Train Simulation News Archive
OzzyRail Looking For Members Calling all Aussies! OzzyRail needs a few new train designers and object designers for a secret new route in development. They are also looking for a Public Relations manager for press releases, communicating with other VRs, advertisements etc. To apply go to http://www.planb.com.au/oz.
Harold Clitheroe Reviews Maple Leaf Tracks' "Kicking Horse Pass" Kicking Horse Pass, on the CPR Laggan Subdivision, is a challenging area in western Canada. In his review, Harold Clitheroe offers some history of the real route as well as examining the Train-Sim version. [More...]
Dream In Vision Announces Upcoming Add-Ons Dream In Vision has announced some MSTS add-ons they are working on, including "The Pioneers Of Steam Pack", animated/swaying wagons, classic American steamers and even the "Back To The Future" car. [More...]
North East Rail Opens The North East Rail is a new commuter company in the growing VR community. NER's main strategy is is to take portion of market in a non-aggressive way and to establish in the virtual transportation community as a synonimous of reliability and fair play. [More...]
Announcing American Classics - Train Sim Pack New from Train Artisan and Just Trains is American Classics - Train Sim Pack, a collection of steam and diesel locomotives from the New York Central of the 1930's and 1950's. Included also are 14 activities and authentic period rolling stock. [More...]
Trainz Service Pack 3 Announced In preparation for the upcoming Yardmaster module, Auran have announced that the next Service Pack for Trainz will provide scenarios, a new scripting language, Driver save function and support for longer/prototypical routes in addition to a variety of enhancements to existing features. [More...]
Euro Loco Pack Pre-Orders Now Being Accepted ChrisTrains has announced that JustTrains and Amazon.com are now accepting pre-orders for Euro Loco, a collection of locomotives for Microsoft Train Simulator. Also included is an authentic mix-car freight set. [More...]
Dream in Vision To Offer MSTS Add-ons Game developers 'Dream in Vision' have turned their attention to Microsoft Train Simulator and have a GE AC 6000 in development plus other locomotives to be announced. They also provide exposure to their artwork which can be purchased and have showcased some of their 3ds max work as well. [More...]
Sylium - Programs & Models Bank Opens A new site about 3D modeling has opened. The first product is a night train with sleeping cars offering very detail photoreal textures. [More...]
Railwaves.com Releases Sprinter Sound Package Now available from Railwaves.com is Sprinter Sound Package v1.0 with accurate simulations of sounds from the UK Class 150, 153, 155 and 156 Sprinter locomotives. [More...]
ChrisTrains NS Koploper v2.0 Released Available now for immediate download is the first SuperScale version of the Koploper. This rebuilt electric locomotive is available in four varients. [More...]
VNARC News VNARC, the Virtual North American RailRoad Company, now has their new forums open. They are still looking for additional members; one benefit of which is a vnarc.com email address [More...]
Announcing German Railroads Volume One Soon to be available is German Railroads Volume One, "Die Siebziger - Entlang der Bigge" which should be of interest to anyone who likes historic German railroads. It covers a 60 mile route around Lake Bigge and features highly realistic signals. [More...]
Trainz Paint Shed Now Available Available now from Auran, in a boxed or downloadable version is Trainz Paint Shed, an add-on for Trainz users that allows anyone to repaint and customize any of the included locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]
Euro Loco Contest Announced Trains-station.com and Justtrains.net have announced a contest where they will be giving away five copies of Euro Loco, an add-on pack for Microsoft Train Simulator that includes nine locomotives plus passenger and freight rolling stock. This product from Just Trains includes British, Dutch, German, Italian and French locomotives. [More...]
Capital Transit VR Opens Capital Transit Virtual Rail is now open, bringing passengers to Washington D.C. via the Northeast Corridor route. Its first custom railcar is now available for download and members are sought in a variety of positions. [More...]
Review: LMS Steam & Freight Fans of British steam era operations are sure to enjoy 3D Train Stuff's add-on LMS Steam & Freight for use with Microsoft Train Simulator. The package includes three locomotives and a variety of freight cars. [More...]
OzzyRail Updates Web Site OzzyRail has finished updating its web site. This web site is much more user friendly than the old single page version. Check it out... [More...]
Enhanced Track Audio Released Railwaves.com has released Version 1.2 of Enhanced Track Audio. This fixes all the problems reported with external sounds not working when travelling in reverse, and refines the flange squeal effect. This patch is free to download for all registered users, and is available from http://www.railwaves.com. Details of the upcoming product, UK Ambient Audio, can also be found on the site, along with information for commercial developers.
Virtual Canadian National Railway Now Open VCNR, the Virtual Canadian National Railway, is now open. Members of all types are currrently being sought. In addition, VCNR is especially in need of two skin designers and an activity engineer. [More...]
Abacus Announces Rail Yard Collection Coming soon from Abacus is the Rail Yard Collection, offering MSTS fans a collection with eight locomotives (diesel, electric and steam) and 24 pieces of rolling stock. [More...]
Review: Dekosoft WP GP-35 Recently released by Dekosoft, the Western Pacific GP-35 Collector's Edition includes several nicely detailed diesel locomotives at a very low price. The package includes three different locomotives along with a realistic cab. [More...]
Atlantic Coastal Railway News Big changes have taken place at Atlantic Coastal Railway (ACR), including a move of the web site to a new server and the addition of a new message board. Currently 175 active engineers are on the roster. [More...]
Announcing Bolzano - Brenner Route Trenomania.it has announced the release of a new Italian route. Though fictional, it is based on the real Bolzano - Brenner Pass in northern Italy. [More...]
Announcing UK Record Holders Of Steam The 3DTrainStuff team has recently grown to 18 members and has under development a number of projects for both Microsoft Train Simulator and Auran Trainz. Now ready to announce is UK Record Holders of Steam a collection of some of the faster steam engines of all time. [More...]
Announcing VNARC Founder Sami Nasr has announced the opening of VNARC, the Virtual North American RailRoad Company. This virtual railroad, which operates both passenger and freight equipment, is looking for members in all capacities. [More...]
OzRail Changes Name To OzzyRail After much discussion OzRail has changed its name to OzzyRail. [More...]
TsTools v1.2 Now Available TsTools v1.2 is now available offering additional functionality for route designers included free placement bitmap feature, bitmap reference, ability to delete background images and others. [More...]
Australian Virtual Railway Opens Calling all Aussies! The first Australian Virtual Railway (OzRail) is opening. There are lots of positions available. Check out the web site here.
ChrisTrains NS Buffel Released The ChrisTrains NS Buffel v1.0 has been released. It has full smooth shading, working custom cabview modelled based on the real thing and a passenger view also based on the real thing. Full details at www.christrains.com. Download available from www.msts.nl
Dekosoft Announces Collector's Editions Sets Artist Nalle Centergran has joined the Dekosoft team and will help launch the Collector's Edition models, starting with the EMD GP35 locomotives of the Western Pacific. These silver, orange and black diesels feature extra care and superdetailing. [More...]
Virtual BNSF Web Site Temporarily Down VBNSF has asked us to notify people that their web site is temporarily down while it is being worked on.
Abacus Updates Route Builder Tutorial Abacus has announced an update to: Step By Step Guide To Route Building, a 190 book offering a tutorial on route design. The update is a free download for registered users of the previous version. [More...]
Superscale NS1200 v2.1 Available An updated version of the first Superscale model out of the ChrisTrains stable is now available for download. This release includes the superscale skins for the ACTS and VOS derivatives of the locomotive, as well as new smooth shading technique which means nicely rounded noses. [More...]
TsTools Tutorial Now Available Now available for TsTools users is a tutorial written by Graham Pitt that offers insight into getting started with terraforming using TsTools. [More...]
Review: Trainz Auran's Trainz is now available in both a boxed and a downloadable version. Reviewers Matt Peddlesden and James Hunt take a close look at what it offers including all three of the currently available modules. [More...]
VRamtrak has now changed their name to P & W VR. Than name change was to make our VR different. The VR site is still going the same as it was when it was called VRamtrak. We are going to add more things, and if you check the site out you will see new and improved things. The address is the same, as it was when it was called VRamtrak. The site is now open so come and sign up.www.vamtrak.8m.com
TsTools 1.1 Now Available DCM, an independent group of MSTS enthusiasts, has released version 1.1 of TsTools - a utility for MSTS route designers with advanced mapping and topographic functions. This version includes all previous patches and bug fixes and introduces a new three level licensing structure. [More...]
Virtual BNSF Happenings Virtual BNSF Railway is taking a lot of new ideas and making them happen. Things like new routes are just part of what's going to be coming to the VR. [More...]
North West Trains Route Now Available On CD Designer Gerald Morris has announced that his North West Trains Route is now available on CD-ROM to anyone in the UK, USA or New Zealand. Details on how to order can be found at http://nwtrains.org/routecd.htm
TsTools 1.01 Now Available DCM, an independent group of MSTS enthusiasts, has released version 1.01 of TsTools - a utility for MSTS route designers with advanced mapping and topographic functions. This version offers excellent terraforming results from both contour and DEM data and adds support for compressed tar.gz SDTS files. [More...]
VRamtrak Reopens Train-sim users interested in participating in a virtual passenger railroad can now join VRamtrak and move passengers across the US and Canada. [More...]
Microsoft Train Simulator Patch Released An official patch has just been released by Microsoft, for the U.S. English language version only. Before downloading, you might want to check our message forums to check other peoples' experiences with the new patch. Or to download it now, click here. Microsoft's official Train Simulator web site has more information.
ChrisTrains Releases Superscale Model The first Superscale model out of the ChrisTrains stable is now available for download. This is a heavily remodelled version of the original NS1200 train. A lot of changes to the model itself and a 4x increase in the texture fidelity make up an entirely new model.(Note: Cabview with fully working controls will appear in the v2.1 release.) [More...]
Announcing ITLVSim Now available is a freeware 3D Italian railroad simulator, "La Vecchia Stazione". [More...]
DCM Announces Plans For Landscape Design Studio Landscape Design Studio is the realisation of many years of work in the simulation scenery design field and will offer innovative scenery design techniques combined with DCM's mapping and terrain generation experience. [More...]
Announcing German Railroads The company Freudenreich & Tollknaepper have announced a new series of add-ons for the Microsoft Train Simulator. Planned are various routes within Germany covering several time periods. [More...]
Virtual BNSF Set To Reopen VBNSF has announced that they have obtained their own domain name and will be reopening with a new web site on January 26th. [More...]
ProTrain Availability Many people who wished to purchase ProTrain after reading our review had problems with the German language only order site. ProTrain is now available from another source, which handles both German and English. [More...]
Op-Ed: My Experience with the Train-Sim Community Jake Kulik shares his experiences as a fledgling designer, as his first design brings him together with other members of the train-sim community. [More...]
Review: Modern Tehachapi Pass Route Developer's Edition The Modern Tehachapi Pass Route -- Developer's Edition from 3D Train Stuff accurately depicts the famous Southern California loop from Bakersfield to east of Mojave. Though it does not include highly detailed scenery it still makes for a good railroading challenge for anyone interested in American freight railroading. [More...]
Train Sim Modeler Released Now available from Abacus is the boxed version of Train Sim Modeler, their easy to use software for creating 3D models including locomotives, rolling stock and scenery objects. This utility is based on the popular FS Design Studio utility long used by flightsim designers. [More...]
Train Artisan Announces Upcoming Releases Coming soon from Train Artisan is their EMD F7 locomotive trainsets. First up will be the Santa Fe Super Chief. Included will be an overhauled model and cab plus new sounds. Also in the works is a VIA passenger car. [More...]
Spanish Team Releases Estrella The Spanish Train Simulator Designers Team has announced the release of a new MSTS add-on, the RENFE 10.000 "Estrella" passenger wagons. [More...]
Review: Trainz First Impressions Pete Higginbotham shares his findings on Auran's Trainz, based on a quick look at the just released demo version. Even within the limitations of the demo he finds Trainz quite impressive. [More...]
Op-Ed: The Train-Sim Community Robert Murphy looks at the train-sim community, as seen by members actions in online forums, and thinks there is room for improvement...people should consider all the value they get for free from web sites and freeware developers and maybe appreciate that a bit more. [More...]
Trainz Demo Available For Download Strategy First and Auran have just announced the availability of a downloadable demo for their upcoming rail simulator Trainz. The 55 meg download is available from the Strategy First web site now. [More...]
Review: ProTrain One of the first commercial add-ons for Microsoft Train Simulator, ProTrain takes you to the scenic Rhein Valley region of Germany. ProTrain is a complete add-on package, with some 400 km of track to run on, several complete trains (locomotives, cabs, cars) and a matched set of activities. [More...]
Route Control Released New from How in the World? is Route Control, an MSTS utility that saves disk space and stop crashes by checking for problems in activity and consist files. [More...]
Review: eDimensional's Wireless E-D Glasses Add an additional dimension to your simming by using eDimensional's Wireless E-D Glasses. Compatible with FS2002, Microsoft Train Simulator and many other sims and games, our reviewer Alan Frerocious found that once you get past the initial setup, these glasses really work! [More...]
Railwaves.com Opens Web Site Formerly known as Pterodactyl Audio, Railwaves.com has opened their new web site, offering online ordering via PayPal of their products including Enhanced Track Audio, which has now been upgraded to v1.1. This upgrade gives better external track effects, as well as the ability to add point crossing sounds to any route. [More...]
TsTools Beta 2 Now Available DCM, an independent group of MSTS enthusiasts, has released beta 2 of TsTools - a utility for MSTS route designers with advanced mapping and topographic functions. This pre-release version already offers excellent terraforming results from both contour and DEM data. [More...]
Just Trains Autumn Survey Winners Announced Just Trains, a new division of leading simulation publishers Just Flight, recently called for train fans to let them know what new things they would like to see in Train Simulator in the coming months. Entrants had the chance to win a deluxe 15" LCD flat-screen monitor or one of a dozen other prizes. We are now pleased to announce the prize winners. [More...]
Announcing Train Sim Activity Pack Created by Lago and published by Just Trains, Train Sim Activity Pack includes over 30 challenging new activities to test your train operating skills. Each activity includes a story to set the tone and comprehensive documentation is included. [More...]
Microsoft Train Simulator Nominated For Game Of The Year Among the nominees for the GameSpy 2001 Game of the Year Awards is Microsoft Train Simulator. Voting for the awards is done by fans and you can place your own vote here.
DEM Tutorial Now Available New from Richard Garber, author of the Train Sim Activities tutorial published by Abacus, is DEM Tutorial, a low cost downloadable tutorial that will teach the use of Digital Elevation Modeling in train-sim route design. [More...]
Auran Releases Trainz Community Edition Although Auran's Trainz simulator will not appear in stores until February, a limited number of copies of the "Community Edition" can be purchased online right now. This is a complete version of Trainz, with any changes occuring before the February boxed version release to be made available as free upgrades. [More...]
NS Trainstation Updates Routes In just a few weeks NS Trainstation will release an update for the IJsellijn. It's not really an update because the route was rebuilt all over again. The 'update' is now more realistic because of improvement in scenery, tracks, activities, etc. Everyone who already ordered and paid for the route will receive the 'update' for free. Anyone who will buy the IJsellijn for the first time can get the improved Ijsellijn for a reduced price. More info at: www.msnusers.com/NSTrainstation and look at update about the updates! NS Trainstation is also very busy with a big update for all the other routes.
Columbus Locomotive Works Closes CLW has announced that they are temporarily suspending operations, and halting new product development and availability of existing add-ons. [More...]
Spanish Team Announces Two Releases The Spanish Train Simulator Designers Team has announced the release of their first two add-on locomotives, the RENFE 276 Talgo and the RENFE 276 UN. [More...]
Announcing eDimensional E-D Glasses New from eDimensional are the E-D Glasses offering full 3D support for Microsoft Train Simulator and Flight Simulator, as well as many other games and sims. Using the glasses and special driver software sims can be run with true stereoscopic 3D. [More...]
Auran Releases Free BB15000 Locomotive For MSTS Now available for download from Auran's web site is their latest freeware locomotive for Microsoft Train Simulator. This time it's the French BB15000 electric locomotive, featuring an animated pantograph and completely new cab interior. [More...]
Train Sim Modeler Released Now available from Abacus is the downloadable version of Train Sim Modeler, their easy to use software for creating 3D models including locomotives, rolling stock and scenery objects. This utility is based on the popular FS Design Studio utility long used by flightsim designers. [More...]
TsTools Special Offer Available DCM, an independent group of MSTS enthusiasts, has announced the development of TsTools - a utility for MSTS route designers with advanced mapping and topographic functions. A special pre-release purchase offer is now available. Also, a beta version can be downloaded and evaluated. [More...]
Announcing Step-by-Step Guide to Train Sim Activities Abacus/TrainSimulatorWorld have just released this new guide book to creating MSTS activities. The book is written by Richard Garber who is well known for his add-ons, and is available as a downloadable PDF book. [More...]
ChrisTrains Updates There are quite a few new add-ons available from ChrisTrains, including the NS Plan-U diesel, new Sprinter paint schemes, new NS1200 locos and much more. [More...]
Romantic Rhinevally Released New from WEB Blue Sky Interactive is Pro Train - Part 1 "Rhine-Valley-Track Cologne - Frankfurt", offering MSTS users the ability to run through one of the most beautiful areas of Germany. Visit their web site for full details.
Auran Announces 3rd Party Guidelines Auran has just released information on content creation for their upcoming Trainz simulator. Auran will publish as public domain their internal file formats and is working with other companies to support 3D design programs. [More...]
Announcing Enhanced Track Audio Version 1 Pterodactyl Audio announces their first MSTS add-on: Enhanced Track Audio, a digitally recorded set of sounds to make travelling along typical British 60 foot jointed rails more authentic. [More...]
Announcing TsTools DCM, an independent group of MSTS enthusiasts, has announced the development of TsTools - a utility for MSTS route designers with advanced mapping and topographic functions. Initial release is planned for around New Years. The group also now has a support web site open. [More...]
Atlantic Coastal Railway Announces New Service The Atlantic Coastal Railway, a virtual railway using MSTS to run on the Northeast Corridor between Philadelphia and Washington DC, has announced a new E-ticket system. [More...]
Spittler Engineering Releases BNSF 2098 Spittler Enginnering announces the release of their first add-on for MSTS, BNSF 2098, a replacement for the default GP38-2 with greatly improved textures and many additional details. Their new web site also offers tips for other developers and also on taking screen shots. [More...]
LTV-EMC Release Date Set Abacus has announced that its second MSTS add-on, LTV-EMC Trainset will be released on November 12. This collection recreates the railroad of the LTV Steel Mining Company and includes F9's, RS-11's and GP-20's. [More...]
New Christrains Updates There's been a few changes to some of the NS trains this weekend. Firstly, the Plan-U, a diesel predecessor to the Plan-V and Plan-T is now available. Next, there's two new color schemes available for the Sprinter. One is the failed Sprinterliner service, the other is the new NS paint scheme that is going to be introduced in 2003. There's also a new color scheme for the IRM Regiorunner available, which is the 2006 repaint into NS interCITY colours. Finally, the Citypendel has been updated so that the doors are correctly yellow, instead of grey as they were in the first version. For info go to www.christrains.com and to download go to www.trainstation.cjb.net
Microsoft And Trains.com Photo Contest There is still time to enter the photo contest being sponsored by Microsoft and Trains.com, challenging enthusiasts to photograph BNSF Dash 9 #4723, either in real life or via MSTS screen captures. Contest prizes include PC's, Microsoft games, a model Dash 9 #4723 and more.
Review: Climax 0-4-4-0T Locomotive: The needs of the logging industry resulted in the development of some rather different types of steam locomotives. The Climax is one of these types and in this review Michael McReynolds looks at the Shantytown Climax 1203 "Patrick" created by Barry Munro (aka "Captain Bazza"). Learn all about it here.
Announcing ronaldus.com, a new web site supporting development of a new MSTS route "A Small World", plus rolling stock, maps and a large collection of photos of real world models. [More...]
Virtual BNSF Web Site Down VBNSF has asked us to announce that their web site will be down for about a week while they do some rebuilding.
Trainz Publisher And Release Announced Strategy First, a fast growing publisher of PC games, has signed with Auran to publish and promote Trainz. The full boxed version of Trainz is now scheduled for Q1 2002 release. [More...]
Dekosoft Releases GP-15 Pro Edition Dekosoft announces the release of their GP-15 Pro Edition, available for download in three liveries at a low price. Also announced is a cushioned steel coil car. [More...]
Columbus Locomotive Works Releases EMD GP30 CLW has just announced the release of their EMD GP30. The locomotive is available in a wide variety of popular liveries. It's also ultra-detailed, includes authentic sounds, special lighting effects, and more. [More...]
Columbus Locomotive Works Releases Alco PB CLW has just announced the release of an Alco PB diesel unit, as a companion to their previously released PA diesels. The PB is now available for download in two liveries. [More...]
Auran Ships MSTS Add-On Auran has announced that their first add-on for MSTS, USA and Canada Add-On Pack is now shipping. This package includes a variety of classic North American locomotives in various liveries. [More...]
Zurcher Unterland Route Released Designer Daniel Mrawek announces the release of his Unterland Route for MSTS, now available for download at his web site. The route is for commuter trains, intercities, local and freight trains. [More...]
Columbus Locomotive Works Releases Alco PA CLW is the builder of freely downloadable diesel and electric locomotives for Microsoft Train Simulator. Their latest release is the Alco PA passenger diesel locomotive, now available in four liveries. [More...]
NS Trainstation New Routes NS Trainstation are now producing updates for their four existing routes. The first update will be for the Schiphollijn. This month the Hanzelijn will be released. The Hanzelijn will be running from Zanvoort to Lelystad and will continue to Dronten and Kampen (this is a route that will be built in 2005 by the NS and the Dutch goverment) and the route will continue to Zwolle and Meppel and from there you can switch to Groningen or Leeuwarden.
Announcing the Virtual Illinois Central Railway, scheduled to open on Saturday October 6, 2001 and in need of more employees. Some of the jobs available are vice president, director of fleet operations, dispatcher, and engineers. [More...]
Announcing NEC Freight Lines NEC Freight Lines is a shorthaul freight operation serving the Northeast Corridor, utilizing GP38-2's in distinctive company colors and using activities created by the NEC Trackteam. [More...]
Virtual BNSF Looking For More Personnel VBNSF is looking for a hard working and determined President and Vice President to run Virtual Conrail, another VR recently bought out. If you are interested in getting actively involved in running a virtual railroad contact them at this email address: virtualbnsf@hotmail.com
Empire State Express Released. TrainArtisan.com has just released the complete Empire State Express 2.0 package, which includes the J3a Hudson streamlined steam locomotive, two different fully rendered cab views with animated controls, six stainless steel passenger cars, activities and even an additional bonus locomotive. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Tehachapi Pass Route A new MSTS route is now available from 3D Train Stuff. The Modern Tehachapi Pass Route -- Developer's Edition accurately depicts the famous Southern California loop from Bakersfield to east of Mojave, but in a low detail version. [More...]
Abacus Announces Route Builder Tutorial Abacus has announced another MSTS product: Step By Step Guide To Route Building, a 190 book offering a tutorial on route design. They have also release updated information on previously announced products. [More...]
Columbus Locomotive Works Releases GG-1 Texture Pack CLW is the builder of freely downloadable diesel and electric locomotives for Microsoft Train Simulator. Their first, the GG-1 electric trainset, complete with locomotive and 1930's era heavyweight cars, is now available for download and they have just released additional textures for it for PRR, PC, Amtrak, NJ DOT and Conrail. [More...]
Cumbres And Toltec VR Is Now Hiring After many months of planning and preperation, the staff feels comfortable hiring. The staff not only needs engineers, but there are jobs available for all interests, including yard master and hostlers. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic VR is a virtual history lesson. Running at least two K class steamers across the majestic San Jauns, it is a first in the world of VR's. Interested? Visit candtsvr.netfirms.com
Valley Railway Route Released Niall Wallace has annouced the release of the final version of his Valley Railway route for MSTS. This 2.5 mb Public Domain download is now available from his web site. [More...]
Announcing Train-sim.dk Connection Railways and DSB Design Team are now part of Train-sim.dk, a general interest train-sim site available in either English or Danish. [More...]
Announcing Livewire Railways Branching out from virtual airlines, Livewire VA has announced the formation of a subsidiary, Livewire Railways. By using the VA's resources, they plan to create the most detailed virtual railroad possible. [More...]
Microsoft Releases Updated Tools Microsoft has just released updated versions of MakeAce.exe and Conv3ds.exe which hopefully will allow for the creation of cabs along with easier creation of other new objects, including locomotives. Visit the main Microsoft Train Simulator web site for information, or download the update directly here (5.02 mb).
Just Trains Autumn Survey Just Trains, a new division of leading simulation publishers Just Flight, is calling for train fans to let them know what new things they would like to see in Train Simulator in the coming months. This is your chance to have a real influence in the type of products you would like to play with! Enter your choices in the survey and have a chance to win a deluxe 15" LCD flat-screen monitor or one of a dozen other prizes. [More...]
V-gamar.net Announces Train Trainer 1.0 V-gamar.net is offering a free 3D game that teaches the basics of train driving. It features 3D modelling, controllable camera views and more. [More...]
Simactu.com Publishes MSTS Review Just published at Simactu.com is a complete French language review of Microsoft Train Simulator. Included are over 30 screen shots [More...]
Abacus Announces Three Products Abacus has released information about its first three train-sim products. TS Design Studio will be available late fall in a download version. LTV-Erie Mining Co. Railroad Trainset is a collection of locomotives and cars that will be available late September. TS RoundHouse is a wide-ranging collection of add-ons that will be available mid-September. [More...]
Announcing Rails Across America Rails Across America is a game of railroad empires in North America, covering the period from 1830 to the near future. It is a real-time strategy with a "sim" flavor. Rails allows hundreds of tracks with thousands of trains crossing the continent. Players must focus on strategic decisions. [More...]
NS Trains Released Chris Longhurst announces that v1.0 of all NS trains are now available for download. Included are the Class 1200 and 1800 plus intercity coaches. [More...]
Train Artisan Offers Design Tutorial #3 Part 3 The third--and biggest yet--in a series of tutorials that teach the basics of design using 3D Studio Max is now available. This latest part shows how to build the interior of the cab, and also covers building wheels and bogies from scratch. The goal of the series is to teach how to scratch build a fully working locomotive for MSTS. This tutorial will focus on basic modeling techniques.
Kalispell And Marias The Virtual Railroad Opens The Kalispell And Marias is a new virtual railroad that is looking for additional members. Visit their web site for more information. [More...]
Kalispell & Marias to Change Name The Atlantic Coastal Railway's Kalispell subsidiary is undergoing name and other changes. For the latest on this virtual freight carrier read here.
SirCam Virus Info: Judging by my incoming email a lot of train-simmers seem to have been hit by this virus, which looks through your PC for email addresses and sends out messages with large file attachments. The past few days 2/3rds of my incoming email has been a result of this. If you have it and want to know what to do about it, or just want information to avoid the problem please go here:
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sircam.worm@mm.html
Announcing Amtrak Virtual Railroad Amtrak Virtual Railroad announces that their new site will be opening soon and will include an easier to read color scheme and more features. For more information click here.
Win A Ride On The Flying Scotsman Microsoft UK is running a contest in which the winner and a guest gets a ride and behind the scenes tour of the Flying Scotsman. [More...]
Steam Locomotive Driving Tutorial Available As an addition to his steam firing tutorial, David Etheridge has now written a tutorial on the proper way to drive a steam locomotive. Both tutorials are included in our MSTS FAQ. For more on steam operations, read here.
Al Krug's Home Page Maybe not the most interesting web site title, but several people have recommended a visit to this site run by an active BNSF engineer. You'll find some interesting photo essays, railroad facts and more. [More...]
Stephenson Rocket Released Go back to the early days...the really early days of steam trains with the Stephenson Rocket locomotive and train set just released by designer Joseph Spinella. [More...]
Microsoft Releases Route Editor FAQ Additional help is now available for people designing MSTS routes in the form of a new FAQ ("frequently asked questions") section at Microsoft's official MSTS web site. Other additions to the main site have been announced as well.
New British Steam Available Designer Tim Booth has released a MSTS version of the GWR 57xx Class 0-6-0 pannier tank locomotive number 5763. This 1930's era British steam locomotive is available for download now.
Abacus Announces TS Design Studio Long known for their extensive line of flightsim add-ons, Abacus moves into the train-sim world with the tool that designers have been waiting for: a complete and affordable 3D design package for creating cars, locomotives and scenery objects. TS Design Studio will be available this fall in both regular and commercial versions. [More...]
Auran EMD DD40X Available For Download Auran has released their first add-on for MSTS, the Union Pacific DD40X "Centennial" locomotive. This giant EMD product is now available for free download. Auran has also announced their first commercial MSTS add-on USA and Canada MSTS Add-on Pack with a selection of locomotives.
VBNSF Virtual Railroad Needs Additional Employees The Virtual BNSF is a virtual railroad created to give railroad fans the realism of real railroad operations. They are currently in need of additional employees to help out sorting and going through logs properly so they can get a perspective on each employee's skills. [More...]
MSTS Buddy v1.3 Released MSTS Buddy is a utility to make installation of add-ons easier. It features a random consist generator, a graphic preview of the engine or car, a function that checks to make sure that consist or activity references are valid, a car import wizard and the ability to print out briefings.
Announcing Railroad Tycoon II Platinum GodGames has announced that they will publish Railroad Tycoon II Platinum, developed by PopTop Software. This special edition will combine the strategy-simulation Railroad Tycoon II, the expansion pack Railroad Tycoon II: The Second Century, the official 200 page guide plus 50 new scenarious and a soundtrack. [More...]
3DTrains Releases F7A Now available for immediate download is 3DTrains EMD F7A. This classic diesel locomotive is in a colorful Burlington Northern green and white livery and is a sample for their soon to come commercial release that will include B units, full sounds, cabview, etc.
F7A Additional Skins Available Too In conjunction with 3DTrains F7A release, Aluminum Cloud has released a number of additional F7A skins, including Pennsylvania Railroad, Erie Lackawanna, Denver & Rio Grande Western and Seaboard Coast Line.
AVROUK is an organisation focusing solely on UK virtual railway operations, rolling stock and route design and aims to bring the UK train-sim community together to create the best hobby for all. The site has existed for over a month now and has many of the countries best designers and operators as members. [More...]
Op-Ed: Train-Sim vs Model Railroading. In this op-ed article, Robert Murphy offers his top ten reasons why Microsoft Train Simulator is better than model railroading. [More...]
Microsoft And Trains.com Announce Contest. Today at the National Train Show in St. Louis, Microsoft and Trains.com announced a contest challenging enthusiasts to photograph BNSF Dash 9 #4723, either in real life or via MSTS screen captures. Contest prizes include PC's, Microsoft games, a model Dash 9 #4723 and more.
Empire State Express Released. If you've been waiting for an American steam engine to use with MSTS your wait is over. TrainArtisan.com has launched its web site and first release, the Empire State Express J3a Hudson locomotive. It's now available for free download. [More...]
Because of their recent release of Train Dispatcher 3, Signal Computer Consultants has decided to make Train Dispatcher 2 Railroad Simulation Program free to the general public. You can download a free copy of Train Dispatcher 2 here.
Japanese company Pony Canyon Inc. appears to be the first to offer a hardware add-on for train simulators, with their Master Controller II, modeled after the engineer's station of Yamate line trains. [More...]
EuropeanBahn Model-Express is an e-magazine for European train nuts. In it you can find info on both real and model railways, covering most countries of Europe. Also available is a CD version with articles, pictures, live video clips, etc. As an exclusive offer for Train-Sim.Com members, free access to the entire content is now available for a limited time. [More...]
Auran has announced their intention to provide content support for Microsoft Train Simulator. A conversion utility will be released that will allow Auran's Trainz models to be used with MSTS. [More...]
TrainMaster 4.05 has just been released. The update is available as a free download to current owners or as a low cost CD-ROM for those who want to avoid the lengthy download time. The update fixes a number of problems in the original release. [More...]
Signal Computer Consultants has just announced the release of Train Dispatcher 3 and Track Builder 3. This latest version of their railroad dispatcher simulator has been designed to meet the requirements of a major Class I railroad and includes many new features suggested by users of previous versions. [More...]
New from Japan is Boso View Express or BVE, a freeware 3D train-sim that features quality sound, accurate train physics and the ability to create your own tracks. [More...]
SimSig, the railroad signalling simulation, announces the beta release of SimSig Didcot, the second available route. [More...]
Train Engineer is now available from Abracadata as freeware. This older software includes layout design and train operation from the engineer's viewpoint. Their Design Your Own Railroad is also now available for download as freeware.
Restored from the Train-Sim.Com archive, captured June 6, 2002. About this archive.