Train Sims: Why?

It's not a baiting type question honest. I'm asking what it is that people here enjoy about train sims and more exactly is it just driving a train or do you enjoy some other aspect of the hobby?Now, allow myself to introduce... myself. My name is Franz Felsl, newbie to this board. I'm currently working on Railroad Tycoon 3 and while the game is well on the way to completion we are currently looking at play in the development cycle. I'd like to get actual game/sim player thoughts as Train Only enthusiasts tend not to thing about issues involved with a PC simulation.

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RE: Train Sims: Why?, pvoxland, Apr-23-03, 11:00 AM, (1) RE: Train Sims: Why?, calr, Apr-23-03, 11:23 AM, (2) RE: Train Sims: Why?, 3DRailHound, Apr-24-03, 09:31 AM, (27) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Jonatan, Apr-23-03, 11:43 AM, (3) RE: Train Sims: Why?, geekman, Apr-23-03, 12:32 PM, (4) RE: Train Sims: Why?, IcyFire, Apr-23-03, 12:41 PM, (5) RE: Train Sims: Why?, HAC, Apr-23-03, 01:28 PM, (6) RE: Train Sims: Why?, davereage, Apr-24-03, 00:02 AM, (25) RE: Train Sims: Why?, jonathanmlewis, Apr-23-03, 01:30 PM, (7) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Robber Baron, Apr-23-03, 01:57 PM, (8) RE: Train Sims: Why?, WestSlopeRRfan, Apr-23-03, 02:48 PM, (9) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Blood n Iron, Apr-23-03, 03:57 PM, (11) RE: Train Sims: Why?, shadowr434, Apr-23-03, 07:13 PM, (14) RE: Train Sims: Why?, pacmancreator, Apr-23-03, 03:13 PM, (10) RE: Train Sims: Why?, abarten, Apr-23-03, 06:20 PM, (12) RE: Train Sims: Why?, sd70mac666, Apr-23-03, 06:31 PM, (13) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Lone_Gunman_SG, Apr-23-03, 07:33 PM, (15) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Hawk, Apr-23-03, 08:22 PM, (17) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Tinrail, Apr-23-03, 08:13 PM, (16) RE: Train Sims: Why?, IcyFire, Apr-23-03, 09:31 PM, (20) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Tinrail, Apr-23-03, 10:27 PM, (21) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Robber Baron, Apr-24-03, 00:29 AM, (26) RE: Train Sims: Why?, dadbill, Apr-23-03, 08:25 PM, (18) RE: Train Sims: Why?, shadowr434, Apr-23-03, 08:51 PM, (19) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Tinrail, Apr-23-03, 10:31 PM, (22) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Hovertrain, Apr-23-03, 11:10 PM, (23) RE: Train Sims: Why?, cn_bayview, Apr-23-03, 11:18 PM, (24) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Stooopid_person, Apr-24-03, 10:29 AM, (28) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Blood n Iron, Apr-24-03, 05:37 PM, (29) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Hawk, Apr-24-03, 06:37 PM, (30) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Blood n Iron, Apr-25-03, 06:09 PM, (37) RE: Train Sims: Why?, IcyFire, Apr-24-03, 07:11 PM, (31) RE: Train Sims: Why?, WestSlopeRRfan, Apr-24-03, 07:34 PM, (32) RE: Train Sims: Why?, abarten, Apr-24-03, 09:22 PM, (33) RE: Train Sims: Why?, mjspeed, Apr-25-03, 00:49 AM, (34) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Brad 110, Apr-25-03, 00:53 AM, (35) RE: Train Sims: Why?, West_Coast_Railroader, Apr-25-03, 02:22 AM, (36) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Blood n Iron, Apr-25-03, 06:30 PM, (38) RE: Train Sims: Why?, dadbill, Apr-25-03, 08:04 PM, (39) RE: Train Sims: Why?, ssw, Apr-25-03, 09:56 PM, (42) RE: Train Sims: Why?, MikeF, Apr-25-03, 09:04 PM, (40) RE: Train Sims: Why?, wayneshawkins, Apr-25-03, 09:15 PM, (41) RE: Train Sims: Why?, Rodman 93, Apr-26-03, 09:18 AM, (43)

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My interest in MSTS began with simple curiosity about the program, before which I wasn't anything like a railfan. However, when I realized that I could create routes based on a prototype I became intrigued. For over a year now, I have been in and out of historical societies, museums, archives, libraries, and web sites learning more and more each day. Being able to recreate what no longer exists is also a motivation. I am thinking that what I will end up with can be educational as well as enjoyable.This is also is giving life to some childhood memories of the steam era, the great locomotives and ore trains of my mother's home in the iron range of Northern Minnesota.

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I got interested in trains and railroading in the eary 70's with HO scale model railroading. That was kind of a on/off interest. I would actively work on a layout for a few years and then lose interest for a few years.When MSTS came out, I saw it as an opportunity to "climb into the cab" and drive the trains from an engineer's point of view instead of a controller's point of view. I downloaded some of the addon routes and really enjoyed them.Then I decided to try my hand at route building. I have found that I enjoy working on my route, Columbia Gorge, and building virtual models is far more enjoyable than running the trains. I am an avid photographer. I photograph for the artistic content of the picture. Consequently, I prefer photographing scenery and still life subjects.The artistic side of me carries over to route building. I feel like the bare terrain is my "canvas" and I am "painting" a scene on to it. For example, I am currently working on the city of The Dalles. I layed the track for this area six months ago. Track on bare ground is extremely boring! However, as I add roads and scenery, it is "coming alive". As with a painting, the picture is starting to appear.Other people have other reasons for enjoying the hobby. I enjoy the artistic creativity that is possible. I still enjoy exploring routes of others but I don't have a lot of time for it.
Cal Rasmussen
Beaverton, OR
cal.rasmussen@verizon.netColumbia Gorge Route (Phase 1 track completed, 60% scenery, learning 3D Canvas)

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I'm not sure why, it must be in my blood..and yes, I too look forward to Railroad Tycoon 3 Best regards,
Brad Brownwww.3DTrainStuff.com

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I started liking trains at the age of five. Then I saw a steam loco for the first time, at first I was scaired by the big black beast but later I got fashinated by it and now I'm a train freak just as most people on this board. I like Train Simulator because It is the closest to driving a real train I can get. I also like to operate the engines and switch cars and such, it's a compensation for a model layout which would take out several rooms and you can sit in the cab too. And thanks to the guys who have done an improved MakeAce and the TGATool2 and all other utilities which makes the sim and the CPU more like a workshop where you can build, repaint and edit your trains to yor own benefits (without making a mess on your desk). Thanks guys! For the experience of driving a train I'd choose MSTS but if all I want to do is to create a model layout then Trainz is a better option. (and guys I don't intend on starting a "MSTS vs. Trainz" war)You said you worked for the ones doing RRT3? I wish you luck and I look forward to the release. /JonatanSteam rules!

(My E-mail is currently down so contact me via a private message, thankyou.)

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All my life I've liked trains, and have always wanted a big HO layout with miles and miles of track.Well, first one thing and then another came along - no room in the basement, working too many hours, not enough money, too time consuming, you all know the reasons, anyway, this dream layout never materialized. And, at 61 years old, probably never will.Then along came MSTS, and here was my railroad. Not only that, it was better. I now suddenly owned literally millions of dollars worth of locomotives and cars. I could make up my own train, and actually get in the cab and drive it myself - from point A to point B, too - not just around in a loop. And, I could select from a series of different routes and scenery. Man, this was hog heaven. Plus, it was a whole bunch cheaper.Now, a year or so into it, things have just gotten better and better. The engines and rolling stock are fantastic and improving every day, the new routes will blow your socks off, and computer equipment is getting good enough to where you almost forget it isn't real.I had a friend the other day ask me what's so special about driving a train? You didn't even have to steer it, she said. I really didn't know what to say to her. Either it's in your blood - or it's not.

Larry Steiner
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(This is CSX Country up here, folks.)

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I've always had a thing for trains, I used to watch thomas the tank engine when i was young, so I think that's what done it, but when i purchased railroad tycoon 2 and Microsoft train sim last year, by interest exploded to a unstoppable fever. What keeps me interested in trains is the fact that america would not be what it is with out railroads, past and present, the transcontinental railroad was a major door opener.. There were trains long before trucksAnyway back to the question.. I enjoy all aspects of train sims, from trying to get a heavy grain over kicking horse pass, or from simply dispatching the hudson line with Train Dispatcher, i also enjoy running the company, It's the challenge and rewards that come from those challenges that make me enjoy the sims, not to mention content creation, as Member of The Keystone Works & Yonder Locomotive Works, I make new skins for existing 3d models, i enjoy making new content for the community, hopefully rail road tycoon 3 will allow custom objects too In conclusion, I guess I'm trying to say that anyone can pop in mario and get the high score, But it takes a special amount of skill and courage to get that heavy grain over the pass, a task that not everyone can do.
Sincerely,
Shawn Kenselaar
ShawnSSK@Yahoo.com

Train-sim.com Lifer and Screen Shot Forum Mod
Repainter for YLW & TKW

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Hi Franz, and welcome..
Why MSTS? well, lets just say that 30 years of service with a Class 1 (Canadian Pacific), it was a natural. To be perfectly honest, I only "drive stuff" in MSTS to test what I create. I have much more fun
building content for it than actually running, (unless its the KHP, which I do enjoy running).
As far as RR Tycoon, I was a huge fan of the original, and not so great a fan of the second version, which traded off the challenge of the first version for eye-candy. I also enjoyed A-train, even with its funky look and feel. I'd be interested in seeing how RRT III
comes out. Only thing I'd suggest - signalling - much like the original.Cheers
Harold

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For me it's a childhood thing, plus I find running trains to be very relaxing......good way to chill out after a long day.Oh yeah, like Harold said, signals PLEASE!!!!

Dave Reage
www.geocities.com/d_reage

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Reain simulator is good because you can go back to any era you like from Narrow Gauge in Colorado in the 1880's to the NEC as it is toady.I have liked trains all my life.http://groups.msn.com/MSTSNarrowGauge

Jonathan Lewis
jonathanmlewis@msn.com

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I've always had a thing for trains too, and I STILL watch Thomas the Tank Engine I would be into model railroading in a big way if I had the space for it. I played Railroad Tycoon furiously and one day about 4 years ago while I was fooling around with Flight Simulator the thought occured to me that maybe someone had written a simulator for trains too. Having no inkling of what was out there, I started searching for them on the 'net and was rather taken aback at the apparent lack. There were a few though...there was Trainmaster 3.0, which didn't grab me because it only showed the "train" in profile. There was also one by a fellow named Jens Schubert (http://www.railsim.de/englisch/RSframeE.htm) that was better as it was a cabview sim with fairly decent physics and good signalling, even though the graphics were quite rudimentary. There was also a Polish one (Mechanik) and some Japanese ones that were indecipherable. Then I stumbled on Vern's webpage (http://www.trainsim.org.uk/), which was where I first heard about Trainmaster 4, which I eagerly awaited and still play from time to time...better braking and physics! It was also from Vern's site that I first heard about MSTS, and the rest as they say is history.

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>is it just driving a train or do you enjoy some other aspect of the >hobby?My first word was "choo-choo." So I've been interested in trains all my life. The thing I most enjoy is being able to make the realworld into a simulation. With Railroad Tycoon you can create railways as you see fit. Creating the backbone of the nation is challenging and fun. It becomes a link to the past. In MSTS you can paint your own trains, or attempt to make them look like the originals. There is alot of pride in making your own creations. Just driving a train in the simulation gets old, but when you take ownership (by creating something yourself) it becomes much more than a game. Best of luck with Railroad Tycoon III. I know a lot of us will buy it when it hits the shelves. Nick
PS we would love to see screenshots if you have them

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I don't know if I could send screen shots... they'd be kind of large file wise.

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Take the shots and reduce to 700x933 and post. They should be fine. Thats the size I use on my pics.Frank Roberts
Fed Ex Freight
P&D Driver

"Sometimes I dream about being carried off by a big giant squirrel. Does that make me a nut?"

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I believe that I have liked trains all of my life, too. There's just someting about steam engines... one of my earliest memories is watching the Hocking Valley RR steam engine come to a stop, being fascinated by it...There's just something about those huge, moving machines that have so much power. It just amazes me that man has achieved such designs.As far as simming, it's the next best thing ot actually being in control of one of those huge monsters!-Matt, future Cirque Du Soleil singer-Crime: It's my anti drug -Creating Pac-Man comics for the humorless people out there

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I wrote an article on this subject for the current issue of Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine (http://www.trainsimmodeler.com), so I can't repeat it all here, but the bottom line FOR ME is aesthetics - shape, color, texture, size, sound, motion - all these things are what I like about trains. I love the way a heavy train starts slowly, I love the clickety-clack (not too much of that any more with welded rails), I love the sinuous curves of the track, I'm wowed by the slipping of drive wheels as a steam train tries to get going, etc., etc., etc.By the way, we've set up an open forum this topic in our magazine. We invite readers to conribute. You get a free issue if you're contribution is published.Cheers, Al
Editor-in-Chief
Woodbridege's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine
http://alfredbarten.com

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I blame my fatehr, grandfather and great uncle all of whom worked for CP Rail. Out of the 3 only my dad still works for them, my grandfather put in 45 years of service and my great uncle 46 years of service
BNSF Detector Milepost 666.
No defect
Train Speed 66.6mph
Axle Count: 666
Ambient Temperature 66.6 degrees
outI'm otherwise known as the SatanTrain

Hey everybody it's Dr. Satan
The boogie Man is real and you found him

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why, you ask? well mine is a simple answer: Train Virus since i was old enough to know what trains were :p
Its my birthday on Apr. 28th!
premium add-ons

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Welp-Here's my two bits worth---As Nick said-My first word was "choo-choo."The power, the majesty, the awe.
My grandfather built a model railroad in his basement, S scale-if I remember right (that was ‘bout 48 years ago). Two full sheets of plywood. I loved to go to Grampa’s.
It seems I’ve lived near tracks all my life-might be a subconcious thing.
RRT and MSTS share a common interest--trains!
That's where the common interest stops.
As I understand it, the original RRT was basically a stock market game, involving the railroad. Personally, I haven’t had the option to play the original, but I do have 4 versions of RRT II (one of which is a coaster).
I enjoy it for its challenge of building your own empire.
To quote HAC:
“As far as RR Tycoon, I was a huge fan of the original, and not so great a fan of the second version, which traded off the challenge of the first version for eye-candy.”
I happen to like the eye candy, but not knowing the original, I can’t compare.
I like MSTS for what it is-a simulator, I like RRT for what it is-a money game. The trains just make it more interesting. Sometimes, I forget about the money going out the window-‘cause I’m watching the trains.
I’m really looking forward to RRT3. I assume it won’t be very backwards compatible, but I’m interested in the 3D.
I think I’ve spent my two bits.
HawkThe television's going, and the wash still on the line.
I hear the whistle blowin'-the train is right on time.
I know I ought'a catch her-she's taken my last dime.

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Well down on this forum , there are several people who just love to brag about their stuff. They like to get a following ( kids mostly)
and rant and rave how their stuff is the best. If MSTS had not been shipped with an editor and you had to hard code every thing to make a addon things would be alot different.The sim is just like any other sim, you drive a train from point a to point b switch a few cars around, big deal to some , just a way to kill time to others. Some have to have every rivit in place and every bend just right ,some dont care, the sim its self runs best with plain low
poly cars and engines. Every day on this forum there are lots of questions on how to do this or that or stuff like "i got 3 gillion trees and 15 super detailed engines pulling 200 cars how come my frame rates are 5" as an example. another is " I got the latest detailed train set and 100 cars and the sim is so slow, i have a
pentium 6 at 400gh and 3 gigs of ram,how come it wont run ,I just got 40 programs running in the back ground??"Least not forget the route guys that make 300 mile routes and make a custom installer that slops the files in any folder it finds.
As for me i been on this forum since it opened under several user names and i come here for a laugh. I view MSTS for what it is a GAME
but for some on here its their life...

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-23-03 AT 09:32 PM (EDT)

Tinhead,-Some of us like having the latest and greatest Rigs-Some of us enjoy having detailed high poly models-Some of us enjoy the 300+ mile routes with self installers-everybody thinks you need to get the life and stop trolling
Sincerely,
Shawn Kenselaar
ShawnSSK@Yahoo.com

Train-sim.com Lifer and Screen Shot Forum Mod
Repainter for YLW & TKW

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why you dont like what i have to say ? because it dont suit you ??From what i see YOU are a mod on here YOU post thousands of posts
YOU live for MSTS Trollin for what ? I need no MSTS info .. its just a GAME

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but for some on here its their life...So who are you to criticize how other people want to live their lives? Last time I checked, there was nothing written that said that everyone had to live their life in some sort of fashion that met with your approval. You're entitled to your opinion, that's true. It is also true that we are entitled to tell you to stick your opinion where the sun doesn't shine.

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-23-03 AT 08:30 PM (EDT)

Well let's see, I stated with flight sim, which is how I first heard of train sim. I'ld probably be running trains in the confines of a dark damp garage or basement instead of in my nice warm office if it weren't for train sim, and I probably would have gotten tired of it like any computer game a long time ago if it not for the fact that: 1. you can add on to it, create your own routes, etc.
2. scan your favorite cars and engines into it, and run them just like a model railroad!
3. layout size not an issue!
4. Kit-bashing not an issue!
5. Dosen't cost a fortune the way N and HO does, and, one scale for all!!!Oh, OOops! I almost forgot, Model railroader since 7, my Dad started me on O27 gauge, railfanning since '66!

db
Ceeanoh Shops

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tinrail = loserTroll somewhere else loser.Frank Roberts
Fed Ex Freight
P&D Driver

"Sometimes I dream about being carried off by a big giant squirrel. Does that make me a nut?"

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Like i told the mod guy , you guys just cant stand some one with a different opinion ..
its just a GAME Troll for what? YOU dont have anything i want..

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-23-03 AT 11:14 PM (EDT)

Personally, I have a few reasons.1. The open railroad
2. The feeling of blasting the horn/whistle of one of these beasts
3. Knowing that I'm the only one in the house who knows how to drive a train.
4. The enormous variety of locos and cars
5. Seeing some of the complicated drive systems of steam locos in action
6. The sheer power of barreling some of the giants (Big Boy, Big Blow Turbines, DD40's, ect) across an open desert with a consist heavier than a city.
7. Being to stick my "head" out the "window" and scream "FREEDOM"I started liking them when I was little. The reason was that you didn't have to steer. kinda dumb. I was absolutly nutz in 4th grade cause my classroom had a window facing the tracks that go through my town. Every time I heard that horn, something in me would snap.

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I've been Interested in Trains since i was born. My Dad would take me to the station everyday after work.
And still takes me out on the weekends 14 years later I bought MSTS last year when i saw add's in trains magazine about Train Master and wanted it, i saw MSTS and said "Naw... doesn't look too real".Then the Christmas train show was on and i tested MSTS and loved it, i checked around the net, found this site and was sold on it.We got a new comp just so i could play MSTS We like Driving a train because we all like Trains and Driving a real Train is almost every railfans dream.
This sim, brings us close to it, puts us in the cab and basicly lets us do almost everything the real crews can.

Rob.
Mile 21.0 CN Oakville Sub.

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I have no idea when I was interested. But what got me interested, was that I could see trains for my first 4 years of my life. The first 2 years was across the river(that's what my mother told me). But it still was visible. Then from 2-4 years old, my house was directly in front of a mainline. So, you could see the trains by looking at the back window.

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

HAPPY NOW? It's not moving anymore.
It's still the same train but in another livery, that's all.

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Lots of responses, excellent.First, it's obvious that everyone here is interested in TRAINS. Real, digital or otherwise. x check. So, is it critical then that a train game (in general) needs to have the driving part to make it something that people in the sim crowd would be interested in? I'm talking in GENERAL terms mind you. I noticed several mentioned they liked RT1 or RT2 but generally what seperates the crowd into Train Simmers (?) is it the ability to drive the LOCOMOTIVE not simply run a railroad?Debate is good. I'm looking at this trying to figure out if RT3 would have much interest in the Train Sim world and if so, how?Another question on this line then is what would be some features that the game would need to make it of interest/value to the sim crowd? Assuming the game will not be sim but a game, what would enthrall you enough to want to play a game like RT3?Examples -like a no money mode where u just build or a simple chase camera etc.

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I'm curious! Has there been any improvements on the "Editor"?
For example; setting up events, terrain sculpting, etc.
Any hint of projected release date?
Hawk
The television's going, and the wash still on the line.
I hear the whistle blowin'-the train is right on time.
I know I ought'a catch her-she's taken my last dime.

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We're anticipating Gold Master in late October. Best I can say about release dates.The editor will be easier to use as it has a bunch of list box options instead of having you type in manually every formula for each trigger. The game will also ship with a world map that can be clipped from so that editors don't have to find a map somewhere else then import it, though you still will be able to. We're using a MIP Map overlay so you can "paint" details right on the map besides other environment tools.We've also discussed but haven't finalized plans for allowing the player to paint textures and potentially import 3D geometry, waiting to see how that pans out at the moment.

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-24-03 AT 07:11 PM (EDT)

I don't think it's really necessary for a game to have a driving mode to be appealing to the sim enthusiasts, anything trains is cool for meBut if RT3 wont have a driving mode, You guys still could grab the attention of simmer by making operations more prototypical - for example, On RT2 there was no signals, no passing tracks, I personally fund it kinda lame that trains would just become transparent and let the other pass through it, i'd rather see the lower priority train get a signal to go into a siding and wait for the higher priority one to pass, also i'd like to see different type of cars that are the same, for example.. If I'm making a grain consist, i'd like to see variety in the grain cars, same thing with the intermodal (known as goods in RT2) some stacks, single stack, trailers on flat cars, maybe even road railers, this can be easier on your part if you guys make the game easy to make new add-ons for Also i feel the hardcore simers would enjoy being able to see functional yards where you tell your engineer to grab a cut of empty hoppers and see them haul it the grain farm down the line and come back later and pick it up.Well thats my little wishlist, BTW i do appreciate the fact that you guys are actually asking our opinions and thoughts on this stuff, it shows you guys really do care about the consumer
Sincerely,
Shawn Kenselaar
ShawnSSK@Yahoo.com

Train-sim.com Lifer and Screen Shot Forum Mod
Repainter for YLW & TKW

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>>would need to make it of interest/value to the sim crowd?I agree with shawn. Make it like real life. I also agree that we don't need to actually drive the train (the economics is fun) but the camera chase is a cool ideaAn idea list:
Have yards that can only hold so many cars
Have congestion
Have ways to make money hauling empties back to the consumer (train cars don't just disappear)
Have a way to make grades more realistic. Maybe a way to add helpers
Weather related events: Bridge washouts, a way to actually plow snow off the track, rock slidesHopefully that helps.Nick

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There's no one answer, as you're discovering. I generally don't play the games or run the activities. I like to watch trains and I like to drive them. Just watching them gets boring after awhile, and just driving them can also get boring after awhile. I get my kicks from looking for great scenes and grabbing screenshots. Yet obviously there are others who are into the challenge of running an activity or taking on a less visual (in the sense of seeing trains) challenge by playing Train Dispatcher. Then there is also Bahn, which runs everything in isometric view and seems to me to provide more fun in building and setting up operating railways than seeing realism or permitting real hands-on operation. All have their devotees.I'd be thrilled to see RRT become more realistic, even as a railroad building strategy game.Cheers, Al
http://alfredbarten.com

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It would be good to get some of the features that were in the original RRT back, that were missed out from RRT2, such as tunnels. And maybe slightly more tailored rolling stock - in the original there were purely British locos, whereas these had been lumped in with European ones in RRT2.

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I confess I am not one of those with the train virus. Watched trains with my dad a few times when I was small. Did some N scale stuff, but got more interested in spiking my own track then running the trains. The first time I ran MSTS I did an explore route, ran awhile, said that's kind of cool, and put it away for about half a year. The second time I got it out, I did one or two of the activities and was rather amazed by how much harder it was then I expected. Driving a heavy train over anything other then flat terrain without overspeeding, stalling, or breaking a coupler takes some skill and continuous attention. It was only after coming to that point that I got interested in prototype operations. Thanks to the almost uniform kindness and generosity of the members here, I have learned quite a bit, and find that the prototype interest feeds the MSTS interest and vice versa. I find it much more interesting then Flight Sim, where once you have climbed out and trimmed up, you can go into kickback mode for hours to you get where you are going.
Brad Meyer

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-25-03 AT 02:23 AM (EDT)

Well with me trains have been part of my life.Whenever we lived near tracks and I hear a train approaching I would stop what I was doing and go and watch,I even was counting the cars.
A couple of different times I had HO scale sets but there was only so much space in a bedroom and so much space on a piece of plywood.I eventually got more interested in the weight of the cars and their carrying capacity and the date they were made.
Then there were times my interest fell a bit due to location but it always remained and when I'm driving and I'm near tracks and have to cross hem I hope a train would come.
Now later if life i have invested in a digital camera and a SLR camera with the various lenses and filters, I also carry a video camera and tripod, plus a scanner so I can listen to the rail operations....with all this equipment in tow I go railfanning and will wait for a couple of hours to get that good train shot, meanwhile I discovered Train Simulator.
With Train Sim it allows me to "sit in the engineers seat" and control a train and also be the conductor and perform freight or passenger activities.
Train simming is a great way to relax after a hard day at work.
Theodore Webster
Port Moody,BC
CPR Cascade SubdivisionAmateur Photographer,Railfan,Train-SimmerWhen near the tracks expect the unexpected.

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LAST EDITED ON Apr-25-03 AT 06:33 PM (EDT)

Well our dilema is trying not to be everything to everyone. This while seemingly the easy way, it isn't really. PC games industry is a rather cruel mistress. It's filled with special interest groups (users) that tend to have some very specific desires while the mass market has very, very few specific desires. In other words, a game that has lots of detail and complexity tends to sell poorly because the average gamer won't play. The cruel part is that the special interest users are well springs of knowledge and enthusiasim who like lots of detail.So, we are trying to make things look more realistic and working on making the GAME more enjoyable without removing any additional functionality. We do, and I can't stress this enough, have TUNNELS AND BRIDGES! We've a more managable scale and that makes all the difference in the world. We've added cars for approximately 5 eras so they change in appearance over time including those things we haul on flad bed cars.Mind you there truly are limitations. Many video cards and RAM limitations can really shut down grandeous ideas. Making a game like this for only high-end gaming rigs would kill sales and thus the projects future. It's all balance.As I hear the comments here I'm inclinded to push harder for us to adopt a more MOD oriented approach to the game to improve long term potential without sacrificing simplified play at least on PopTop's release. Though, I need more information/support for this idea if it's going to be possible.

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Oh, And because I can have a layout that would take up four houses (maybe a dozen!) instead in my little computer!!!!!!!!!!!
And I can have ALL my favorite model railroading stuff in it, and not have to sit there and watch it go around the loop 17 times!Oh, and I can ride in the cab and blow the whistle/horn! Try doing that in N-scale!

db
Ceeanoh Shops

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>Try doing that in N-scale!No thanks.. HO is hard enough!

Bradley Linda
Waco, Texas

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I've always loved trains. Something about standing near something that big (especially to a little kid) and see it just sort of 'gliding' along the rails is impressive.I work with power-plant simulators used for training operators and the ability to accurately model a real-world physical 'thing' using some math and a computer is truly interesting to me. Okay, so call me a geek. Bill Gates is a geek and look where it got him I'm truly thankful for the hard work that others have done to make MSTS and Tycoon what they are. And the many contributions of those on this group (I needed to let you folks know this since I have benefitted from your work and not thanked you all).Although I did model railroading when I was younger, I would get frustrated in the amount of time and effort to get even a modest layout running. By the time it looked 'ok', I was bored with the whole trackplan etc...MSTS avoids a lot of this for me. Some really stunning views and operational variety without the years of work. And operating an engine in MSTS is a lot more realistic (I believe) than turning a rheostat on a power pack in model railroading. (no, I'm not so naive as to think MSTS is just like the real thing, but it's got to be a lot closer than an HO power pack And it's not just 'driving' a train. The challenges of operating a long drag or keeping to a schedule or making the required set/picks gives me a sense of accomplishment. Guess I'm kind of a goal oriented guy, want to feel like I've actually *done* something.

Mike F

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WayneH I like trains as long as I can remember. The nice thing about Train Sim. is you don't need any space for running trains, storage,or change your size to operate locomotives inside the cab.

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I really don't know what drew me to liking trains....my father expressed and interest in them and took me as a baby to see steam loco's in operation. One of my Earliest memories is of a steam loco flying past the car at 80 kilometres an hour. i also watched alot of Thomas The Tank as a youngin so i guess that also contributed. I have always had a model railway in my room so i also think that has contributed......what i think draws me to trains and in paarticular Steam loco's is the how complex they are to operate but how simple the actual principal of a steam loco is. I can still sit in my room for hours pretending that my layout is a big city and watching the trains go round and round, then chaning them, shunting them and suffering the odd derailment. I dunno why i like them.....but playing MSTS is more than just driving a simulated train....it is the chance to live out a childhood dream of one day driving a Big Boy (thanks NALW) or a Southern Pacific Daylight....for i arrived too late on the scene for mainline steam....but the time i arrived on the scene steam had all but vanished from the mainline and the only place i could see it was in a museum. MSTS offers me the chance to get behind the cab of a steamer and take it for a "joy" ride.anyway thats my 2 cents,cheers,Rodman 93

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