The Unofficial MSTS FAQ: Realism

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.C. REALISM:

(2.C.1) Can you select different levels of difficulty?

Yes. Depending on what kind of a challenge you want, to can select from a wide range of operations to select the difficulty you're looking for. this can range from being as real as it gets, to a "free mode" where you can drive for the fun of it with no worries of derailing or passing through signals.

(2.C.2) Can you derail or crash your train?

Yes. If you exceed the limits for speed around a curve for the weight of your train, you can derail. However, this is a game option that can be turned off. There also isn't any blood and gore, the train just jumps the tracks

(2.C.3) Can you drive your train at night?

Yes. Not much about driving at night is known except that it can be done.

(2.C.4) Do the sun and shadows move according to sim time?

Yes. The sim is on a real 24-hour clock meaning that when it is noon sim-time the sun will be high overhead and the shadows will be short, but near dawn and dusk the sun will be nearer the horizon and shadows will be longer.

(2.C.5) Can you make "weather areas" so the weather changes gradually over your route?

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

(2.C.6) Can you reload coal/water/diesel onto your locomotive?

Yes. You are be able to, and in some cases have to, refuel, re-coal and re-water the engine. The equipement that does this also works as it really does, so you can see coal falling into the tender and water flowing from the spigot. (thanks to Chris Trott)

(2.C.7) Are the track conditions customizable?

Yes. You will be able to select different weather conditions such as snow and rain, which will in turn affect the train's performance.

(2.C.8) Can I drive the train in snow?

Yes and no. You will be able to drive with snow on the ground and also have it affect the train's performance, but you will not actually be able to drive "through" snow. It will not pile up nor will a snowplow be necessary. The ground will just look as though it is covered with a thin layer of snow. (thanks to Djaquay)

(2.C.9) Can you exceed the limit the couplers can pull?

Yes. You must be careful not to exceed the limits of the couplers when accelerating or decelerating. However, this can be modified through game options.

(2.C.10) What signalling system(s) are included in MSTS?

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

(2.C.11) Can you have random system failures in your locomotive during your run?

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

(2.C.12) Can tracks appear "unused" and weed covered?

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

(2.C.13) Does the game include train stations?

Of course. All passenger trains in the game will include stops at stations.

(2.C.14) Does the game include Maintenence of Way (MOW) equipment?

I've seen screenshots that appear to include MOW equipment by the side of the tracks. More details about MOW equipment will be available soon.

(2.C.15) Is there traffic at grade crossings?

Yes. You will be able to see cars and trucks at grade crossings.

(2.C.16) Can you see animals near the tracks?

Yes. You will be able to see some wildlife such as deer along the tracks.

(2.C.17) Are people included in the game?

No. Originally, people would be visible at stations and crossings, but it was decided they would decrease the performance of the game too much.

(2.C.18) Does MSTS include ambient sounds, such as wildlife or wind sounds?

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

(2.C.19) Are the controls for each locomotive accurately depicted?

Yes. Each locomotive features a unique arrangement of controls, accurate to that locomotive.

(2.C.20) The tracks look very small when looking from within the cab. Is this accurate?

Yes. Although it does look small, you have to remember that not only are you suposed to be sitting several feet above the track, but the front of the train blocks much of the track right in front of you, so you can only see the track that is further away than you might otherwise expect.

(2.C.21) Are different types of brakes included (i.e. dynamic, emergency, etc)

Yes, different types of brakes, accurate to each locomotive, will be inlcuded.

(2.C.22) Will railroad crossing signals trigger realistically several seconds before the train crosses it, and will it shut off if you stop your train before the crossing?

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

(2.C.23) Are interchanges with other railroads included and operational? How do they work?

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

(2.C.24) Are cars and locomotives uniquely numbered?

No. When one model of a locomotive or car is depicted multiple times in Train Simulator, each one will have the same number. The number is just drawn onto the model's textures, and so each car of the same model will have the same number.

(2.C.25) Are turntables modeled and operational in MSTS?

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

(2.C.26) How bright will headlights appear? From what distance will we be able to see it? Will it be bright even in daylight?

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