Florida Railroad Experience

We are often asked at events about our train simulators.  How to get the software, how much it costs, what you need to run the software and so on.

What is “train simming and how does a simulation differ from a game?  Train simulators are not purely PC Games.  They recreate an accurate virtual representation of a prototype railroad.  A game is a structured activity, usually undertaken for enjoyment.  Often computer based games are based on rules that are enforced through randomness.  A computer based sports game may base the next sequence of events based on probabilities that have occurred in real life.  A pitcher for example may throw a fast ball 80% of the time so this rule would be used in the game.

A simulation doesn't enforce its rules in this manner.  It uses a real world environment and applies real world rules to the game using known factors.  For railroad simulators, real world physics are applied to the simulation.  These include things like momentum, inertia, center of gravity, speed, distance, weight and friction.  The application of the physics creates an environment nearly identical to the real thing.

This extends beyond just running trains down a track.  Using a real time clock, activities are subject to accurate time tables, passengers and freight needs to be moved on time to successfully complete activities.  Factors such as weather can and will slow down train movement making activities more difficult.

Train simulators are very often based in the same technologies used by the railroads to train their employees.  The Rail Driver console Florida Railroad Experience uses is manufactured by a company that has worked in the past creating products for professional simulators used for training purposes.

The end result is that “Train Simming” provides a very realistic way to experience railroad operations.

For children, it is an educational experience.  They can learn that trains are very powerful pieces of equipment that don’t start or stop fast.  For adults it is an opportunity to take the controls of an engine and experience what it is like to be an engineer, a childhood dream of many.

Train simming requires some patience.  Operating a railroad is not something that happens quickly.  Children often like to push levers back and forth.  Once a train is “at speed’, there is very little that is needed to be done.  Until the next phase of an activity all that is needed is to stay at the defined speed limit and stay on schedule, avoiding hazards that may appear on the tracks.

If you start pushing levers up and down when a train is at speed, two things can and will occur.  The train will slow down and you will fall behind schedule.  And the train will derail ending the simulation.

Do you think you want to try your hand at train simulations?

A little history first…

In 2008 RealRail, the model railroad partner of Florida Railroad Experience underwent an assessment by the American Association of Museums.  One of the recommendations as an outcome from the assessment was installing a train simulator.  In August 2008 RealRail moved forward in setting up a simulator station.  Equipment was donated; a PC, a copy of Microsoft Train Simulator and a Rail Driver console.  It was an immediate hit.

A lot of research went into the choice of the simulator package and Microsoft Train Simulator was selected as the platform to use.  Yes, it is old software but there were numerous advantages.

Microsoft Train Simulator was released in mid-2001. Since the release of MSTS (as it was now being called) Version 1 a very strong railroad simulator user community grew.  MSTS was originally written to allow users to create their own routes, activities (scenarios if you’re using RailWorks or Trainz) and equipment (assets if you’re using RailWorks or Trainz).  A number of people also created utility programs for use with MSTS.  These programs made it easier to create and edit CONSISTS of trains, store files used by MSTS more efficiently, test and validate your MSTS installation and manage your MSTS installation overall.  And as older software, the hardware requirements were minimal.

But as with all new software there were some "issues" and “bugs” Microsoft released what was then called a “patch” in April 2002.  By the mid 2000’s Microsoft decided that MSTS was due for a version upgrade.  There was a lot of hype about the features it would contain and all of them excited the train sim community. 

During this time PI Engineering had been developing products for professional simulators for training purposes.  They were working on products that would allow professional simulators to use a Personal Computer platform.  They wondered if the train sim community would support (buy) a console for a PC that would work with the train simulator software.  The RailDriver console was born and was a huge hit across the entire train simulator community.  It replicated a GE C44-9W or a “Dash 9” engine as it is known in the railroad community.  At the time the Dash 9 was a popular engine and one was included in the original MSTS package.

All during this time, there was a considerable investment in time and money by the train sim community for MSTS.  Today there are probably hundreds of additional routes and tens of thousands of additional cars and locomotives available for MSTS.  Some of them are available as commercial software at a nominal cost.  Much of them are freeware and can be found on a number of websites.

The train sim community would see two very good competing products RailWorks and Trainz.  These products were able to take advantage of faster computers and graphics (remember, MSTS was released in mid 2001).  But as good as these products are, they weren’t enough of a competitor to MSTS.  It is estimated today that there are more than 100,000 active users of MSTS.  Routes and new equipment continue to be created and released.  Eleven years after its original release MSTS has the largest fan base and largest user base of all the railroad simulator products.  None of these newer products did something the train sim community wanted – convert existing MSTS Routes, Activities and Equipment.

Initially Microsoft delayed releasing MSTS Version 2.  They were building it using the Flight Simulator software engine which was proving to be a huge hit with the flying simulator community.   MSTS Version 1 used the original Flight Simulator engine so it made perfect sense to follow suit once again.  But the advances in the engine software were causing delays and just the promise of exciting new features would not satisfy the MSTS community.  Again, the community stepped up to fill the void.  In addition to the routes and equipment, developers found they could create more realistic looking tracks, roads and other sounds.  They discovered they could add on new environments such as a driving snowstorm or sleet.  But there were still some inherent flaws in the software.  Most of these revolved around the differences in the way trains were operated around the world.

Enter MSTS Bin...

A developer in Europe found a way to enhance the original program files adding some new features and fix some issues without violating Microsoft’s copyright.  This proved to be a popular way to improve MSTS Version 1 while everyone waited for Version 2.

Day and night cabs where c Cabs can go dark in tunnels or at night, more operating locomotive lights and improved memory management are just some of the features of MSTS Bin.

The End of MSTS Version 2...

All during this time Microsoft continued development of MSTS Version 2.  But in the mid 2000’s computer gaming would take a significant turn.  The availability of gaming platforms would change the course of gaming.  Eventually Microsoft decided that it was best to focus on Xbox and competing with Playstation & WII.  With that decision, the PC gaming division was shut down at Microsoft.  There would not be a Train Simulator Version 2.  Distribution rights to MSTS Version 1 were sold to Atari.

MSTS had and continues to have a very loyal fan base.  There are all those routes, many of which took years to create.  There was all the equipment out there being used and many more pieces continue to be released.  Routes are still being created and updated.

Enter Windows Vista and Windows 7…

Though old, MSTS still seemed to work well with newer operating systems.  Sometimes you had to run the programs for MSTS (launcher.exe and train.exe) in “Compatibility Mode”.  But it still worked.  If you used a Rail Driver then you may have had some issues.  But again the user community stepped up to the plate.  RD Train Fix was created.  This program bypassed the drivers for MSTS used by a Rail Driver console and sent the commands directly to your PC.

Enter Open Rails…

Finally tired of waiting for MSTS Version 2 which was eventually cancelled, the train sim community began talking about the idea of writing some kind of replacement software for MSTS.  One of the initial thoughts was that anything that was written needed to do what no one else had done yet, supported the existing routes and equipment for MSTS Version 1.  It also had to be operationally accurate, one of the most limiting features of all the railroad simulators.  What does this mean?  When MSTS 1 was written, it was outsourced to a company in Japan.  Railworks was developed by the same company after their contract ended with Microsoft.  Trainz was created by an Australian company.  There was a strong bias towards railroads outside the US in how train operations occurred.  Railroad operations differ widely by each railroad which adds additional factors to how the railroad operates.

By implementing an Open Source Code model, for Open Rails, enhancements could be written that were specific to the route level.  A route could now accurately represent all aspects of a specific railroad in a defined time frame.

This is from the Open Rails Mission:

Open Rails is far from complete.  It is still in Alpha Mode.  But its promise of an open future offers a lot to the train sim community.

In the meantime…

Microsoft Train Simulator using MSTS Bin still provides a robust and stable platform to use all existing content for MSTS Version 1.  MSTS is still the Number One train simulator platform.  It has the largest user base and the most additional equipment and routes available.  Some are commercial products at a nominal cost.  Many though are free.  And even though Microsoft no longer supports MSTS, the user community is available through online forums on several websites ready to help anyone with a problem.

We are providing a number of resources to those people we have met on the Florida Railroad Experience Promotional Tour.  You will find the necessary files to “update” Microsoft Train Simulator and get you started using the software.  We also have listed links to many 3^rd party websites with tons of information, additional equipment and routes.  We also have a list of a number of 3^rd party utilities that we have used in the past that we have found to be useful in managing Train Simulator.

For the most part, even though MSTS is older software, it continues to seem to run well using Windows Vista or Windows 7.  We do suggest that you run the core application files located in the train simulator folder, launcher.exe and train.exe in compatibility mode for Windows XP.  I you use a Rail Driver, you should purchase RD Train Fix.

First, you need to Install and “Upgrade” Microsoft Train Simulator…

If you want to enter the exciting world of train simming using MSTS, you need to first obtain a copy of Microsoft Train Simulator.  It is available through Atari in the United States and a few other companies around the world.  You can find it on Amazon.com and often you will find very reasonable priced copies on eBay.  The prices fluctuate between $30 and $80.  At the current time, even if you want to try Open Rails, you need a working installation of Microsoft Train Simulator since Open Rails first set of functionality is backwards compatibility with Microsoft Train Simulator Routes and Equipment.  When you install Microsoft Train Simulator, we strongly recommend that you install it in the default folder location.  Many add ons and utilities were written expecting MSTS to be in the default location.

All the other files needed are available on our website for your download convenience.  Please note that we are not Microsoft Train Simulator experts and we don’t have the staff to support Train Simulator users.  We often find the answers to our questions and problems on TrainSim.Com.

Microsoft released 4 update files in 2002 for Train Simulator.  The first file fixed some bugs in the core software and the other two files fixed issues with 2 engines provided with the software.

Download and Install Trainupdate.exe, toolsupdate.exe, SD40-2_content_update.exe and class50_content_update.exe.  Install them in that order.

If you are going to just run the routes and activities that came with Train Simulator, you’re all set.  If you are going to expand your horizons and add additional routes and equipment, you will need to continue below.

If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7, set train.exe and launcher.exe to run in Windows XP Compatibility mode.

Install MSTS Bin.  This will add the features and bug fixes software developed by a 3^rd party.

When you download a new route, you should find a “Readme” file.  Most often these are named ReadMe.txt or ReadMeRoute.txt or something similar.  Most of these newer routes require some additional add-ons for MSTS.

Sample from a ReadMeFullRoute.txt file.

Both XTracks and New Roads are available here for download. XTracks provides replacement track sections that are more realistic looking and more to scale than the original track. New Roads provides more realistic motor traffic with dynamic shadows. Most 3^rd party routes will require both XTracks and New Roads. Download and install them next.At this point your MSTS Installation is ready to run.  You can start up MSTS and run the existing routes and activities.

We strongly suggest that you start with the MSTS tutorials.  These provide directed and narrated lessons on learning how to operate a basic engine.

Add On Utilities…

Many people at this point seem to want “everything” that is available for MSTS.  Many online websites offer file download libraries that contain routes, equipment and utilities.  Avoid this urge.  You can quickly become inundated with too much software that you really don’t need.  One result can and will be a permanently corrupt MSTS installation.

However we will let you know about some of the more useful utilities that you should “consider”.  All of these tools are available on trainsim.com.  While some utilities are free, many have a nominal cost.  Many are well worth the price.  Regardless, you should backup your MSTS Installation before you install any of these utilities.

Route_Riter – Route_Riter is an invaluable tool for MSTS installations.  It is important to remember that many add on routes and pieces of equipment are like any other software, they may contain errors.  Route_Riter will help you identify & fix these errors and help you maintain a very stable and reliable MSTS installation.  Route_Riter also has a built in consist editor to create train sets for use in your activities.  Available for free, but if you make a small donation to the author ($10) a few additional features will be enabled.  The free version is really all you need when you are first starting out.

ConBuilder – A standalone consist editor for building train sets for use in activities.  ConBuilder also has features that will test equipment for errors and will identify issues that should be corrected.  This software costs $30 and there isn’t a demo version available.  The Consist Builder in Route_Riter is sufficient for most people if you don’t need the added features with Conbuilder.

Context - ConTEXT is a useful unicode text editor for editing MSTS files.  It’s also free.  Notepad and Wordpad, both of which are included with Windows are not unicode editors and will not work.  It’s free.

Train Store - After adding many routes and equipment you can start to run into performance problems.  The more files windows much search through, the longer it takes to locate and load files.  Train Store solves this problem by archiving routes and equipment into folders separate from MSTS.  When you want to run a route, you click a few buttons and only the files needed for that route are added back into MSTS folders.  It’s also a free utility.

Websites Packed With Information …

http://TrainSim.com/ - Large forums section and very large file library.  Most software add on's, routes, equipment and utilities for MSTS will be here.  Premium membership available which gets you faster download times and no download restrictions.  The forums here are packed with information on every feature and option, issue or problem and you will find extensive information here if you have problems.  Joining the forums is free.  If you have a problem you can usually get an answer within a day from the user community here.

http://ElvasTower.com/ - Large forums section, limited file library.

http://msts.steam4me.net/ - Large site supporting MSTS based out of Australia.  Well organized, many links to download utilities.  This site is also chock full of information on MSTS and many of the Utility Programs available for MSTS.  There are tutorials on many of the Utility Programs and an extensive dedicated section on Route_Riter.

Excellent Tutorial on installing MSTS on Windows 7 - This page is on Steam4Me and provides detailed instructions on installing MSTS on Windows 7 including how to run it in the proper modes.

http://www.uktrainsim.com/ - United Kingdom based train sim website. Many files and lots of information.

http://www.railserve.com/Computers/MSTS - Large listing of MSTS tools, equipment and utilities.

http://OpenRails.org/ - MSTS Open Source Replacement that provides backwards compatibility with MSTS routes and equipment.  Still in ealry Alpha stage of development.

http://3dtrains.com/ - Commercial add on's for MSTS.  Their routes are excellent quality.  Since they are a commercial site, the do offer support for their products.  They also have some limited free add on's.

http://valleypass.com/Sales/Sales.htm - Belanger Locomotive Works.  Extensive collection of high quality commercial locomotives and cars representing dozens of US Railroads.

File Downloads

Microsoft Version 1.4 Update
class50_content_update.zip
sd40_content_update.zip
toolsupdate.zip
XTracks
Newroads

Web Pages for Other Files and Utilities

MSTS Bin
Route_Riter
Context Editor
Train Store