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What Train Sim version to get?

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Carl2017

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Hi all. I'm new to the train sim world and was wondering what would the best version of Microsoft Train Sim for me to get. I am keen on the driving experience and realism. Also I want to be able to download material for Uk lines and Locos, Diesel, electric and steam. Also any other tips, help and considerations would be most welcome. Many thanks, Carl.
 
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Drsatan

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Hi Carl, your best option (if your system can run it) is to purchase a copy of TS2014. Additional routes and rolling stock are either free or paid for, and can be downloaded from the rail simulator website or here.

You might find more answers to your questions at uktrainsim.com since this section of the forum is pretty quiet.
 

Carl2017

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Thanks for the reply. I think my PC will be ok to run the 2014 version. It's a Pentium 3.40GHz on XP with 2 GB of RAM and a Radeon X1600 graphics card.
 

140001-DMU

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TS 2014 is not really worth it if you want a realistic driving experience. Before you buy try out a free train sim like OpenBVE , you may be happy at that.
Other than that there is Trainz which is being updated (http://anewera.trainzportal.com/)

TS 2014 is more of a game than sim , but it depends what you want.
 

ModernRailways

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TS 2014 is not really worth it if you want a realistic driving experience. Before you buy try out a free train sim like OpenBVE , you may be happy at that.
Other than that there is Trainz which is being updated (http://anewera.trainzportal.com/)

TS 2014 is more of a game than sim , but it depends what you want.

You're recommending Trainz over Train Simulator 2014, because TS2014 is more of a game? If anything it's the other way around.

TS2014 allows you to use in cab controls, has DSD/DVD/AWS etc. It has some highly advanced locos/units out there. The recent Class 90. Routes are almost perfect. There is plenty of content out there both freeware and payware.

On top of that you get a free upgrade to the next version of the software. No other Train Simulator does that.
 

Sacro

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Thanks for the reply. I think my PC will be ok to run the 2014 version. It's a Pentium 3.40GHz on XP with 2 GB of RAM and a Radeon X1600 graphics card.

I can't see TS2014 running on that spec, your CPU is below minimum, your graphics card is 8 years old and unless it's the top model won't have enough memory, and your operating system is end of life in 6 months.

You might just scrape through on the RAM requirement though. Might be worth sticking to OpenBVE, or perhaps the original Railworks or Railworks 2, MSTS or an older version of Trainz. You'd be better off buying/building a new machine.
 

140001-DMU

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You're recommending Trainz over Train Simulator 2014, because TS2014 is more of a game? If anything it's the other way around.

TS2014 allows you to use in cab controls, has DSD/DVD/AWS etc. It has some highly advanced locos/units out there. The recent Class 90. Routes are almost perfect. There is plenty of content out there both freeware and payware.

On top of that you get a free upgrade to the next version of the software. No other Train Simulator does that.

It might not have come across in my post, but Trainz is getting a new engine built from the ground up. The new engine will have block signaling which is something railworks (TS14) doesn't offer.
As owner of TS14 I am disappointed in the way its developers are behaving. Support is basically non existent, bug that have been around since it was first released about 6 years ago and only a week or so ago they wiped the steam forums because people where being negative about their train sim. On top of that DLC is extremely expensive and while I can justify that for a whole route, £12 for a re-skins of existing locos.

I don't want to start an argument but just wanted to say that if you wait a bit a better solution might be found. By all means buy TS14, its good at what it does.

Don't rely on the developers own DLC look elsewhere like Just Trains and Armstrong Powerhouse.
 

Bungle73

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Hi all. I'm new to the train sim world and was wondering what would the best version of Microsoft Train Sim for me to get. I am keen on the driving experience and realism. Also I want to be able to download material for Uk lines and Locos, Diesel, electric and steam. Also any other tips, help and considerations would be most welcome. Many thanks, Carl.
Which version? There's only one version of MSTS. Why are you looking at such an old game? It's very primitive compared with the likes of Train Simulator 2014

It might not have come across in my post, but Trainz is getting a new engine built from the ground up. The new engine will have block signaling which is something railworks (TS14) doesn't offer.
What's different between that and the way the signals work currently in TS2014?

As owner of TS14 I am disappointed in the way its developers are behaving. Support is basically non existent, bug that have been around since it was first released about 6 years ago and only a week or so ago they wiped the steam forums because people where being negative about their train sim. On top of that DLC is extremely expensive and while I can justify that for a whole route, £12 for a re-skins of existing locos.

I don't want to start an argument but just wanted to say that if you wait a bit a better solution might be found. By all means buy TS14, its good at what it does.

Don't rely on the developers own DLC look elsewhere like Just Trains and Armstrong Powerhouse.
I haven't frequented the Steam forums, but if they are anything like Facebook than they are probably full of trolls who seem to have nothing better to do than post crap every time RSC posts something. Where as when its another developer then it's all rosy. Case in point the Class 90. AP release it, it's all good. RSC start selling suddenly it's no good and it's the end of the world. It's pathetic really.
 

ModernRailways

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It might not have come across in my post, but Trainz is getting a new engine built from the ground up. The new engine will have block signaling which is something railworks (TS14) doesn't offer.
As owner of TS14 I am disappointed in the way its developers are behaving. Support is basically non existent, bug that have been around since it was first released about 6 years ago and only a week or so ago they wiped the steam forums because people where being negative about their train sim. On top of that DLC is extremely expensive and while I can justify that for a whole route, £12 for a re-skins of existing locos.

I don't want to start an argument but just wanted to say that if you wait a bit a better solution might be found. By all means buy TS14, its good at what it does.

Don't rely on the developers own DLC look elsewhere like Just Trains and Armstrong Powerhouse.

I wasn't aware that Trainz was getting a makeover so I apologise! I must say the only thing that stops me using Trainz is the 'cartoon' feel. To me it just doesn't have the realistic look that Train Sim does!

Steam forums were wiped because of the abuse. It wasn't constructive, it was just RSC bashing for no reason.

DLC is relatively cheap. RSC have to pay their staff wages, they also have to pay for research for the locos/trains/routes, then they also have to try and make a profit so they can then go onto the next product. I agree £12 for a re-skin is expensive which is why they want to put re-skins into the Marketplace.
 

Sacro

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Which version? There's only one version of MSTS. Why are you looking at such an old game? It's very primitive compared with the likes of Train Simulator 2014

Have you seen the specification of the machine he's trying to run it on?
 

harry42

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I have both trainz and TS: TS2014 and trainz 2006. Reason I got trainz was because I think the surveyor routes are fantastic how you can make your own easily and realistic!

Also own trainz classics; but not recommended. Once you've been round the tram circui that's about that!
 

140001-DMU

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What's different between that and the way the signals work currently in TS2014?


have to admit I don't know how Railworks signalling actually works, but with block signalling the track is split into sections (blocks) and only one train is allowed into these sections at a time.
TS signals seem work of the points being set. If a train goes passed then it will go to danger. That seems to be it.
 

Carl2017

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Thanks for all the replies and info. Seems like it's time for new PC as mine is past it's sell by date!
 
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