The Unofficial MSTS FAQ: Basics

The Unofficial Microsoft Train Simulator FAQ - (Check Index page for version info)
by David White - dappawit@yahoo.com
This Page Last updated: April 01, 2001
Copyright © 2001, Do not reproduce in any form without permission.

II.A. THE BASICS:

(2.A.1) What routes are included?

MSTS includes six routes from around the world:

- Amtrak's Northeast Corridor route from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia;

- A 168 mile portion of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) from Shelby to Whitefish and the 13 mile long Kalispell branch;

- The Flying Scotsman 72 mile-long route from Settle to Carlisle;

- Southern Japan's mountainous Kyushu Railway;

- 56 miles of the Odakyu Electric Railway through Tokyo and near Mt. Fuji;

- and, The Orient Express of the 1930's through the Austrian Alps.

(2.A.2) What locomotives are included?

MSTS includes nine drivable locomotives:

- BNSF GP38-2

- BNSF Dash 9-44CW

- Acela Express trainset

- Acela HHP-8

- LNER 4-6-2 Flying Scotsman steam locomotive

- Odakyu Electric Railway Company's 2000 Series

- Odakyu Electric Railway Company's 7000 Series

- Orient Express' 2-10-0 locomotive

- Kiha 31 Diesel Railcar

(2.A.3) Can I save my game in the middle of an activity?

Yes.

(2.A.4) Can I change the game speed and/or pause it?

Yes, you can both change the game speed and pause it during play.

(2.A.5) Is it multiplayer compatible?

No. Future versions may include a multiplayer feature however.

(2.A.6) Can I ride the train as a passenger?

Yes. If you feel like just riding along the rails as a passenger and enjoying the scenery, you will be able to do this in MSTS.

(2.A.7) Are external views available while driving the train?

Yes. There are several external views available in the game including a spotter view which lets you see the train as though you were stationary at the side of the tracks.

(2.A.8) Did Amtrak and other railroads included in MSTS participate in the game's development?

Yes. From the official web site: "Microsoft Train Simulator aims to bring the most realistic virtual train experience to the PC, by recreating hundreds of miles of routes with realistic scenery, equipment, and operations. We're working in close cooperation with six of the leading railroads from around the world to bring you the "As Real As It Gets" experience you've come to expect from Microsoft Simulators."

(2.A.9) How long does the track-side view allow us to watch the train from a stationary point? Will we be able to watch the train approach in the distance, pass us, and disappear in the distance?

This question will be answered when the information becomes available.
Can you answer this question? please email the answer to dappawit@yahoo.com.