And again MSTS II

Hi folks!
I am following the MSTS II discussion for quite a while now. Well, I know, that these forums all also for fun, but here's what I think is feasable as upgrades in MSTS II from my point of view.1. Better GUI - this is for me the worst part of MSTS, especially in the editors. MS should take some ideas of Trainz and 3rd party software as conbuilder for example.2. Clarification of scenery and especially (!!) track sections. Make track laying easier and less buggy (uncoupling syndrom). Improve scenery editing functions. 3. Keep scenery items in "GLOBAL" folder, so that every route can access them and download size/ msts folder size can be reduced. This also applies to cabviews, sounds etc.4. Gameplay
4.1 Better AI - possibilities like work orders for AI trains
4.2 Better Rolling stock - more realistic/ better researched
4.3 Loading/ Unloading function - bulk loads/ unit loads on and off cars
4.4 Sound - more realistic sounds (especially with steam locos!)Well, that's what I think is feasible. In general, MS should improve research on routes and rolling stock (or sell it with 3rd party developments in first place). That is one of the worst things I discovered, that some places on the routes just clumped together as if they had no time until the release date.Great idea I read about recently, the damage control: I once had the flight sim "Flight Unlimited". There you could crash your plane and it would burst into parts. Just keep in mind, that a train loco is a very solid piece of metal, so part falling apart from it are seldom. Also I think that distortion animations of crashing metal would bring our computers finally to their knees.Well, all: Keep on train simming!!!Yours Sebastian23 year old fan from Germany---
Current Project: The "80's Canadian" activity with red multimark f7s

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RE: And again MSTS II, NSFAN, Jul-31-02, 11:01 AM, (1) RE: And again MSTS II, sstyrnol, Jul-31-02, 11:45 AM, (2) RE: And again MSTS II, calr, Jul-31-02, 01:28 PM, (3) RE: And again MSTS II, Euston, Jul-31-02, 02:04 PM, (4) RE: And again MSTS II, Macster, Jul-31-02, 03:41 PM, (6) RE: And again MSTS II, EngineJoe, Jul-31-02, 03:21 PM, (5) RE: And again MSTS II, Paul_Boland, Jul-31-02, 03:47 PM, (7) RE: And again MSTS II, AM_ROAD, Jul-31-02, 03:52 PM, (8) RE: And again MSTS II, Fastruck, Jul-31-02, 04:59 PM, (9) RE: And again MSTS II, sstyrnol, Aug-01-02, 08:19 AM, (10) RE: And again MSTS II, rayN5432H, Aug-23-02, 11:48 PM, (11) RE: And again MSTS II, Motley24Crue2, Aug-24-02, 00:40 AM, (12) RE: And again MSTS II, BNSF4723, Aug-24-02, 01:07 AM, (13) RE: And again MSTS II, BNSF4723, Aug-24-02, 01:09 AM, (14) RE: And again MSTS II, Paul1953, Aug-24-02, 03:59 AM, (15) RE: And again MSTS II, OTTODAD, Aug-24-02, 07:44 AM, (16) RE: And again MSTS II, sstyrnol, Aug-24-02, 12:38 PM, (19) RE: And again MSTS II, VRfan, Aug-24-02, 09:39 AM, (17) RE: And again MSTS II, Transcon, Aug-24-02, 10:32 AM, (18) RE: And again MSTS II, sstyrnol, Aug-24-02, 12:40 PM, (20) RE: And again MSTS II, OTTODAD, Aug-24-02, 12:57 PM, (21)

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Trainz basically has all what you just said. They even have working Defect Detectors. They are coming out with something called Trainz Yardmaster where you can load and unload cars. Create hump yards and classification yards, etc.

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Yeah,
but Trainz is basically a virtual model railroad. MSTS (II) should just look for some good ideas there. Btw, also the update as service packs are worth mentioning...

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Granted, locos are solid. But there is always the possibility of fire. I think there should be a crash-fire option that could be selected on locos and especially tank cars carrying flammable liquids.

Cal Rasmussen
Beaverton, ORColumbia Gorge Route (Construction resumed on The Dalles Dam)

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I know a few train drivers, and they quite often experience loco failiures, gauges showing wrong things etc. that would be fun in MSTS. As well as being able to pass reds, 'cos in real life if you pass a red you might not know about it.
http://clix.to/trainsim Simtrain UK - Payware reviews our speciality - includes all the Dekosoft Geeps and American Classics

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Hehe, me and my friends were talking about this earlier... In-Game Features:
"Real" Dispatcher feature, simular to FS2k2 ATC, either have it CTC Controlled, ABS, TWC.. etc... Depending on route and what not...
Multiplayer Feature - Either User or Computer Dispatcher Controlled. Scrolling Text with Chat Box Feature simular to FS2k2
Switchable Cab View or Passenger View. Conductor/Brakeman View.
Real Weather Option.
"heat kinks" in rails when temputures is above 80ºF
Derailment Cam for 2 minutes, User tunable from 20 seconds to 2 minutes
Derailment Features: Locomotive and Freight/Passenger Car damage, tank car explosions when they derail, catch on fire.
Easiler to use and navigate Route Editor and Route Geometry Editor, much needed options and tools needed in the Route Editor.
Talking Defect Detectors for proper RR's. Changable "Voices" currently out for detectors.
Smart AI Trains. Can pass Red Signals, won't hit the rear of the Users train or other AI trains. Programmed "Activity" AI trains can trigger a "hot box or a defect" when passing a detector.. possibly can simulate having to "walk the train" and set out the car and/or locomotive.and much much more! All for a everyday low price of $59.95

Brian E. Bundridge
Founder - Evergreen Tracks
Seattle, Washington

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I think they should improve the signal logic. Take, for example, the Pool Freight activity for Marias Pass. If you don't pass Browning (if I remember right, it's been a long time since I've run it) by a certain time a westbound AI train enters the same stretch of single track that you're occupying. The activity ends after you collide head-on with it.I've also said this before and I'll say it again. I'd like to see train prioritizing. In the consist editor you could set the priority of a train to either special, passener, fast freight, slow freight, or bulk freight. So lets say you're operating Amtrak's Empire Builder across Marias Pass. The AI dispatcher would try to move all freights, except for special trains, out of your way. If a special train comes along, you'll have to wait at a siding.So Sebastian, I agree that your ideas should be included into MSTS2. I just thought I'd share my ideas also.Joe

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MSTS II badly needs to address the editor tools. I battled with those tools for months! I tried to follow the tutorial manual that come with MSTS (on the CD), I bought the MSTS book and I also tried to follow a number of online tutorials. What do I have to show? A route which is just basically a flat piece of land. Yes, I managed to lay some tracks and stuff, but came no where near been able to actually build a route.With Trainz, I have built routes with mountains, rivers, cities, vilages, yards, main lines, all in hours, not months.I have both MSTS and Trainz on my PC and love them both, but Trainz comes out top because of the ease of use of the editors and the fact that Auran actually listen to their customers and provide feedback and give us what we ask for. I have written to MS many times over MSTS and not once have I received a reply. At least, when I contacted Kuju, I got a response.I also find the state of the editing tools in MSTS shocking for a MS product. I am a fan of MS, I love their OS's, I love their application software, and some of their gaming software is good too, but for such a badly designed product (in the GUI department) to be released by MS, that is bad show.I, like many here, am looking forward to MSTS II but for right now, Trainz is my main sim. Also, at the cost of MSTS and for such bad PR and editing tools, I will be very cautious about investing in MSTS II. I will probably put off investing in a copy till I see some online reviews which discuss the editing tools.Sorry MS, I am a fan, but your handling of MSTS leaves a lot to be desired.

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I think it needs to have more older trains then newier trains. I think it needs to have more Noth AMerican Loco's cause they look better in my opnion. It needs to have The Southern Cresent. from new Oreleans to Atlanta atleast. And hav like a time worp thing which has the Amtraks Cresent. Stuff like that. Maybe a mission from The Great locomotive Chase were you are Peter Brackena nd you ahve to take the Texas and catch up to The General. Fun stuff like that.

Andrew Bane
CEO AM Road
"the Road of Freedom"

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well all of this is good but the littel things need to be addressed.(1) make helper engines be controled and sound linked up like for
example: when you put the throddle up a notch all engines power up a notch too.(2) Beable to move from One loco cab to another like in trainz.(3) Make articulated steam locos work like the real thing with one eng file.(4) Make the front coupler work with all locos.(5) beable to Start Up and shutdown diesel locomotive. with starting an shutdown sounds.thats all for me now. hope they get the message

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I think another MAJOR thing to be adressed - just after the tools, where I totally agree - is the program code, which should be made more machine-friendly; otherwise, the improvements will be dedicated only to those with highend machines with GeForce 4's.Especially fires and distorted metal takes up quite some resources if done properly and convincing.Another thing regarding those tools and also the scenery and locos that come with MSTS: They all seem to be hastily thrown onto the market. It looks a bit like a beta version of a finished product. If MS had invested more time into research and development, they would made a better MSTS. Some of these errors (e.g. flying trees) are just too embarrassing, I think.

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LAST EDITED ON Aug-23-02 AT 11:55 PM (EDT)

I agree on the older loco issue. I love locos from the late 19th / early 20th century, when boilers and fireboxes began to grow. However, if MS is MS, it will continue to concentrate on newer trains, just as it includes mostly newer planes in Flight Simulator. Only about 2 or 3 planes in FS2002 (out of over one dozen defaults) could really be considered old or classic aircraft. The rest were designed or modified within the last 5-10 years.By the way, I don't hang around the MSTS forums that much or keep up on the latest news (though I did catch the Big Boy, great job NALW ! ), but is there actually talk or has there been an announcement on a new version of MSTS? If MS keeps the same schedule as they do with MSFS, I would be expecting a new MSTS by late next year.Ray

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Well i think this would kind of Sum it all up...Base msts II on "Actual" Railroading PracticesBob
Philadelphia, Pa

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I think these MSTS2 wishlists are getting pretty repetitive... I don't think MS or Kuju will look at it if you post em 300 times... Theres been a good 10 lists since the release of MSTS and its really dumb, why don't you just make a list one time and upload it to a section on the site, therefore putting away the idea of re-posting these stupid lists. Don't even imply this is a flame or troll attack, sure you'll hate this and I'll get bad-mouthed and sure I'm some mouthy 16 year old guy but I bet alot of people would agree that this is dumb and repetitive. Now you ask what am I gonna do about it? Nothing! I'll just flame away, you probably won't respond and it'll drain 8 hours out of my life, SO WHAT I'M GONNA DO is sit back, and TAKE IT UP THE TAILPIPE!!! Now I won't be crawling under a rock hiding from all the attacks I'm about to get like some trolls do, I'm gonna stay here and take it like a man. Flame back my fellow simmers, I await your voice.
*~þHÃt*Rat~**~classic american playa~*

û Bé §çRĆCh¦Ñ' †hà çÅR, Ï ßê §©r†ChÌN, ýÕû® ħ§!!!

10 cents, mah 2 cents is free, who sent? a nuisance, you sent for me?

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10 cents, mah 2 cents is free, who sent? a nuisance, you sent for me?Thats about it, straight from Eminem btw*~þHÃt*Rat~**~classic american playa~*

û Bé §çRĆCh¦Ñ' †hà çÅR, Ï ßê §©r†ChÌN, ýÕû® ħ§!!!

10 cents, mah 2 cents is free, who sent? a nuisance, you sent for me?

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Anyone have any idea how many copies of MSTS have been sold worldwide?

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I am beginning to get the feel of you, Matt ! A 16 year old rough Diamond which will get polished as time goes by ! No, but seriously, if you shout often and loud enough, somebody who matters might eventually listen. I lost count of all the letters and "Wish Lists" I posted to KUJU, very much in line with the general desires of you all !"Global Warming" is another subject one should never stop talking about !!!

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You are completely right. They are repetitive. BUT: As long as MS and/or Kuju are covering themselves in silence, people are expressing their wishes for MSTS II.
But: it is still a great game, and that's all it is, a game. So, let's take it as that and let's have fun! I think MSTS II will be a great thing, hoping that a few wishes from here are set into reality. So it'll be good to wait and see!!!

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I think an important thing for MSTS II would be to retain the same model format, but tweak the efficiency of the graphics engine. This would help to make it sell because there are already plenty of highly detailed 3rd party add-ons for MSTS I (mine included ) that make Kuju's models look very average. It would be a shame if the model makers had to convert them all into a new format when there is already a huge range of highly detailed models out there.--
Victorian Railfan Web Site:
http://www.railpage.org.au/vr/

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Here's one I've not heard...AI Traffic in Explore Route mode! (not to mention loose consists!)(Just like "Dynamic Scenery" in FS5.1,FSW95, FS98, and FS2000, and like "AI Traffic" in Flight Simulator 2002)I make many activities, just to see traffic whiz by. I call them "EXPLORE ROUTE - ADV" (ADV for Advanced). I also make them so I can go from Whitefish to Columbia Falls, drop off my freight, and pick up some more cars...There's not that much fun anymore with Explore Route mode! It saddens me to think I'm the only train, carrying the only freight cars on a 160 mile stretch of railroad!------------------------------------------------------------I'll never let go of the railroad that inspired me to involved with trains, the Union Pacific!

-Current Projects-
FBL Repaint of KLW Dash 8 - 20% Complete
FBL Repaint of US2FreightCar8 - Complete!
BNSF Justin Cornell Dash 9 #5311 Renumber - Complete!
New Route Project 5 (Name to be released later) - 2 Miles of Track With Complex Scenery

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I think somebody mentioned it would be good to have activities with changing traffic or so. Indeed there is a tool which changes consists etc.

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Part of my WISH LIST KUJU have 2 copies of:www.otto-wipfel.co.uk/wishlist.htm

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