, consists, etc. Over 1,000 mods were created for the game and are mostly hosted on community sites such as trainsim.com, uktrainsim.com and elvastower.com, to name a few.[16] Additionally, MSTS BIN, a community mod that aimed to add features and fix old MSTS bugs has since been released.[17]
Cancelled sequel[edit]
On May 7, 2003, Microsoft announced that it would be developing a sequel called Microsoft Train Simulator 2[18] and it was first demoed to the public at E3 on May 15.[19] Seemingly its main improvements were the addition of people to the game (e.g. passengers waiting at the stations, people operating the new locomotive roster, etc.), more realistic crashes and other accidents, and turntables. It was being developed by Kuju Entertainment, the original MSTS creators. Despite restructuring efforts at Kuju, the project was however handed over to Microsoft Game Studios on August 18, 2003.[20]
This project was ultimately halted, as the following statement on April 24, 2004 from Microsoft confirmed:
Microsoft Game Studios has halted the Windows-based game 'Train Simulator 2.0.' The decision to halt 'Train Simulator 2.0' was made some time ago and was based on a long, hard and difficult look at our business objectives and product offerings. We remain focused on the simulations category with successful, platform-driving franchises such as 'Microsoft Flight Simulator.'[21]
On January 19, 2007, Microsoft announced the relaunch of the Microsoft Train Simulator project. This time the game was being made in-house by Aces Game Studio (Microsoft Game Studios) known for its long line of Microsoft Flight Simulators, as a part of the 'Games for Windows' initiative. The game would have used the Microsoft Flight Simulator X graphics engine and it was planned to be compatible with both Windows Vista and Windows XP. A post on 'The Little Wheel Goes in Back' blog, written by one of the developers, on August 23, 2007 suggested the working title was 'Train Simulator 2'.[22]
On January 23, 2009, Microsoft announced that it was permanently closing Aces Game Studios, the internal development studio responsible for the Microsoft Flight Simulator series and the development of Microsoft Train Simulator 2. As a result, all future development on Train Simulator 2 (which was entering the final stages of development at the time of the closure) was immediately halted, marking the second time that the project was terminated. While Microsoft stated that 'they are committed to both the Flight Simulator and Train Simulator brands', it is unknown if the Train Simulator 2 project will ever be resurrected and completed sometime in the future. However, considering the fact that they discontinued support for Windows XP in 2014 and Windows Vista in 2017 (the two operating systems the second attempt was to be compatible with), as well as the Games for Windows initiative discontinued in 2013, it seems unlikely.
Many former employees of Aces Game Studios went on to join Cascade Game Foundry, a new company that was itself founded by two Aces alumni. Cascade Game Foundry focuses on developing entertainment simulations.[23]
References[edit]
- ^'Train Simulator - PC'. Retrieved January 10, 2018 – via Amazon.
- ^Marchelletta, Courtney. 'Full Product Review Microsoft Train Simulator'. About.com. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^'The Routes'. Microsoft Train Simulator - Engineer's Handbook. Microsoft. 2001. pp. 76–87.
- ^Bradshaw, Lucy (January 31, 2002). 'Markle Forum on Children and Media'(PDF). New York University. Archived(PDF) from the original on June 19, 2004.
- ^Edge Staff (August 25, 2006). 'The Top 100 PC Games of the 21st Century'. Edge. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012.
- ^'ELSPA Sales Awards: Silver'. Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009.
- ^Caoili, Eric (November 26, 2008). 'ELSPA: Wii Fit, Mario Kart Reach Diamond Status In UK'. Gamasutra. Archived from the original on September 18, 2017.
- ^'VUD-SALES-AWARDS Januar 2003'. Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland. January 2003. Archived from the original on April 22, 2003. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
- ^Horn, Andre (January 14, 2004). 'VUD-Gold-Awards 2003'. GamePro Germany. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018.
- ^Stuart, Keith (June 24, 2005). 'EA takes the train'. The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 5, 2015.
- ^Hilliard, Kyle (September 6, 2014). 'Gears Of War's Rod Fergusson On the Franchise's Past And His Optimism For The Future'. Game Informer. GameStop. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
- ^Lee, John (September 2001). 'Finals'. Next Generation. Vol. 4 no. 9. Imagine Media. p. 90.
- ^'Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Announces Finalists for the 5th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards' (Press release). Los Angeles: Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. February 5, 2002. Archived from the original on June 2, 2002.
- ^'Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Announces Recipients of Fifth Annual Interactive Achievement Awards' (Press release). Las Vegas: Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. March 1, 2002. Archived from the original on March 6, 2002.
- ^'The Editor and Tools'. Microsoft Train Simulator - Engineer's Handbook. Microsoft. 2001. pp. 89–90.
- ^http://www.trainsim.com/vbts/showthread.php?292660-MSTS-Add-On-Web-Sites Retrieved 27. March 2017
- ^'MSTS Bin - MS train simulator upgrade'. mstsbin.uktrainsim.com. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
- ^'Microsoft Train Simulator Review for PC'. GameFAQs. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^'Train Simulator 2 Impressions – PC News at GameSpot'. uk.gamespot.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^'Microsoft takes over Train Sim 2 – PC News at GameSpot'. uk.gamespot.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^'Train Simulator 2 canceled – PC News at GameSpot'. uk.gamespot.com. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^'The Little Wheel Goes in Back : Guter Tag von Leipzig!'. blogs.msdn.com. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
- ^'The Simulation Game – games TM'. www.gamestm.co.uk. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
External links[edit]
- Official website at the Wayback Machine (archived June 10, 2004)
- Microsoft Train Simulator at Curlie
