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Train-Sim.Com Microsoft Train Simulator FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About MSTS

Can't find what you're looking for in the FAQ? Then try asking the experts in our

Any suggestions/comments should be sent to the FAQ maintainer, Nels Anderson, at

1. GENERAL QUESTIONS

1.1 What is Microsoft Train Simulator?
1.2 Are future versions planned?
1.3 What are the requirements for MSTS?
1.4 Is an Apple compatible version planned?
1.5 Who developed Microsoft Train Simulator?
1.6 Is there a "strategy guide" available?
1.7 Are any patches coming out for the sim?
1.8 Why is the headlight (Mars light) on some locos flashing left and right?

2. BASIC QUESTIONS

2.1 What routes are included?
2.2 What locomotives are included?
2.3 Can I save my game in the middle of an activity?
2.4 Can I change the game speed and/or pause it?
2.5 Is it multiplayer compatible?
2.6 Can I ride the train as a passenger?
2.7 Are external views available while driving the train?
2.8 Did any railroads participate in the game's development?
2.9 How does the track-side view work?

3. OPERATIONS QUESTIONS

3.1 Can you couple/uncouple cars yourself, or is it done by the sim?
3.2 Can you throw switches youself, or is it done by the sim?
3.3 How will you know distances when backing up or making up a train?
3.4 Can you use a joystick with MSTS?
3.5 How do I make the GP38 bell stay on?
3.6 Why do the Dash 9 brakes release early?
3.7 How do I make the GP38-2 throttle work properly with 8 notches?
3.8 Can I get a head out the window view on diesels?
3.9 How to I refuel a diesel locomotive?
3.10 What does "self lap" mean as it applies to brakes on the train?
3.11 Is it possible to change the locomotive you are driving from?
3.12 Why do I keep getting activity over broken couple in the Marias Pass Route?
3.13 What is the good of the dynamic brakes?

4. STEAM OPERATIONS

4.1 How Do I Properly Fire A Steam Locomotive (Steam Fireman Tutorial)?
4.2 How Do I Properly Drive A Steam Locomotive (Steam Engineer Tutorial)?

5. REALISM QUESTIONS

5.1 Can you select different levels of difficulty?
5.2 What signalling system(s) are included in MSTS?
5.3 Can you have random system failures in your locomotive during your run?
5.4 Can tracks appear unused and weed covered?
5.5 Does the game include train stations?
5.6 Does the game include Maintenence of Way (MOW) equipment?
5.7 Is there traffic at grade crossings?
5.8 Can you see animals near the tracks?
5.9 Are people included in the game?
5.10 Does MSTS include ambient sounds, such as wildlife or wind sounds?
5.11 Are the controls for each locomotive accurately depicted?
5.12 Can you derail or crash your train?
5.13 The tracks look small from within the cab. Is this accurate?
5.14 Are different types of brakes included (i.e. dynamic, emergency, etc.)?
5.15 Will railroad crossing signals trigger realistically?
5.16 Are interchanges with other railroads included and operational?
5.17 Are cars and locomotives uniquely numbered?
5.18 Are turntables modeled and operational in MSTS?
5.19 How bright will headlights appear?
5.20 Can you drive your train at night?
5.21 Do the sun and shadows move according to sim time?
5.22 Can you make weather areas?
5.23 Can you reload coal/water/diesel onto your locomotive?
5.24 Are the track conditions customizable?
5.25 Can I drive the train in snow?
5.26 Can you exceed the limit the couplers can pull?

6. ACTIVITY QUESTIONS

6.1 What kind of activities are there?
6.2 Can I create my own activities?
6.3 How long do the activities take?
6.4 Are switches pre-set during activities?
6.5 How do I make the Activity Unpacker work if I'm using Windows 98?
6.6 How do I make the Activity Unpacker work if I'm using Windows ME?
6.7 How do I make the Activity Unpacker work if I'm using Windows XP?

7. FREEMODE RUNNING QUESTIONS

7.1 How Does "Free Mode" Work?
7.2 In free mode can you select a loco, go to a yard, and build a train?
7.3 How long can you build a train in Free Mode?

8. CUSTOMIZATION

8.1 What game settings are available?
8.2 How do I import other routes/locomotives/rollingstock into the game?
8.3 How do I use cars/locomotives once they are installed (consist editor)?
8.4 How do I remove cars from a consist?
8.5 What program(s) are required to create your own train?

9. MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

9.1 Must I know a lot about locomotives to use Train Simulator?
9.2 What is a Virtual Railroad?
9.3 How to I submit my files for the download library here?
9.4 Where can I find operating manuals for real locomotives?
9.5 Why can't I post messages to the MSTS forums here?
9.6 Why can't I register for the MSTS forums here?
9.7 Why is the rail gauge in the U.S. 4 feet 8.5 inches?

10. ROUTE EDITOR QUESTIONS

10.1 Can you design your own routes or trains?
10.2 Can you recreate real-world railroads using the MSTS editor?
10.3 Can you import real-world terrain into the editor?
10.4 I cannot get the editors to run. Why?

11. TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

11.1 Where can I find the bitmaps to repaint cars and locomotives?
11.2 What screen resolution is best for MSTS?
11.3 What color depth is best for MSTS?
11.4 Is MSTS compatible with the Trainmaster or Auran's Trainz programs?
11.5 Can AI locomotives be changed to user-drivable locomotives?
11.6 Is it compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
11.7 How do I do I create freight or passenger car repaints?
11.8 How do you create/repaint a locomotive?
11.9 Do I have to copy the cabview and sound folders for every locomotive?
11.10 How do I stop the sim from crashing when I run in snow conditions?
11.11 How do I convert .ace files into textures that I can edit?
11.12 Is there a way to install diesel engines back to back?
11.13 How do I run makeace.exe ?
11.14 I need WordPad to edit things but in Windows XP I cannot find it.
11.15 How can I stop my system from freezing?
11.16 How do I fix the broken coupler syndrome?
11.17 How do I fix the White Void Problem (places with no visible terrain)?
11.18 How do you set couplers to couple correctly?
11.19 How can you adjust your viewpoint using the tracksider observer view?
11.20 Why is it so hard to couple and de-couple cars in a switching activity?


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