Pick Simulator

I'd like to buy a train simulator for a friend who is about to retire. I know very little about MSTS and I have heard there are other simulators out there. I didn't find an answer to my question in the FAQ, so I was wondering if someone might make a recommmendation for the best PC based simulator for under $50. My friend is an avid train hobbiest and very knowledgeable about full scale and model trains.Regards,
Mike V

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RE: Pick Simulator, ALIAS, Jan-23-03, 01:55 PM, (1) RE: Pick Simulator, OwainGlyndwr, Jan-23-03, 02:30 PM, (2) RE: Pick Simulator, Aussie Cow, Feb-20-03, 10:31 AM, (22) RE: Pick Simulator, doom262003, Jan-23-03, 02:43 PM, (3) RE: Pick Simulator, dyvach, Jan-23-03, 06:06 PM, (4) RE: Pick Simulator, axe1970, Jan-23-03, 09:02 PM, (5) RE: Pick Simulator, dgauci, Jan-23-03, 10:01 PM, (6) RE: Pick Simulator, heffedhome, Jan-23-03, 10:31 PM, (7) RE: Pick Simulator, sooner, Jan-23-03, 10:33 PM, (8) RE: Pick Simulator, axe1970, Feb-19-03, 08:35 PM, (9) RE: Pick Simulator, andrewpickell, Feb-19-03, 09:31 PM, (10) RE: Pick Simulator, AlphaMaster, Feb-19-03, 09:52 PM, (11) RE: Pick Simulator, evildarkcow, Feb-20-03, 02:31 AM, (18) RE: Pick Simulator, Boweavel, Feb-19-03, 11:29 PM, (12) RE: Pick Simulator, dgauci, Feb-20-03, 01:16 AM, (13) RE: Pick Simulator, Boweavel, Feb-20-03, 02:06 AM, (14) RE: Pick Simulator, andrewpickell, Feb-20-03, 02:16 AM, (16) RE: Pick Simulator, evildarkcow, Feb-20-03, 02:36 AM, (19) RE: Pick Simulator, dgauci, Feb-20-03, 10:24 AM, (21) RE: Pick Simulator, chucksc, Feb-20-03, 10:54 AM, (24) RE: Pick Simulator, Boweavel, Feb-20-03, 11:16 PM, (27) RE: Pick Simulator, ENTrainman, Feb-20-03, 02:28 AM, (17) RE: Pick Simulator, dgauci, Feb-20-03, 10:32 AM, (23) RE: Pick Simulator, NoMoreTrains, Feb-20-03, 11:41 PM, (28) RE: Pick Simulator, evildarkcow, Feb-20-03, 02:15 AM, (15) RE: Pick Simulator, Stooopid_person, Feb-20-03, 09:17 AM, (20) Attn: All those having a go at Boweavel, Aussie Cow, Feb-20-03, 11:05 AM, (25) RE: Attn: All those having a go at Boweavel, Stooopid_person, Feb-21-03, 06:16 AM, (29) RE: Pick Simulator, NW_611, Feb-20-03, 03:09 PM, (26)

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LAST EDITED ON Jan-23-03 AT 01:55 PM (EST)


>simulator for under $50. My friend is an avid train
>hobbiest and very knowledgeable about full scale and model
>trains.
>
>Regards,
>Mike V Without ANY doubtMicrosoft Train Simulator is what you need to getNot only is it better than the rest, you can also purchase it for under $50L8R

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I have Trainz & MSTS ,they are as good as each other.regards,
O.G.

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Not only is it better than the rest, you can also purchase it for under $50WHERE? In America? I did however get mine for free because I know someone who works in the software industry so hehe. But in answer to the first blokes question, MSTS would be my selection because I know most about it, but I have seen some bloody great add-ons for Trainz.As has been said in another post, MSTS has the greatest range of third party add-ons, and I'll agree with that in a flash. You look at the file library and the least I think I've ever seen added in a day was 8 new things, so with that rate in one year alone you would get a minimum of 2920 add-ons.Projects
- 421 class Public Transport Commission of New South Wales diesel electircs:
Fuel & Air tanks - 100%
No. 2 end - 88% (Pilot details and number boards/headlights need to be added)
No. 1 end - 08% (Work on the pilot has been started as a base for the nose )
Sides - 45% (frame work is up, about 2/3 of panels on)
Overall - 16.9%
- 422 class New South Wales Government Railways diesel electircs:
On the drawing boards for a project after the 421's.
Overall - Not official

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Pick MSTS. It can be found well under $50 at some places if you look (mine was $20, but it was a used copy). It also has the most 3rd party add-ons online.
Tom

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I didn't find an answer to my question in the FAQ, so I was wondering if someone might make a recommmendation for the best PC based simulator for under $50.Define "best" first; since it'll usually mean a different thing to each person you ask...

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I don't know how much "Trainz UTC" is in the USA, but my advice is to consider it. Check out some screenshots or download the demo. http://www.auran.com/trainz/best of luck.AXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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MSTS for sure, can be had for between $19.95 and $29.95.

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I like them both. You can get MSTS from amazon.com for $20.00. Hard to beat that.-Jeff

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I can't offer anything on any other program, but I can say if your friend doesn't like MSTS he probably wouldn't like any other simulator, either. The modelers and route builders contributing their time and talents to MSTS have brought the hobby to an amazing level of sophistication in a very short time, and there's a huge inventory their work available for download. It also appears to me that a majority of the enthusiasts who post on this forum are long-time railfans or basement modelers or both, which means your friend would probably take to virtual trains, too, just as they have. If you're looking at cost, I think I'd try ebay; I've seen several MSTS sets for sale there.

bud

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quote - but I can say if your friend doesn't like MSTS he probably wouldn't like any other simulator, either.
Not nessesarly true. Both Sims are have differences, and might appeal to differnet people.Trainz now has 8gig worth of 3rd party content which is available to download. RegardsAXE

Axe's Website - http://members.ozemail.com.au/~axe777/

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AxeYou've posted your bit on Trainz...leave it at that. Obviously this board has an MSTS leaning, however I'm sure the Trainz message boards lean towards Trainz.Let's not start this whole debate again. The original poster now knows about both simulators and I'm sure he can make his own informed decision.For the record...information on both simulators can be found at these sites. Both sites have links to forums and other sites which can provided more detail on each project.Microsoft Train Simulatorhttp://www.microsoft.com/games/trainsim/default.aspAuran Trainzhttp://www.auran.com/trainz/default.htm
Happy Simming - Andrew

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I can say you can't go wrong with either simulator you pick. Both can be had for under $50 if you don't go for Trainz UTC. Here in the USA, I picked up Trainz v1.1 for $20. MSTS can be picked up in the same price range. Check out the sites Andrew posted above to find out more info on each sim.

Danny - Pittsburgh
You know why I don't listen to my rice krispies? I eat 'em!
"If you don't believe we can win, go back into the locker room." - Tommy Maddox

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"but I can say if your friend doesn't like MSTS he probably wouldn't like any other simulator"This is just so wrong, there are a number of people that tried out MSTS, didn't like it, but do like Trainz alot. I see people say these kind of things for different items/programs all of the time, when it's just not right, different people like different things, and saying something like that about anything is just false.I noticed how people will push for one side, but let's give this man a chance shall we? there is still other train sims out there that you haven't talked about. Like I said in an earlier post, this guy if he's going to get his friend a train sim he should get them both and let his friend deside, these aren't items that cost 100-200 dollars and if he doesn't like one or the other it's no bid deal...Whenever I get stuff for friends I don't base what I get them on what I like or what other people think I should get them, if i'm unsure about something I'll get them a few items and let them deside on their own which they like better, if it's a friend, paying a few extra bucks isn't a big deal if it brings them some fun.I am not a MSTS user, I don't care much for it... but when people come asking me about Train Sims I always do give the time to mention MSTS along with trainz, and whatever else I happen to think of.It's better a person be happy with what they like rather then something they don't just because people made them think that's the one they had to get.

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>I was wondering if
>someone might make a recommmendation for the best PC based
>simulator for under $50. My friend is an avid train
>hobbiest and very knowledgeable about full scale and model
>trains.
>
>Regards,
>Mike V Best MODEL and FULL SCALE train simulator out there is Trainz and its newer version, Trainz UTC.Trainz offers the best of both worlds.. Build quick layouts in a very short time.. In MSTS, building a quick layout that looks half decent in a short time.. can be near impossible. In Trainz you can Run multiple sets of consists in one driving session as apposed to one consist only per driving session in MSTS. Theres also the little bonus's like file sizes.. Trainz layouts are Tiny in file size compared to its MSTS cousins.. And a Trainz layout usually has alot more in the scenery to enjoy and make the scene that little more realistic.
Trainz also runs scale Time, So you dont have to wait the full 10 hours for the sun to rise and set .. And of course, for the modelling type of guy , It can turn a small driving session Into a full days journey I could go on and on and compare alot of other reasons why Trainz would be a better choice over MSTS, But it would be pointless as your looking for something for under $50, Thats where MSTS wins hands down as I picked it up out of a bargain bin over 12 months ago for 10 dollars australian.... Trainz UTC is still up above $50.Catchya'

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>Best MODEL and FULL SCALE train simulator out there is
>Trainz and its newer version, Trainz UTC. In your opinion, not others.>Trainz also runs scale TimeSo does MSTS.>where MSTS wins hands down as I picked it up out of a
>bargain bin over 12 months ago for 10 dollars australian....
> Trainz UTC is still up above $50. Which is another mark against Trainz it costs a lot more, while it's worth a lot less.Before you start your flame war, I've never bothered posting advertisements for MSTS on the Trainz forums and yes I know this is the general forum.

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Look.. back off and grow up, your provoking the flame war with your reply.. You've added nothing to the Question and only tried to pull mine apart ! The fella asked for opinions and i gave it, So yes it is my Friken opinion as you have so clearly pointed out. Your a Genius !Ive seen the childish wars that you and a bunch of others love to join in on and I can assure you that was not the intention of my Posting, Altho I knew full well that it would bring the Trolls to the surface.. But if you cant control yourself then thats not my problem.Catchya'

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Here we go again...Let's just drop the subject before this guy thinks we're a bunch of bickering children. Let's all try to act like adults...for once - Andrew

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>before this guy thinks we're a
>bunch of bickering childrenI'm sorry, but that's what we are... you can say no no no all you want, but then you're just becoming the bickering child you tried to say you weren't. ;p

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>Look.. back off and grow up, your provoking the flame war
>with your reply.. You've added nothing to the Question and
>only tried to pull mine apart !My last post in this thread, but please read and follow your own advice. All I did was quote and rebutted a couple of your statements that were false. You made a blanket statement that Trainz is the best followed by derogatory statements about the value of MSTS. I responded in kind, with the exact same sentiment as yours. If you don't like MSTS fine, quit bashing it to try to make your points for Trainz. I wouldn't have responded if you had just left MSTS alone and I'm not provoking a flame war (yours was the first inflammatory post).

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Yeah Bowl...Calm down and take a prozac! The point he was trying to make is while evangelizing Trainz... You forgot to make it very clear that what you were expressing is your opinion... Of course that is going to get you flamed! What you should have said was,"In My Opinion TRAINZ is the best....."Chuck Schneider
(Virtual) CEO
North American (Virtual) Locomotive Works

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I started with this.. "Best MODEL and FULL SCALE train simulator out there is Trainz and its newer version, Trainz UTC."Is that not my opinion Chuckc ? I typed it therefore it must be MY opinion.. So altho its not worded the same.. It still says
"In My Opinion TRAINZ is the best....."------------------------------------------------------------------
"All I did was quote and rebutted a couple of your statements that were false."Dgauci.. I simply stated facts."If you don't like MSTS fine, quit bashing it to try to make your points for Trainz. I wouldn't have responded if you had just left MSTS alone"Who's Bashing MSTS ? I simply stated what Trainz can do and what its cousin cant. People simply hate facts it would seem.Now... Do we agree this is MY opinion yet ?Catchya's

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LAST EDITED ON Feb-20-03 AT 02:40 AM (EDT)

new software costs more.. simple as thatalsoplease explain to me how you run MSTS at anything other than 1X time...axe, aurans screenshots arnt doing justice anyways all the MSTS people should be familiar.. that being the Marias Pass and all

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>also
>
>please explain to me how you run MSTS at anything other than
>1X time... Start MSTS with the following command line switch:/timeaccelerationCtrl-T speeds up, and Ctrl-Shift-T slows down when you're in the game.

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I like these "bickering threads". I always end up learning something I didn't know. Hadn't a clue about that MSTS time switch thingy. Thanks Dgauci. Ray

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MSTS is an ok sim, after I came across Trainz though I lost alot of interest in MSTS. Trainz is nice, easy to use.... fun to play with! There's this guy Andy (aka realsquash) he makes some of the best damn 3d around of locomotives, but they are only for the program Trainz, they are so well detailed and everything it's well worth it though.I saw this really cool looking sanding tower for Trainz also, it looked so nice, to bad I don't know where a screenshot of it is or I'd show you. I could go on, but I'd probably offend someone. You should just get your friend both and let him deside what he likes. Both are cheap enough about now so it's no big dent in the wallet.Or something like that....

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Get BVE as well!

------My favourite LUL train------

"The next station is Chancery Lane"...........Crash! Bam! Booom!...Sends 32 people in the hospital and makes all the other 1992 stocks out of service for motor bracket replacing...

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The original question wasn't "give me some good reasons why I should buy MSTS", it was "tell me which is the best train-sim game out there for under $50).You look at my post (in response to message one) I was pro-MSTS, but DIDN'T KNOCK Trainz, infact I believe I gave it quite a good rap.In summing up, Boweavel as a member of this board has the right to express his view on a subject, NO MATTER how much someone doesn't like it. If however his view on a subject is rude or to the like he will be dealt with.Projects
- 421 class Public Transport Commission of New South Wales diesel electircs:
Fuel & Air tanks - 100%
No. 2 end - 88% (Pilot details and number boards/headlights need to be added)
No. 1 end - 08% (Work on the pilot has been started as a base for the nose )
Sides - 45% (frame work is up, about 2/3 of panels on)
Overall - 16.9%
- 422 class New South Wales Government Railways diesel electircs:
On the drawing boards for a project after the 421's.
Overall - Not official

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>The original question wasn't "give me some good reasons why
>I should buy MSTS", it was "tell me which is the best
>train-sim game out there for under $50).
>
>You look at my post (in response to message one) I was
>pro-MSTS, but DIDN'T KNOCK Trainz, infact I believe I gave
>it quite a good rap.
>
>In summing up, Boweavel as a member of this board has the
>right to express his view on a subject, NO MATTER how much
>someone doesn't like it. If however his view on a subject is
>rude or to the like he will be dealt with. I agree with Ben.

------My favourite LUL train------

"The next station is Chancery Lane"...........Crash! Bam! Booom!...Sends 32 people in the hospital and makes all the other 1992 stocks out of service for motor bracket replacing...

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I know nothing about Trainz other than that I intend to buy the UTC when it drops a bit in price (and assuming I figure out exactly what Auran's got running with their whole login scheme, whatever that is). That being said, I would recommend MSTS as a good choice to begin with. It is cheap at the moment, which is a good thing. It also works, more or less. There's a lot of good freeware (thank you, guys!) out there, and there's a lot of good payware available that isn't too expensive. It requires a wee beastie of a machine, but eh, that can be had for not too much. Other than some initial teething troubles that consisted of me trying to learn exactly how MSTS arranged its locomotive files in order to repair this and that, I've had nothing but great fun with it, and recommend it to anyone unlucky enough to drift within speaking range. There is, of course, some special delight to departing Washington, D.C. in a five-striped deep green Pennsylvania GG-1 hauling passengers in heavy snow while the Hallmark-issue Lionel GG-1 looks down on you. Similarly, there's something nifty about cracking the throttle wide open up the steep grades of the Marias Pass with a pair of Big Blow turbines, hoping I've got enough power to drag forward. The operative question may come down to what he can run. Good luck in your hunt---just uh, tell him that if any Norfolk & Western/Norfolk Southern coal trains get in his area, tell him to find a siding. I've not yet figured out the art of "How To Avoid Derailing A 50-Car Coal Train While Keeping Something Other Than A Slow Crawl".

____________________________________________________________________
Norfolk & Western’s Radford Division, Pulaski District: Who needs the Marias Pass?

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