At the time it was released, Microsoft Train Simulator was something new. Microsoft struck gold with their flight simulator series and they were hoping to do the same with thing trains. There have been a few different train sims over the years, but back in 2001 when this was originally released this was a fresh and new idea in the world of gaming.
All Aboard
The MSTS team is available by phone or email. General Inquiries +1-913-451-2400. Global Sales +1-205-729-6154. Schedule a 15-minute demo to experience the Credit as a Service. Discover Our Capabilities. Stockpile Science. A primary mission of the NNSS is to help ensure that the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile remains safe, reliable, and secure from our enemies. MSTS Mentored Research and Scholar Development Award. MSTS is now accepting applications for the 2021 Mentored Research and Scholar Development Program Award. The purpose of the new program award is to foster mentorship, to enhance collaborative research, and to facilitate career advancement for young MSTS Candidate/Associate/Full Members. Microsoft Train Simulator is a train simulator for Microsoft Windows, released in May 2001 and developed by UK-based Kuju Entertainment. It sold one million units worldwide by 2005. Discover Our Capabilities. Stockpile Science. A primary mission of the NNSS is to help ensure that the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile remains safe, reliable, and secure from our enemies.
I am trying to think about what the actual point of the game is. There is no what you could call a campaign here. Instead, you are tasked with doing various missions/things while you are in control of the trains. This can be coming to a stop at the right time, getting from a to b, or just hauling some freight. Trying to get the best rank on each one is what you are working towards.
Clearly, Microsoft Train Simulator is a game that is aimed at people who are train enthusiasts. I am not knocking those folks at all, but it is something I have not ever been interested in so to be fair I am sure much of the appeal of what makes this great is lost on me.
Traveling Around The World
There are a decent number of routes in the game and from the research my ignorant self did, people who are into this kind of thing seem to be happy with the level of authenticity that some of these routes have. You have routes in Japan, the USA, and the UK. I found the routes in Japan to be much more interesting and it was kind of fun to see the world go by as you were in control of one of these massing machines.You have many different trains available and from what I understand some are more accurate than others. Microsoft Train Simulator for me as someone who knows nothing about trains does have a very decent selection to drive. If you look around online, there is a dedicated community to this game that has made all kinds of interesting content. I feel if you get into the game you need to embrace that.
What Does That Button Do?
I know that simulator is in the title, but this was way harder than I thought it would be. You have a lot to take in and just keeping the train on the tracks is harder than you would think. Although, I will say when you do derail it is pretty fun and awesome. I wish the game had more personality, like actually being able to see people get on and off the train for example. The whole game has a very barebones kind of feel to it and for someone like me, I needed a bit of pizzazz to really get me invested.One thing I was shocked was so hard was stopping the train! This requires way more skill than you would think and it is not just a case of slamming on the breaks at the right time.
I must admit that Microsoft Train Simulator is not a game for me. You could write what I know about trains of the back of a postage stamp so I am clearly not the right audience for this game. Still, with that being said I do feel that there is a lot of content here. I did like driving the train through Japan and when I would nail a stop just right I felt pretty damn proud of myself.
Final Score
Pros:
- There are plenty of trains to drive
- The routes each have their own style to them
- Driving the trains is kind of cool once you get the hang of it
- The sound effects are very realistic
- There is a dedicated modding community that has created some cool stuff
Cons:
- You have to be into trains to get into this game
- There is not much excitement or flash to this game at all
This page features utilities, updates, enhancements, and tutorials for Microsoft Train Simulator. For other add-ons, including rolling stock, routes, and activities, see our Microsoft Train Simulator Contents Page.
| RailDriver - Drive your train simulator with realistic throttle, brake, reverser and switches. Works with Train Simulator 2020, Trainz, Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS), and computer driven DCC systems. |
AceIt v1.3.4 - Produces Kuju ACE format texture files from many common image formats; intended to be used as a replacement for the makeace and makeacewin tools; by Scott M. Miller (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 1893 KB)
Acela Express - Engine and Brakes Upgrade - Modified .eng file for the Acela which allows you to drive your train as fast as 500mph; by Georgi Ikonomov (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 6 KB)
Acela Modified Break Sounds - Modified airflow/ tankfill/ break sound for the Acela with lowered volume; by Jan Rasmussen (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 307 KB)
Activity Editor Q&A - Questions and answers for using the MSTS activity editor, in PDF format; compiled by Rich Garber (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 52 KB)
Activity Master - Gives users more control over all MSTS activities, including the weather, season, start time, and most importantly, all rolling stock (cars and engines) used in the activity; available for $14 from Skyline Computing
Adding Engines Tutorial - Tutorial for adding the numerous repaints of 3D Trains F7A Diesel to MSTS, in MS Word format; by Richard Lamp (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 17 KB)
Aliases for MSTS Cabview and Sound Directories v3 - Aliases to save space when adding new locomotives to MSTS; by Akira Yoshida and Tony Lonsdale (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 114 KB)
Aliases for MSTS F7A Cabview and Sound Directories - Aliases to save space when adding new locomotives to MSTS; by Jos Willebrand (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 8 KB)
BR Sound Effects v1.0 - Accurate sounds for the BR Class 37, 47, and 55 Deltic; by Tom Oliver (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 341 KB)
Class 37 Horn Sounds - For use with James Hunt's Class 37 diesel locomotive; by Gary Cox (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 85 KB)
Class 47 Horn Sounds - For use with James Hunt's Class 47 diesel locomotive; by Gary Cox (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 95 KB)
Columbia Falls Map - Layout of Columbia Falls showing all sidings and points (switches), in bitmap format; by Rob Weststrate (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 21 KB)
ConBuilder (latest version) - Utility for building and testing new MSTS consists; available on CD for $30 (US)
Conrail Logo Sheet - Conrail images to use in skinning Conrail locomotives and rolling stock, in Adobe Illustrator 3 EPS format; by Michael MacFall (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 35 KB)
Conv3ds Interface for MSTS - Standalone program for converting 3ds source files, requires no DLLs other than those already present in Windows (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 105 KB)
Convert .ace Files to Reworkable Formats - Text file explaining how to make a .bmp or .tga of an .ace file; by Daniel Mrawek (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 3 KB)
Cutbank Yard Map - Map showing switches and sidings in JPEG format; by Ron Peruit (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 59 KB)
Dash 9 Horn Sequence - Sequenced horn for the Dash 9 - long, long, short, long; be sure to backup your existing Dash 9 horn file before replacing it with a modified version; by Kyle (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 363 KB)
Departure Sound Modification - Replaces the 'okay to proceed' with a conductor whistle; by Patrick Klappich / Vladimir (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 97 KB)
Diesel Smoke Replacement - Replaces the default diesel locomotive smoke texture, by 3DTrains (Downloads from author's site - File size: 1413 KB)
EMD SD40 Sounds - Alternate EMD SD40 sounds for use with certain locomotive add-ons, originally released by Rob Easterday (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 2559 KB)
End of Train Markers - Enables markers in proper location and on AI trains; by Dennis Gauci (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 10 KB)
End of Train Markers for Select Passenger Cars - Also shows these lights when used with AI trains; by Dennis Gauci (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 33 KB)
EngMod v2.0 - Utility to modify the physics characteristics of default and add-on locomotives; by Derek Morton (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 2168 KB)
Exhaust Fix for GP38 Locomotive - Instructions for modifying inaccurate exhaust placement on the GP38 locomotive; be sure to backup your .eng file before making modifications
F7 Horn Kit - by Jim Edmiston (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 179 KB)
Fix for Constant Ditch Lights on GP38 - Instructions for disabling the constant ditch lights on the GP38 locomotive; be sure to backup your .eng file before making modifications
Flying Scotsman & Golsdorf Braking System Update - Basic Level - by Richard Dawson (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 12 KB)
Flying Scotsman & Golsdorf Braking System Update - Intermediate Level - by Richard Dawson (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 12 KB)
Fred Light Position Fix Coordinates - Includes all necessary information to place the flashing FRED lights in the correct position near the coupler for all the original US Freight cars that shipped with MSTS; by Steven Boese (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 75 KB)
Friction Calculations for Add-on Locomotives - Friction calculations for 14 additional locomotives based on the methods of Joseph Realmuto; by Bob Boudoin (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 2 KB)
Friction Values for MSTS - Modified .eng and .wag files for all MSTS rolling stock to give much more accurate values for train friction; included a simple program to enable designers of new and reskinned rolling stock to calculate the correct values; by Joseph Realmuto (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 271 KB)
GE Dash 9 40W .eng Files - 4000 horsepower GE Dash 9 6 axle .eng files for use in Dash 9 models; by Bob Boudoin (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 7 KB)
General Electric Loco Sounds - by Maple Leaf Tracks (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 3398 KB)
Genesis Locomotive Enhanced Lighting - Includes a readme file in MS Word format with installation instructions and details of the lighting changes; by Rob Easterday (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 6 KB)
Gotthard Route Map - Map of the Gotthard add-on route in PowerPoint format; by Uwe Springer (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 58 KB)
GP38-2 Dynamic Brake Sound Addition - Update for the .sms sound files; by Bill Mahan (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 932 KB)
GP38-2 Engine File - Modifies lit number plates, dim and bright driving lights, and non-flashing ditch lights; by Scott Borchardt & Matt Brewer (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 11 KB)
GP38-2 to a GP39-2 Upgrade - Engine physics updates to upgrade the included GP38-2 locomotive to a GP39-2 with the 12-645 engine which produces more power and uses less fuel; be sure to backup your existing GP38 files before making modifications (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 6 KB)
Hancock Air Horns - To be used with the NH Commuter Train found on this site in the Passenger category; NH signature in the 50s and 60s and lived on into the PC; by Chuck Schneider (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 343 KB)
Headlight fix for Acela and HHP-8 - Modification to the HHL and Acela *.eng files to correct the default light positions and colors; by David Chapman (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 10 KB)
Headout View Fix for Flying Scotsman Locomotive - Instructions for correcting problems with the left-side headout view on the Flying Scotsman locomotive; be sure to backup your .eng file before making modifications
HHP-8 Locomotive Sound Update - Modifed sound files for the Amtrak HHP-8 locomotive; by Don Aimer (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 143 KB)
Hisatsu Line Route Map - Map in MS PowerPoint format; by Gene Maisano (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 11 KB)
Hjorring-Aalborg Route Map - Route map in PowerPoint format; route available as a separate download from this site (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 46 KB)
Horn Sound Files for F7 Locomotive - Digital capture of a Leslie Single Chime airhorn; Reskin requires the New York Central F7 locomotive from 3dtrains.com; by Rob Easterday (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 979 KB)
Innsbruck - St. Anton Route Map - Map in MS PowerPoint format; by Gene Maisano (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 13 KB)
Innsbruck Map - Layout of Innsbruck and West Innsbruck showing all sidings and points (switches), in bitmap format; by Rob Weststrate (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 50 KB)
J-3 Empire State Express Whistle Fix - Allows short or long whistles; by Rob Easterday (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 188 KB)
K5LA Horn Recording - Correct horn for the Amtrak locomotives, and some of the freight; by Matt Donnelly (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 251 KB)
Light Update for Dash-9 - Fixes and adds some lights to the Dash-9 in MSTS; readme file details updates; by Marc Howell (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 9 KB)
Lighting Patches for the GP-38, SD-40, and Dash 9 Locomotives v1.1 - Corrects most of the major shortcomings of the original locomotives for the Marias Pass Route for MSTS; readme file contains detailed information of changes; by Rob Easterday and Steven Alexander (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 383 KB)
Locomotive Physics Update v3.0 - Physics changes and corrections to the GP38, SD40, SD50, SD60M, SD70M, SD80, SD9043, SD90, and AC4400 locomotives; based on actual performance data of the real world locomotives from GE and EMD and data found in the actual BNSF timetables and handbooks; be sure to backup your original .eng files before replacing them with modified versions; by Scott Borchardt (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 71 KB)
Locomotive Readme File Template - Template for creating readme files with instructions for installing locomotives; by Chris Caswell
Logbuch 1.0.0.2 - Tool to enter and print train orders for use with MSTS - in GERMAN; by DBASIxX (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 430 KB)
MakeACE Interface for MSTS - Standalone program for converting bmp or tga source files, requires no DLLs other than those already present in Windows (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 105 KB)
Marias Pass Route Map - Map in MS PowerPoint format; by Gene Maisano (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 18 KB)
Marias Pass Route Schematic - 6-page track schematic of the Marias Pass route, in MS Excel format (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 12 KB)
Marias Pass Whitefish Yard Map - JPEG reconstruction of overhead screenshots via the route editor; by Charles Burgess (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 424 KB)
Marias Pass Yard Maps - Yard maps in PDF format; by David Lee
Marker File For All UK Rail Lines - Edited from rrline e00 data; by J. Vizoso (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 177 KB)
Material List for MSTS v1.2 - Bitmap graphic to help in finding train content and create new skins; by Eric Turpin and Paul Philippe Casanova (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 638 KB)
MenuMod v1.2 - Improves Activity and Route Editor menus, by 3DTrains (Downloads from author's site - File size: 117 KB)
Microsoft Knowledge Base - Train Simulator - Microsoft's online knowledgebase of known problems and solutions for MSTS
Microsoft Train Simulator Update - Official MSTS update released April 2002, fixes numerous technical and operational issues; by Microsoft (Downloads from steam4me.net - File size: 7 MB)
MSTS Bin - Unofficial Microsoft Train Simulator upgrade features day and night cab texture switching, front and rear cab switching, front and rear light switching, and more (Downloads from author's site - File size: 4505 KB)
MSTS Help Files for Editors and Tools in Word Format - by James McKenzie (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 169 KB)
MSTS Keyboard Commands Cheater Card - Printable card to assist in remembering keyboard commands, in Excel and Bitmap format
MSTS Startup Logo Disabler - Simple instructions for disabling the MSTS startup sequence to speed the loading of the simulator; by Cage (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 1 KB)
MSTS Train Icons - Train icons for Microsoft Train Simulator; by Al Wheeler (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 28 KB)
NewRoads v4.0 - New road textures required by many add-on routes available at this site (Downloads from author's site - File size: 17 MB)
Northeast Corridor Route Analysis - Excel (7) format listing all the stations (size and number of platforms), their milepost position, express or through train options, and track configuration at each stage as well as advice notes; by Mike Hill (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 14 KB)
Northeast Corridor Route Map - Map in MS PowerPoint format; by Gene Maisano (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 16 KB)
Port Ogden and Northern Route Maps - Includes a general overall map of the route plus 8 location specific maps (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 551 KB)
Route Creation Help for MSTS (updated) - Help file for using the route editor, in PDF format; compiled by Rich Garber (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 803 KB)
Scale Gauges - Provides the exact dimensions of a piece of rolling stock in Microsoft Train Simulator; by Clem Tillier (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 128 KB)
SD40-2 Modified Sounds - An .eng file and sound folder with correct turbo sounds to be used with any EMD turbo loco - generated from Soundtrax diesel throttle system; by Andy Hockin (Downloads from author's site - File size: 6246 KB)
SD60M Physics Update v2 - .eng file replaces the original (SD60M by Del Ray Bascom et al.) to give SD60M specification values such as HP, MTE, and weight; by Bob Boudoin (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 8 KB)
Seam Eliminator Utility - Eliminates terrain seams caused by the import of alignment errors in merged DEM data; by Wes Downs (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 1426 KB)
Settle & Carlisle Analysis - Excel (7) format listing all the stations (size and number of platforms), their milepost position, express or through train options, and track configuration at each stage as well as advice notes; by Mike Hill (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 9 KB)
Settle & Carlisle Line Map - Layout of the complete Settle & Carlisle Line showing all sidings and points (switches), in bitmap format; by Rob Weststrate (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 130 KB)
Settle & Carlisle Route Track Plans - Set of track layout maps for every siding, yard, and lay-by; by Mike Hill (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 286 KB)
Settle-Carlisle Station Photos - Photos from Kirkby Stephen and Garsdale stations taken on 30 June 2001; by George Banks (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 60 KB)
Settle–Carlisle Structures - Photos of Ribblehead Station as depicted in MSTS; by George Banks (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 317 KB)
Shape File Fixer - Checks uncompressed S files for potential problems that may crash MSTS, then attempts to fix the file; by Paul Gausden (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 61 KB)
Shape File Manager Version 2.3 - GUI interface to the FFEDITC utility for compressing and decompressing shape files, by Paul Gausden (Downloads from author's site - File size: 12 KB)
Shape Viewer v2.2 build 237 - Viewer for Microsoft Train Simulator and Trainz model files; by By Paul Gausden (Downloads from author's site - File size: 3204 KB)
SNS: Simulator Naming Standard - Naming standard for Microsoft Train Simulator trainsets and consists; by Markus Freytag (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 6 KB)
Microsoft Train Simulator Download Full
Southern Pacific Horn - Sound files to replace the default GP-38 horn in MSTS (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 157 KB)
Mstsc Command
Spotter Cam Hack Version 2 - Update that allows the user to zoom the spotter cam (view #4) way out and view the train and surrounding areas from a distance; be sure to follow the included instructions carefully and backup any game files before replacing them with modified versions; by Pete Hawk (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 3 KB)
St. Anton - Innsbruck Route Analysis - Excel (7) format listing all the stations (size and number of platforms), their milepost position, express or through train options, and track configuration at each stage as well as advice notes; by Mike Hill (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 10 KB)
Steam Locomotive Bells v1.1 - Adds a bell to the Pacific and ESE steam locomotives (turn on and off with B key); by Andrew Styles (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 967 KB)
Steam Smoke Replacement - Replaces the default steam locomotive smoke texture, by 3DTrains (Downloads from author's site - File size: 418 KB)
SwitchList Generator - Creates new activities with new work orders (switch lists) from existing activity templates; available for $12 from Skyline Computing
Msts Routes
Thomas the Tank Engine & Gordon the Blue Express Engine Whistle Sounds - by Chris Eisner (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 117 KB)
Tokyo - Hakone Route Map - Map in MS PowerPoint format; by Gene Maisano (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 14 KB)
Tokyo-Hakone Route Analysis - Excel (7) format listing all the stations (size and number of platforms), their milepost position, express or through train options, and track configuration at each stage as well as advice notes; by Mike Hill (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 130 KB)
Trackmonitor (Semi-Transparent) - Semi-transparent track monitor replacement; by Alex Hall (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 232 KB)
Train Store v3.2 - Utility stores routes and activities efficiently so that MSTS does not read redundant information on startup; removes problem of too many consists, and improves start times with no MSTS configuration changes required; by Tony Formoso (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 4799 KB)
Train Store v3.22 - Contains bug fixes for v3.20; requires that previous version is first installed (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 947 KB)
Transparent Driver Aids - Replacement track, switch, and station monitors with transparent backgrounds; by Cytrain (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 115 KB)
TSUnpack-Fix - Solves a problem with incorrect registry entries that can cause TSUnpack to be unable to install packaged activities; by Thomas Tydal (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 4 KB)
Washington Map - Layout of Washington and East Washington showing all sidings and points (switches), in bitmap format; by Rob Weststrate (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 30 KB)
Whitefish Yard Map - Layout of Whitefish Yard showing all sidings and points (switches), in bitmap format; by Rob Weststrate (RailServe.com MSTS Download - File size: 38 KB)
XTracks 3.20 - Extra track sections for route developers, also required before using many add-on routes available at this site (Downloads from author's site - File size: 18 MB, or 30 MB for developer version)| Sponsored Links | Related RailServe.com Categories Search 19,000+ sites in all 180 categories! |