The “Stable” version of is now at version 1.3. This will be the official release version until the next major one, which tends to occur at roughly yearly intervals. If you’ve been using the frequent “experimental” releases, you’re already running with all the features in 1.3, and the “experimental” branch will continue to add new features and bug-fixes as they’re developed instead of waiting for the major version roll-up.
Open Rails is a much more modern application than MSTS, and is quite capable of displaying at much higher resolutions, up to the capabilities of your computer’s graphics card. The most recent experimental versions since X3925 have included updates and bug fixes in the way that OR handles the view from 2D cabs and the way that it handles stretching and scrolling up and down in 2D cabs made for the original MSTS 4:3 aspect ratio. This has made a noticeable improvement in handling 4:3 cabs on today’s most common monitor aspect ratio of 16:9. Monitor technology is moving on, however, and ultra-wide displays are becoming more common for desktop setups. Open Rails handles them quite well, and delivers impressive visuals on them. An ultra-wide monitor, such as the fairly popular 3440 x 1440 size will give cinematic views in the outside cameras and work quite well with 3D cabs in full-screen mode.
The Route Editor application was designed to be WinForms program that runs on the PC, that takes the log file generated by RouteLogger and allows you to arrange locations into well known location. >I have been using Route editor quite much, but when I tested >Surveyor I thought like: WOW! When I first tried out the RE in MSTS, I placed a guy down, tried to turn him so he was facing the other direction, and he ended up on his head.
The trouble, however, is with 2D cabs, most of which have been designed for MSTS’ original aspect ratio of 4:3. When displayed full-screen in Open Rails in stretched mode, they’re too distorted to be usable on an ultra-wide monitor. In non-stretched mode, they’re too limited in the vertical dimension; you have to use the arrow keys constantly to move the view up and down to see the controls and then move back to look out the locomotive windshield to see the tracks and signals. It creates the effect of sitting with your nose either in the controls or pressed up against the windshield.
Fortunately, there is a workaround. Much like making MSTS cope with high resolution screens by changing the Windows desktop resolution, the same can be done for Open Rails, but without resorting to drastic downgrades to resolution which can cause blurry text and edges. First, make sure that your graphics card’s control options are set so that scaling is performed on the GPU, and the aspect ratio preference is set to maintain the original aspect ratio — not to stretch or fill the screen with the image. Then, use Windows’ Display Settings options to change to a resolution with a narrower (lower number) horizontal resolution — the first number in the combination — but that has the same vertical resolution — the second number in the combination. For instance, if the monitor’s native resolution is 3440 x 1440, you can change to 2560 x 1440 for a 16:9 aspect ratio or 1920 x 1440 for a 4:3 aspect ratio, without changing the vertical resolution and therefore no loss of image quality. The image will simply be a narrower viewing area set in between vertical black bars, or “pillarbox” mode, as it’s called when displaying traditional 4:3 images on modern high-definition televisions.
Similar resolution options are available on the smaller 2560 x1080 ultra-wide monitors; in such a case simply choose the narrower horizontal resolutions which still have 1080-pixel-high vertical resolutions. The one drawback to all this is that Open Rails doesn’t support user-selectable resolutions for full-screen mode, unlike most modern games. OR’s full-screen mode only runs at whatever resolution is selected for the Windows desktop, so you have to change Windows to your preferred resolution and then launch Open Rails, and change it back when you’re done. It’s not known yet if this can or will be changed in future releases of Open Rails. I’ve at least offered the suggestion; only time will tell if it’s a feasible addition or not. Microsoft Train Simulator is turning 15 years old, and it’s still going strong.
Not bad for software that’s officially listed by Microsoft as “unsupported” by Windows Vista and later versions. But it’s still possible to run it in Windows 10 on its own, and Open Rails will keep MSTS content alive for the foreseeable future. How far have we come?
Well, just for fun, here are a couple of screenshots. (Click the images to see the full versions.) The first is the original MSTS Marias Pass route, from the cab of the default Dash 9.Next is the same spot on Marias Pass 5 (A more modern re-worked version of the Marias Pass route) from a modern cabview of the Dash 9, and taken in Open Rails.Quite an improvement! A new Stable version of Open Rails (v1.1) is now available at the. The download link is here on.
This version adds several MSTS compatibility features, such as refilling steam locomotive tenders from water troughs between the rails, support for speed limits in temporary restricted speed zones in activities, better brake functionality, improved sound handling, better handling of cab lighting in tunnels (night mode switching), and more. There are also numerous improvements and additions to features specific to Open Rails, many persistent bugs fixed, and overall underlying improvements to the application code to allow for future development. If you haven’t tried Open Rails, or if v1.0 wasn’t quite close enough to an MSTS replacement for running trains, it’s well worth trying out this latest version. Note: Currently, there is an alternative route editor in independent development, but there is no replacement for the Activity Editor or other MSTS built-in editors yet.
Open Rails provides an vastly improved environment to operate trains in. Creating and editing MSTS content still requires the original MSTS toolset or other third-party tools. Beginning with Experimental version x.3369, it’s possible to clear trees appearing on the tracks in Open Rails. Not every route has this issue, but you’ll know it when you see it — Trees appear too close to the rails, in between the rails, in tunnel openings — anywhere a tree has no business being. If you run the same route in MSTS, the offending trees are nowhere to be found. So what’s going on?
When a route is built in the MSTS Route Editor, it’s possible to create “forest regions” — simple boundaries that define an area for trees to be automatically populated. If the tracks fall too close to, or even inside of, the boundaries of a forest region, MSTS will automatically suppress the trees that would intrude on the tracks. Open Rails doesn’t use the same method to separate trees from the rails, so some routes will display trees intruding on the tracks. Early attempts to apply an algorithm to find and suppress tree/track conflicts where a forest region intrudes on the tracks could remove the trees, but incurred a heavy impact on frame rates. A recent re-evaluation of the methods has finally resulted in a successful means to prune away errant trees without adversely impacting frame rates or causing any other problems with scenery objects.
Route Riter has been, and still is, the must-have utility for maintaining an MSTS installation. Mike Simpson, the author, stopped updating it with version 7.6.26. Another programmer and trainsim hobbyist convinced Mike to release the source code to him for continuing development. In itself, that’s not a bad thing. Unfortunately, a couple of bad things have subsequently happened. First, the follow-on version of Route Riter (7.7.x) initially garnered reports of installation problems and bugs. Second, the programmer who holds the source code became involved in some unpleasant and retaliatory behavior at Elvas Tower and TrainSim.
It very nearly caused Elvas Tower to shut down the forums. Since then, accusations have flown, bad behavior has blossomed, and in general a dark cloud has settled over the MSTS/Open Rails world.
Right now, as of the date of this post, the only version of Route Riter that is positively known by the trainsimming community to be reliable, simply through sheer numbers of satisfied users, is version 7.6.26. The download page for the newer version, not released by Mike Simpson, contains a “Buy Now” link for US $20.00.
The download, however is free. The current programmer apologized in a forum post that there was a problem with the web page’s shopping cart function. However, the problem has not been corrected yet.
Version 7.6.26 can be downloaded from Mike Simpson’s website. If Mike’s website or link ever goes away, the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine has cataloged the download. Here are two working links which will let you download Route Riter 7.6.26: Link 1, based on the latest version of Mike’s Site: Link 2, based on an older version of the site — which may compose better in your browser: Currently, I can only advise using version 7.6.26. Subsequent versions are NOT authored or supported my Mike Simpson, Route Riter’s original author. Subsequent versions have not been extensively tested in the trainsimming community, and, as such are not widely trusted.
Editorial Note: Route Riter version 7.6.26 and earlier is the work of Mike Simpson and no one else. Any DMCA-related claims pertaining to version 7.6.26 and earlier are solely in Mike Simpson’s hands. No other parties should be allowed to lay any claims to version 7.6.26 or earlier. With respect to version 7.6.26 and earlier, this website does not recognize any DMCA claims from any party other than its creator, Mike Simpson. Rights to subsequent versions may be held by other parties. This post does not link to any subsequent versions. The MSTS Roundhouse does NOT endorse any version of Route Riter beyond 7.6.26.
V1.0 is finalized and released. It’s a huge milestone to effectively say OR has met its initial set of goals. If you haven’t tried OR, now is the time.
It’s already capable of more than MSTS, and development isn’t pausing at all. There will be refinements and new capabilities to add; the experimental and unstable versions will continue to be offered for testing and evaluation.
Right now, Open Rails can do virtually anything that MSTS could ever do. Any remaining differences are minor.
Known bugs exist that will be addressed, but they’ve generally been found to be less significant or “edge cases”, in development terms, that typical operation won’t see effects of them. The “showstopper” bugs appear to be resolved. At this point, moving the focus beyond MSTS will allow more new approaches to old problems – and that alone may provide for ways that will both solve old remaining bugs and open up new capabilities. What’s in the future?
Not only further refinements and improvements in functionality, but now the editors and tools will come into closer focus over time. We already have basic path editing in the Track Viewer, the completely new and realistic Timetable Mode and the solid foundation for multi-player capability. Ideas are already circulating for how to achieve an MSTS-style activity editor and a route editor. And gradually, OR will grow beyond the MSTS “box” and into its own environment that will encompass MSTS content plus its own capabilities.
So, for anyone still wondering if there will ever be a train simulator to replace MSTS, it’s safe to say it’s here. Open Rails is ready and will continue to grow. Posted in, Post navigation.
Yes, I agree. I tried to make some modifications and got a stupid SMS file not found error. SMS is a sound found and I think something got deleted when I tinkered with with it.
I had to reload the whole game. However, I did find that installing new locomotives and rolling stock and making new consists are much more to my liking. I hear that when and if Train Simulator 2 ever comes out the editor will be much more user friendly. If you want to learn how to add new engines, change cabviews (not alter/edit), change sounds, build consist, and what not I'll be happy to explain it in simple terms.
I've got pretty well figured out for the most part. To change your train consist or make up new ones: 1) Change your screen resolution to 1024x768 or greater. 2) Start/Programs/Microsoft Games/Train Simulator/Train Simulator Editor and Tools. 3) Activity Editor. 4)File-Open-USA2-ACTIVITIES-itre1s1w1t1.act (this is your EXPLORE ROUTE trains) 5) On the right hand side you should see something called “player service.” If it’s blank open that drop down menu and select any one, it doesn’t matter which, or pick “ITR.” 6) Whatever choice you make then click Edit.
7) On the left side of the screen a new window will pop up and where it says “Consist” click “New” to make a new train or “Edit” to change an already made train. 8) Begin adding locos and cars. You can’t have any 'AI' (Aritficial Intelligence) locos or train cars in the lead.
It must be a player drivable loco to start, otherwise you’ll get error messages about cab views, etc. Also you can’t mix trains with couplers or break pipes that don’t match. Once you learn how to do this then it’ll be easier to add new downloads. HINT: If there isn't an icon next to the name of the loco it's probably and AI unit. 9) After saving your consist make sure it has a path. Just choose any default path if none are already Getting stuff from the interent: It's mainly do-it-yourself install.
Stuff you buy comes with it's own installer. When you download something save it to a file where you can find it, like MSTS downloads or something. Read those read mes that come with it. Sometimes instructions are differnt. Basically what you have to do is create a new folder in you TRAINS/TRAINSETS folder and then copy and paste your downloaded files into the new folder. Let's say you get a CSX DASH 9 you might create and name a folder that and put it's files in there. Then you might have to copy and paste your default dash 9's cabview and sounds folders to put in there.
I say might because some cabview and sounds are aliased. Aliased means you don't have to copy and paste the cabview and sound folders because in the.eng file there is a code telling it where to look for the cabview and sounds. Go see my thread on editing/replacing cabview and sounds. Sometimes downloads come with self-intallers but that's usually from professional developers/designers who have free download section to their website. I haven't bought software over the internet but I assume it's the same as if you bought it at the store. Downloads that come with self-installers that are available on free sites like www.train-sim.com and what not are very rare. Usually if you read enough read-me files you figure it out and get the hang of it.
That's it for now. I'll let you all digest that and come back with some more tips later. And if I got something wrong please let me (but please do it English or it's equivalant ;) ). Lets roll with this! Yes, I understand how the sim's are over and above e-mail. I started with Atlas Right Track Software. I had NMRA in Chattanooga, TN fax me 'Scenery &Operation in 5'x8' December 1970 RMC.
Then I transfered the track plan into the software by virtue of the fact that good 'ole Bill Shoppe used Atlas snap track and Snap Switches, and improvised with a #6 Custom Line Switch at Sheffield and routed an interchange track from the junction back to the yard, which brought a new dimension to the idea by default. Then I found out about 3rd PlanIt, at www. The presents of the opportunity to run a SD40 from the cab held a month of drive to be able to figure out the software.
Print these tutorials out as I did, with a black and white printer, no less, and punch holes to put the tutorial into a folder, a 49ct pocket type, to keep all this frustration from the rest of the world. Use a simple oval, then install a yard, then duplicate the yard to the other side of the layout. At any time, add scenery, terrain, mesh, textures, objects. Then get out one of the old fashion 'magazines,' like MR or 'Trains,' and follow up on the internet addresses to the simulator websites. I'll bet you wind-up on Planet Auran. The dedication to the seriousness of the hobby will impress you. The content creators which give you the engine downloads will give you courage to try more!
Then go to John D. Petersons www.alabamarailfan.com and see the MSTS version. Follow the links and I'm afraid of what might happen to the LHS after that!