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Train Simulation News Archive

 

Newcastle To York Route Available The Rail Simulator "Newcastle To York Route", which is standard in the European version but missing from the U.S. and other versions, is now available as a stand-alone downloadable route. [More...]
Columbus Locomotive Works releases new Bessemer & Lake Erie SD7/SD9 Set Columbus Locomotive Works proudly announces the release of our new SD9 set, featuring two locomotives from the Bessemer & Lake Erie railroads, just in time for Christmas. Each locomotive comes with prototypically-accurate detailing and textures, and comes ready-to-run! This locomotive set is great addition to any eastern route. Download your free copy today! [More...]
Abacus 3D Model Trains Now Available Now available from the FS Pilot Shop is Abacus' 3D Model Trains, a stand-alone package for train hobbyists. 3D Model Trains features a large, ready to use rolling stock library and interactive design that makes creating virtual layouts easy. [More...]
First Class Simulations Releases Midland Mainline Midland Mainline offers some 50 route miles and 15 stations along the line from St. Pancras station in the heart of London out to Bedford. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Cambrian 2 Expansion Pack 1 3D Train Stuff UK has announced the release of the diesel and activity expansion pack for their 250 mile Cambrian 2 route for MSTS. Included are locomotives in multiple liveries, wagons, and 120 activities. [More...]
RSDL Releases Class 158 Diesel Multiple Unit RSDL has released a new locomotive add-on for Rail Simulator in the form of the UK Class 158 Diesel Multiple Unit by online community developer Ben Laws. More information can be found at the RSDL web site. [More...]
Belanger Locomotive Works Announces Geeps And SD9 Packs Now available from BLW are four sets than includes EMD "Geeps" and SD9 locomotives from a wide variety of railroads. [More...]
TrainSkinner Releases ATSF Zebra Stripe Trainset TrainSkinner announces the release of their first trainset for Microsoft Train Simulator, featuing the ATSF zebra striped geep locomotive. [More...]
Armstrong Powerhouse Releases Valenta Class 43 Sound Pack New from Armstrong Powerhouse is the Valenta sound pack for the Class 43 locomotive supplied with Rail Simulator. [More...]
Review: Paddington To Oxford Pack - Freight Armstrong Powerhouse is a new developer offering scenario packs for Rail Simulator. In this review, Thomas Pallen examines their Paddington To Oxford Pack - Freight which includes a variety of runs on the default Paddington to Oxford route. [More...]
Just Trains Releases Island Line And Class 66 Just Trains has just released two new add-ons for Rail Simulator. The Island Line recreates the Isle of Wight Railway while Class 66 offers the Class 66 diesel locomotive. [More...]
Aerosoft Releases Gotthard Route I New for MSTS from Aerosoft is Gotthard Route I, a section of the rail line from Zurich / Luzern to Goschenen with its famous helical tunnels. The package also includes authentic rolling stock. [More...]
Armstrong Powerhouse Releases Paddington To Oxford Pack - Freight New from Armstrong Powerhouse is a scenario pack for Rail Simulator running freight on the Paddington to Oxford route during the current day. [More...]
GM&O Is Back GM&O Simulations is back online with a new Cotton Belt (SSW) SD45 four pack, complete with custom night and day cabs, custom horns and highly detailed models. [More...]
Official Scenario For Rail Simulator Released RSDL have just released their first scenario pack for Rail Simulator based around the Bath-Templecombe route. This add-on contains a mixture of story-driven freight and passenger based scenarios of varying difficulty taking advantage of the entire route and added functionality in Upgrade Mk2 and to further customise the scenarios, each contains uniquely placed scenario objects relevant to the story or simply to add variation. [More...]
Announcing The Rascal & Cottonwood For Rail Simulator Now available from Rich Garber and All Aboard is the Rascal & Cottonwood a new route for Rail Simulator that concentrates on coal hauling. [More...]
The Just Trains Timetable Is Filling Up Just Trains brings announcements of several new add-ons. Included are Voyager, a new locomotive for Rail Simulator. Also offered is news about Class 66 diesel locomotive and a set of four different cargo wagon Plus Paks for Rail Simulator. [More...]
Aerosoft Releases Stand-Alone Subway Simulator New from Aerosoft is World of Subways Vol 1: New York Underground "The Path", a stand-alone simulation of the Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) system serving New York City and New Jersey. World of Subways is now available from the FS Pilot Shop. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Amtrak Genesis Pack 2 Now available from 3D Train Stuff for Microsoft Train Simulator is the Amtrak Genesis Pack 2, featuring five of Amtrak's GE P42DC "Genesis" locomotives. [More...]
BLLW PRR SuperPack Available Broadway Limited Locomotive Works announces the release of its latest add-ons, featuring two different packs of Pennsylvania Railroad / Trailer Train F30d intermodal cars. [More...]
Armstrong Powerhouse Releases Paddington To Oxford Pack New from Armstrong Powerhouse is a scenario pack for Rail Simulator with an early 1990's theme running on the Paddington to Oxford route. [More...]
Just Trains Announces Voyager And Rail Sim Plus Paks Just Trains brings announcements of several new add-ons. Included are Voyager, a new locomotive for Rail Simulator. Also offered is news about Rail Sim Plus Paks and Isle of Wight/Class 66 Expansion Pack. [More...]
Train-Sim.Com New Site Software Now Online Train-Sim.Com would like to announce that we've completed testing on the new file library software. The software has been completely rewritten and though it looks much like the original file library already offers some handy new features. We hope you'll like it and if you have any comments or feedback please email them to us here.
Ed's Bala Set Announced Ed's Trains Online announces official Maple Leaf Tracks locomotive add-ons. Included are ten locomotives, five ED44DC's and five SD70m-2's. [More...]
RSDL Is One Year Old RSDL marks the completion of their first year supporting Rail Simulator. To mark the occasion, they are holding a competition to win the three stock packs that will soon be released. [More...]
Armstrong Powerhouse Announces Paddington To Oxford Scenario Pack Now available from the Armstrong Powerhouse is their first in a range of scenario packs for Rail Simulator. The first pack offers a variety including everything from the HST and 166 to event the Black 5 on the Paddington to Oxford route. [More...]
Belanger Locomotive Works Presents SP&S Equipment Pack Now available from Belanger Locomotive works is the SP&P Equipment Pack, including 18 engines, caboose, passenger set and more. [More...]
RSDL Goes Green RSDL has released Foliage Pack 01, containing over one hundred items of vegetation for Rail Simulator route builders who wish to add a lush diversity to any scenery. [More...]
Announcing Armstrong Powerhouse The Armstrong Powerhouse is a new commercial add-on developer whose firt release is three sound packs for Rail Simulator. [More...]
Train-Sim.Com New Site Software Ready For Testing Train-Sim.Com would like to announce that we've been working on a revamp of the web site included a complete rewrite of the file library software. We would like you to try the new software and give us your feedback and bug reports. [More...]
Rail Simulator Upgrade Mk2 Released The next step in the Rail Simulator development program has been released. The Upgrade Mk2 is now available and includes many new features, enhancements and fixes. Learn more at the Rail Simulator web site here.
Ed's Trains Online Announces Addition To Geep Series Now available from Ed's Trains is the Western Pacific GP7/GP9 set, featuring seven locomotives in prototypical paint schemes. [More...]
Microsoft Train Simulator 2 Coming Holiday 2009 Microsoft's Train Simulator web site has now reveleaded that Train Simulator 2 is scheduled for release during the 2009 holiday season. The web site also has lots of details about what is going on in the design of the new sim. [More...]
EMRR Patch Announcement All Aboard has announced the release of a small patch for East Metro Rebuild customers. [More...]
Who is RSDL? Where Are Kuju? Since the release of Rail Simulator there has been some confusion about the companies and people behind it. So how do Kuju and RSDL fit in? Here's the story. [More...]
East Metro Rebuild Activity Pack #26-#35 Now Available Now available from All Aboard are ten new activities for the East Metro Rebuild. These activities will take you up and down the mainline plus offer grueling switching tasks. [More...]
Rail Simulator Isle Of Wight Add-on Released The official Rail Simulator add-on Isle of Wight Railways is now available. Many features and new tricks are used to great potential to enhance the experience of Rail Simulator beyond anything seen before. For information, visit the official Kuju Rail Simulator web site here.
Columbus Locomotive Works New Release Columbus Locomotive Works announces the release of their new Nickel Plate Road/N&W/NS SD9 set. [More...]
Ed's Trains News Ed's Trains Online announces another addition to their Classic Geep Series, the Illinois Central GP7/GP9 set. [More...]
Columbus Locomotive Works Releases PRR/PC/CR SD7/SD9 Set New from CLW is their latest offering in the SD9 series 2 series featuring locomotives from the Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central and Conrail. [More...]
Rail Simulator Addon News With the next official Rail Simulator release - Isle of Wight Railways - now very close we are pleased to bring you the latest round of screenshots showing off the incredibly immersive experience it has to offer. Whether your interest is in past or present operation, or you just fancy enjoying the view, there's something for everyone. Visit the official Kuju Rail Simulator web site here.
Columbus Locomotive Works Releases B&O SD7/SD9 Set New from CLW is their latest offering in the SD9 series 2 series featuring locomotives from the Baltimore & Ohio. [More...]
RailDriver Support For Kuju Rail Simulator Now Available P.I. Engineering has released updated software for their RailDriver controller so that it can now be used with Kuju's Rail Simulator. For those who don't have Rail Simulator yet, a bundle combining both the sim and the controller is available. [More...]
News From Columbus Locomotive Works Columbus Locomotive Works announces a move to a new web site under their own hosted domain, allowing them to better support their customers. Also announced is a new EMRR SD7 loco set. [More...]
East Metro Rebuild Released New from All Aboard, maker of Canton, Cumberland and the Ohio Rail Upgrade, is a remake of the East Metro route. Included are three railroads built to modern standards with mainline, yards, interchanges, spurs and branchlines to run on. [More...]
Kuju Rail Simulator Limited Release Kuju Entertainment (the company who actually wrote the original Microsoft Train Simulator) have released Rail Simulator in limited areas. [More...]
Ed's Trains Online Releases Chicago North Western SD50-60 Set Now available from Ed's Trains: Chicago North Western EMD SD50 and SD60 locomotives. The pack includes eight units: four SD50s and four SD60s. Each model is unique to closely match its prototype and all are highly detailed and weathered. This set is self installing with consists using default rolling stock. [More...]
BLLW Announces New Products Broadway Limited Locomotive Works has come out with its next additions to its growing line of payware models, including three packs of ACF tank cars. [More...]
Belanger Locomotive Works Presents The Monon Equipments Pack Now available from BLW is the Monon Equipments Pack, featuring a variety of classic Monon locomotives plus a caboose. [More...]
Ed's Trains NS Set Announced Ed's Trains Online has released their Norfolk Southern SD50-60 set, a pack that includes twelve different units in two color schemes. [More...]
Announcing National Train Day The first ever National Train Day has been announced for May 10, 2008, the anniversary of the driving of the golden spike that completed the transcontinental railroad across the U.S. So mark May 10th on the calendar for a coast-to-coast celebration of the way trains connect people and places. In New York Penn Station and Union stations in Washington DC, Chicago and Los Angeles, there will be simultaneous festivities. [More...]
Broadway Limited Locomotive Works Releases Its First Payware Pack Now available from Broadway Limited Locomotive Works is their first payware add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator, a package of 50 foot flatcars based on PRR and USRA War Emergency designs. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Announces The Amtrak Genesis Pack 1 Now available from 3D Train Stuff for Microsoft Train Simulator is the Amtrak Genesis Pack 1, featuring four of GE's P42DC "Genesis" units in Amtrak Phase V paint scheme. [More...]
Ed's Trains Releases Western Pacific GP-40 Set New from Ed's Trains is a collection of modern GP-40 locomotives in a variety of Western Pacific liveries. [More...]
Just Trains Releases Download Version Of Expansion Pack For Rail Simulator The first expansion pack for Kuju's Rail Simulator has now been released by Just Trains. Intended for owners of the European version, the expansion pack includes the Cajon Pass route that comes with the U.S. version along with unique bonus extras including rolling stock and scenarios. [More...]
Belanger Loco Works Presents California Zephyr New from Belanger Locomotive Works is the Western Pacific California Zephyr Set, featuring locomotives and passenger cars from the famous train. [More...]
Just Trains Announces Expansion Pack For Rail Simulator The first expansion pack for Kuju's Rail Simulator has been announced by Just Trains. Intended for owners of the European version, the expansion pack includes the Cajon Pass route that comes with the U.S. version along with unique bonus extras. [More...]
Ed's Trains Releases NS SD40 Set New from Ed's Trains is the NS EMD SD40 hi-nose set, featuring five SD40-2's and one SD40 for MSTS. [More...]
Kuju Rail Simulator North America Release Kuju Entertainment (the company who actually wrote the original Microsoft Train Simulator) have released now Rail Simulator to North America, where it is being published by Electronic Arts. For more information, visit EA's web site here or visit the official Kuju Rail Simulator web site here.
Ed's Trains Superset Released New from Ed's Trains is the Union Pacific SD50/SD60 Superset, featuring 22 locomotives from UP, MoPaC, DRGW and SP. [More...]
3DTrains Releases WP Feather River Route The WP Feather River Route is now available at 3DTrains.com. This complete package includes the route through the Feather River Canyon, dozens of freight and passenger trainsets, activities and complete documentation and history. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Espee Cadillacs 2 Now available from 3D Train Stuff is the second in their new series of locomotive add-ons for MSTS, featuring four of Espee's "Black Widow" SD-9's. [More...]
Irish Enterprise South Announced Fastline Simulation in association with MakingTracks has announced that the concluding part of the Irish Enterprise series - Irish Enterprise South, will be released on 14th December 2007. [More...]
The Milwaukee Hiawatha Set Now available from Belanger Locomotive Works is the Milwaukee Hiawatha Set, featuring a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]
More Geeps From Ed's Trains Ed's Trains announces the release of a Soo Line Geep set, featuring eight locomotives with both vintage and modern liveries. [More...]
Trainz Railwayz Now Available Now available from the FlightSim.Com Pilot Shop is Trainz Railways, the most powerful and fully featured train simulator released to date. Trainz Railwayz includes everything simmers need to build their own worlds and discover the complete Trainz experience, with prototypical trains, 3D in cab controls and enhanced oprational ability. {More...)
Announcing Train Player 3.0 TrainPlayer continues to push the frontiers of armchair model railroading technology! Version 3.0 is a major step forward, featuring an overhauled graphics system, new and improved sound, smoother operation, unlimited zoom, plenty of fixes and enhancements, and a great new passtime called "scripting." [More...]
Ed's Trains Releases CN Geeps Now available from Ed's Trains is an eight unit pack of vintage Canadian National EMD "Geep" locomotives. The pack includes Grand Trunk Western and Central Vermont as well. [More...]
Ed's Trains News Ed's Trains has released a six pack of C&NW Geep diesel locomotives, complete with sounds and custom cabs. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Espee Cadillacs 1 New from 3D Train Stuff Llc is a new series of locomotives for Microsoft Train Simulator. The first in the series features the Southern Pacific "bloody nose" EMD SD-9. [More...]
New Online Store Opens Perfect Flight, well known for their flightsim products, has opened an online store at www.mstrain.org dedicated to train simulator add-ons. They are an authorized reseller of Aerosoft, Just Flight and Abacus boxed products.
SP Passenger Pack Released Now available from Belanger Locomotive Works is The Southern Pacific Passenger Pack. The pack features a variety of locomotives as well as twenty-one cars. [More...]
All Aboard Sale All Aboard is now offering two popular routes on sale for the holiday season. Included are the full versions of Canton and Cumberland at much lower prices than ever before. [More...]
Announcing West Coast Express Available soon from First Class Simulations is West Coast Express (London to Birmingham Part 1). The West Coast line is the busiest mixed traffic railway in the UK. The MSTS route includes 25 stations between London Euston and Birmingham New Street, covering 113 miles direct. [More...]
The Flight & Train Simulation Show Coming in November at the Birmingham UK Art & Science Museum is The Flight & Train Simulation Show 2007. The event is supported by Microsoft and will include many other publishers. [More...]
New From GM&O Simulations: The Southern Pacific 4 Pack. One SD45, one SD40, one SD35 and one GP35. All with custom day and night cabs, correct SP horns, and AI files included. Slightly weathered. [More...]
Trainz Railways Released Now available from Just Trains is Trainz Railways, the latest in Auran's Trainz series of simulators. Included with the sim are New York's Harlem line and a fantasy Metropolis route and more routes, trains, etc. can be added by accessing the Trainz Download Station. [More...]
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006 Close-Out Sale Auran's popular Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006 is now available at the Pilot Shop at a special reduced price. Don't miss this chance to get your copy. [More...]
Announcing The SP 1955 Daylight Set New from Belanger Locomotive works is the SP 1955 Daylight Set. Included are four locomotives and a complete set of passenger cars. [More...]
Announcing Berlin Subway Now available in the FS Pilot Shop is Berlin Subway from Aerosoft, featuring two complete subway tracks in Germany's capital city. Included are numerous activities, stations each constructed to match the original, authentic trains and more. [More...]
Announcing 1950's Great Northern Freight Set Now available from Belanger Locomotive Works and ZosaTrains is the 1950's Great Northern Freight Set. Included are a variety of locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]
Screen Saver For Railroad Enthusiasts New from TrainPlayer Software is a Windows screen saver that displays model railroad track plans with running trains that can be controlled using keyboard commands. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases The Cambrian Railway 2 Now available for Microsoft Train Simulator from 3D Train Stuff is The Cambrian 2 Route - The Cambrian Railway, now including the entire Cambrian Railway network and set back in the 1950's and 1960's. [More...]
Just Trains Announces West Somerset & Severn Valley Now available as downloads from Just Trains are two British routes, West Somerset Railway and Severn Valley Railway. The routes also include both steam and diesel locomotives plus rolling stock. [More...]
Announcing the 1955 Empire Builder Belanger Locomotive Works and ZosaTrains present the 1955 Empire Builder. Included are the standard locomotives and passenger car consist for this famous train. [More...
3DTrains Releases ATSF ALCo PA Locomotives Now availabl3 from 3DTrains is a collection of Alco PA locomotives, one of the most popular early generation passenger diesels in the U.S. The set includes A-B-A locomotives with multiple numbers. [More...]
3DTrains Releases ATSF GP7 and GP9 Locomotives Now available from 3DTrains is a collection of ATSF GP7 and GP9 locomotives. The first set includes Sante Fe Pinstripe and Warbonnet liveries and additional sets will be forthcoming. [More...]
Trainz Railways Is On The Timetable Coming soon from Just Trains is Trainz Railways, the latest product in the popular Trainz franchise. This edition includes New York's Harlem line plus a fantasy Metropolis route. Future editions will include routes from the UK, Australia and US. [More...]
Abacus Announces 3D Model Trains Now available from Abacus is 3D Model Trains, a stand-alone package for train hobbyists. 3D Model Trains features a large, ready to use rolling stock library and interactive design that makes creating virtual layouts easy. [More...]
New From GM&O Simulations: Milwaukee Road Pack Milwaukee Road 4 pack. Includes one SLD39, one SD45, one SD40-2 and one GP35. The highest details yet using limited LODs and new photo-real cabs. [More...]
The Death Of Payware? Robert Murphy examines the history of train simulator add-ons and the danger that software piracy presents to the future of the hobby. [More...]
Ohio Rail Movie Richard Garber has created a 15 minute movie for MSTS. "All Aboard" features the Ohio Rail route, broken down into three five-minute sections. [More...]
Operate Model Railroads On The Mac TrainPlayer Software has released a Macintosh version of their TrainPlayer software for model railroaders. Mac OS X users can now operate virtual trains on hundreds of prepared layouts and can draw and make their own as well. [More...]
Razorback Railway May Release Schedule Razorback Railway has announced that WSY 25 Industrialised Part 9 will be included in their May releases for use with TRS2004 SP4. [More...]
Razorback Railway News The Razorback Railway now has a free slideshow program available with nearly a hundred screenshots of its layouts and activities. This program can be downloaded, without needing to register, from their web site here.
British Diesel Multiple Units Collection 2 Released Making Tracks has announced the released of the second in their series of diesel multiple unit stock packs. This pack features the "Super Sprinter" Class 156 series. [More...]
Ohio Rail Returns Originally created in 2002, Ohio Rail has now been completely redone with fully realistic scenery on over 160 miles of track. But all the old activities will still work as the track layout has remaine the same. [More...]
Razorback Railway News The Razorback Railway has announced two new add-ons for TRS2004 SP4 and TRS2006 SP1: WSY24 Industrialised Part 8 and WSY100 Baytona Freight. [More...]
Bubble's Railways Stock CD Now available is the Bubble's Railways Stock CD. It includes 25 locomotives, plus passenger cars in several gauges. [More...]
Making Tracks Announces Dale Stewart Tribute Pack Making Tracks are proud to officially announce the forthcoming publication of the Dale Stewart Tribute Pack as a public reminder of Dale and what he held dear. In addition the pack will raise money for Woking Homes, a charity for ex railway employees and their families. [More...]
New From German Railroads German Railroads is now publishing English language versions. Initially included are two routes and a huge locomotive megapak. [More...]
Making Tracks Announces British Diesel MU Collection No. 1 Now available from Making Tracks Rail Simulation is British Diesel Multiple Units Collection No. 1 Class 150/2, featuringthe second seires of production "Sprinter" multiple units. [More...]
MICROSOFT RETURNS TO TRAIN SIMULATION Following the successful release of Microsoft Flight Simulator X, the Aces Studio is using the same technology to develop a new version of Microsoft Train Simulator. Unrelated to our previous Train Simulator development efforts, this version will be an all-new product built on the Flight Simulator X platform, the culmination of 25 years of product development and technology. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to Michael Sinclair we have a new "how to" article on how to rename and replace trees in MSTS routes. The tutorial is told entirely through pictures that guide you through the whole process. [More...]
VMD Releases ATSF-BNSF GE B40-8 New from Virtual Motive Division is the final release of their GE Dash 8, tested with TRS2004 SP4; it should work with TRS2006 SP1 too. [More...]
New From GM&O Simulations: N&W Pokey Pack MSTS NW hi-nose dual-cab 4-pack with one SD45, one SD40, one GP40, one GP35. These units operate with MSTS Patch Bin 1.6 and work in both directions with reversed cabs and full reverse lighting. New cab views positions included. [More...]
New Releases From Razorback Railway It's "Nifty November" at Razorback Railway, with four new "Steam Gala II" activities available. [More...]
Swanage Bonus Pack And The End Of An Era Released Now available from 3D Train Stuff is the Swanage Bonus Pack, with new rolling stock and locomotives for their Swanage Railway route. Also releasd is The End Of An Era, featuring activities for the Donner Pass Route. [More...]
All Aboard Announces Cumberland Route The latest route for MSTS from All Aboard/Rich Garber is Cumberland, located in southeast Kentucky. It models the CV Divison of the L&N line offering spectacular mountain scenery as well as rolling stock and activities. [More...]
Announcing This Is V-Scale: Virtual Railroading On A Small Computer by Alfred Barten This e-book on a CD-Rom contains 29 chapters and 188 illustrations and covers all popular train sims. It's the perfect introduction to train simming. [More...]
Announcing MSTS Activity Generator Create your own Train Simulator freight activities for your favorite routes without using the MSTS Activity Editor! Activity Generator, a new version of Skyline Computing's popular "SwitchList Generator" program, enables you to select where you'll start, the locomotives you'll drive, where you'll pick up and set out cars, and more. It's a lot like "Explore a Route" except you'll have cars on the spurs, AI traffic, and work enroute. [More...]
New From GM&O Simulations GM&O Simulations has added a new line of GP40s and GP40-2s, a Burlington Northern/CB&Q GP40 set and a set of BN/Frisco GP40-2s, with more roads to come. [More...]
Rail Simulator Support For RailDriver Announced Kuju has announced that their upcoming Rail Simulator will be designed to work with the P.I. Engineering RailDriver controller, allowing the sim's users to operate it using realistic train controls. [More...]
Euro Loco Train Sim Back Is Back Just Trains has announced that Euro Loco Train Sim Pack, a collection of European content for Microsoft Train Simulator, is now back by popular demand. [More...]
3DTrains Scenery Expansion for Tehachapi Pass II Route Released The Scenery Expansion for Tehachapi Pass II is now available. 3DTrains has taken 3D Train Stuff's Tehachapi Pass II route and visually tweaked everything from terrain textures to adding their own ScaleRail Track System - including prototypically correct ballast and tie textures. [More...]
VMD Releases NYC Pacific VMD has announced the release of the New York Central (NYC) "Pacific", Alco K5b (4-6-2) locomotive for TRS2004 (SP4) and TRS2006 (SP1). [More...]
VMD Releases Its Seventh Loco-Class Now available from Virtual Motive Division is their seventh locomotive type, the SD70ACe and SD70M-2. In addition to a wide selection of liveries, the locomotive features animations, engine specs based on the prototype specs, new sounds and much more. [More...]
German Railroad English Translation Available An English language translation for German Railroads Platin DVD Edition is now available. The add-on itself is also now available as a download version. [More...]
TMTS On Hold Indefinitely The TMTS team at P.I. Engineering has announced that Train Master Train Simulator has been put on hold indefinitely, as they have been overwhelmed by the amount of work coming in for their professional simulator products. [More...]
New Winter Texture For Canton Owners of the Canton route can now download and add winter textures. Included are leafless trees for clear winter days and trees with ice on the branches. [More...]
Eric Vaillancourt Joins TrainMaster Eric Vaillancourt will be taking on the Technical Director role at TrainMaster. He comes from a professional railroad and simulation background, having been with CANAC in their Rail Services business unit for well over a decade. Recently the professional and commercial TrainMaster business has been growing quickly and Eric's expertise in the professional railroading and simulation industry makes him a welcome addition to the TrainMaster project. [More...]
Train-Sim.Com 5th Anniversary It's hard to believe, but five years ago, March 28, 2001, Train-Sim.Com first opened to the public. At the time, Microsoft Train Simulator was not yet released and the new hobby was barely known, but in the past five years we've developed a considerable community of railfans who enjoy various computer sims. Even the cancellation of MSTS2 did not stop the hobby, and with several new sims under development we can hope for a long future.
Railwaves Releases BR Mark 1 Coach Pack Railwaves announces the release of a new BR Mark 1 open coach pack for Trainz 2004 and 2006. It features three BR Mark 1 open coaces (First, Second and Brake Second) in twelve liveries, from the original crimson and cream to the final Intercity and regional versions. [More...]
New SD40s From GM&O Simulations Released New SD40s in B&O blue. These five SD40s are fully lighted and come with their own cab, plus a new B&O horn to add the B&O touch to your running experience. [More...]
TrainMaster Train Simulator News The TMTS team has posted more details on the recent DevCon 2006. Also announced is the second route to be included in the sim. [More...]
Trainmaster Interview - Mike Hambly From BlueArrow TS Trainmaster is thrilled to have the renowned BlueArrowTS team working on a Second World War version of the Severn Valley route for the UK version of TMTS. You read about the Severn Valley "The War Years" route last month, now they have a chat with the man behind BlueArrowTS, Mike Hambly. Meet Mike here.
Sumner Electronic Publishing Announces New Web Site Sumner Electronic Publishing Company has announced that it will provide regular coverage of virtual railroading on their new web site. Included will be articles from Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman magazine. [More...]
Review: East Coast Express Part 1 London to Peterborough Can an MSTS route be accurate enough to satisfy someone who is intimately familiar with the real route? In the case of First Class Simulations' latest offering, East Coast Express Part 1 the answer is yes. The add-on covers the UK's East Coast Main Line and includes suitable modern rolling stock as well as the route itself. [More...]
TrainPlayer Software Announces TrackLayer TrainPlayer is a stand-alone simulator that allows you to run your favorite model train layouts. Now available as an add-on is TrackLayer which allows easy conversion of any model train layout into a TrainPlayer layout, ready to run. [More...]
Razorback Railway Announces Plans The Razorback Railway has announced that it will continue to develop only for the TRS2004 platform and will not be supporting Auran's latest release Trainz 2006. [More...]
DevCon 2006 Report A report on the TMTS DevCon 2006 event (developers' convention) is now available. Also available is new information about the Severn Valley route. [More...]
BATS Releases Southern Region Update Now available from Blue Arrow TS is a downloadable update to their Southern Region add-on. Two parts are available, one for the route itself and another for the rolling stock. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to Michael Sinclair we have a new "how to" article on how to create trees for use in MSTS routes. The tutorial is told entirely through pictures that guide you through the whole process. [More...]
Trainmaster Interview - Dan Toth From P.I. Engineering Dan Toth joined P.I. Engineering recently to work on TrainMaster Train Simulator. Get to know him better and learn what plans he has for the project here.
Announcing East Coast Express (Part One) First Class Simulations has announced that it has secured the rights to publish East Coast Express (Part One) London to Peterborough, the latest product from leading train sim developer, EuropeanBahn. [More...]
Blue Arrow TS To Do TMTS Route The Blue Arrow TS group has been picked to do one of the routes for the UK version of the upcoming TrainMaster Train Simulator. [More...]
New Look BATS Web Site Launched Blue Arrow TS has announced the opening of their new BATS web site where they will now be hosting their own freeware library including paint jobs for BATS locos and rolling stock. [More...]
Trainmaster Interview - Henk Plaggemars From P.I. Engineering Henk Plaggemars (aka Cafe) recently joined the team to work on the TMTS project. TMTS put him under the microscope to find out what makes this bloke tick, besides a triple strength latte that is! Read all about it here.
Review: Berlin Subway Driving a subway might bring to mind endless hours in dark tunnels with little to see, but with Aerosoft's Berlin Subway nothing could be further from the truth. Not only are the routes interesting to drive, with lots of variety amoung the stations and substantional portions that are actually above ground, but Berlin Subway actually includes an all new graphics system that actually improves on the capabilities of Microsoft Train Simulator. Learn more about this breakthrough product by reading Jane-Rachel Whittaker's review here.
TrainMaster Train Simulator News Following on their interview of the South London Commuter route devlopers, TMTS now offers a look at the route itself. [More...]
TMTS Website Update - Screenshots The developers of TrainMaster Train Simulator has started a new screenshots page. They will be updating it regularly with screen captures from the simulator as it develops. As always, remember that these things are a work in progress. You can get to the screenshots here.
Alpha Two Five Ltd Announces New Product Alpha Two Five Ltd. has announced the Mark 1 Coach Pack for Trainz Railroad Simulator as its next product under development under the Railwaves.com brand. [More...]
Trainmaster Interview - Dale Stewart & Dave Babb from MakingTracks Tim Court had a chat with Dale and Dave from MakingTracks over the holidays. Get a behind the scenes look at what makes MakingTracks tick, what they've done, what their plans are and get introduced to their extensive development team. We'll have some information on the route that MakingTracks are working on in a future release. Right now though you can read the interview here.
Trainmaster Train Simulator Progress Update The TMTS team has issued an updated report on the progress of the upcoming Trainmaster sim. Visit their web site for all the details. [More...]
Christrains Releases NS2200 v1.1 The v1.1 of the NS2200 loco, formerly of the Euro Loco Pack, is now available with new textures, new geometry and modified eng files. You can download the new model from the download page. [More...]
Trainmaster Train Simulator Progress Update The TMTS team is now at the stage where they feel comfortable issuing detailed updates and exposing some of the developers involved in the project. The first update details the developer tools for modeling and an interview with Paul Gausden, one of the project's key developers. [More...]
Train Driver Released Just Trains has announced that Train Driver has been released. Train Driver, created by Railwares, is a stand-alone sim of the West Somerset Railway. [More...]
Call For MSTS Genie Beta Testers The Brockville Simulator Works (BSW or BrockSim) has announced a call for restricted beta testers for MSTS Genie. MSTS Genie combines the features of a variety of utilities into one. [More...]
Storm of 1952 Released Now available from 3D Train Stuff is Storm of 1952 for their Donner Pass Route - High Sierra Crossing. With this add-on you can step back in time and run trains during the winter of 1952 when over 800 inches of snow fell. [More...]
Announcing MSTS Genie 1.0 The Brockville Simulator Works (BSW or BrockSim) has announced that development work has been completed on MSTS Genie. MSTS Genie combines the features of a variety of utilities into one. This press release includes an extensive discussion of the utility's functionality. [More...]
Announcing MSTS Genie 1.0 The Brockville Simulator Works (BSW or BrockSim) has announced that development work has been completed on MSTS Genie and it is now undergoing final testing. MSTS Genie combines the features of a variety of utilities into one. [More...]
Blue Arrow Announces Southern Region Set in the 1960's, Blue Arrow's new Southern Region features a 25 mile stretch from just outside Woking to Basingstoke. Also included are over twenty locomotives and cars. [More...]
Trainz 2006 Screen Shots Just Trains has just released a new set of screen shots for Trainz Railway Simulator 2006. TRS2006 is now in production and will be available later this month. [More...]
Canadian Pacific Railway Offers MSTS Add-Ons Though these may have been available for a while already, Canadian Pacific Railways offers free MSTS downloads available through their corporate web site. [More...]
Announcing Grove City For Canton All Aboard is back with a new expansion module for Canton. Grove City expands the route by 75 miles and includes busy downtown industries allowing for lots of switching possibilities. [More...]
Trainz 2006 Now Available For Pre-Orders Just Trains has announced that pre-orders are now being accepted for Trainz Railway Simulator 2006. TRS2006 is now in production and will be available later this month. [More...]
Train Times Announced Just Trains has now announced the release dates for two major upcoming products: Trainz Railway Simulator 2006 and Train Driver. TRS2006 is the follow-up to Auran's popular Trainz and TRS2004 simulators Train Driver by Railwaves is a stand-alone sim of the West Somerset Railway. [More...]
Announcing Nickel Belt Rail Photos A new website devoted to railroad photography and Microsoft Train Simulator add-ons. Their first release is now available, 15 Canadian Pacific GMD SD40-2's in five paint shemes. New rolling stock packs will soon be available as will new locomotive sets. They have different pages and topics for all who will visit. [More...]
New Products From Just Trains Just Trains is back with the announcement of two upcoming products: Trainz Railway Simulator 2006 and Train Driver. TRS2006 is the follow-up to Auran's popular Trainz and TRS2004 simulators Train Driver by Railwaves is a stand-alone sim of the West Somerset Railway. [More...]
Announcing Rail Simulator Kuju Entertainment (the company who actually wrote the original Microsoft Train Simulator) and major software publisher Electronic Arts have announced Rail Simulator, an all new sim now under developed that is expected to be released in 2006. [More...]
Announcing Freight Yard Manager Jim Hill and Carl White announce the development of Freight Yard Manager. The sim is based on a 2D overhead view of U.S. freight yards with users loading and unloading freight, building and breaking down trains, etc. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Donner Pass Route Now available from 3D Train Stuff is their new Donner Pass Route - High Sierra Crossing, featuring over 90 miles of double track mainline on Southern Pacific's historic Overland Route across the mountains of California. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to Otto Wipfel we have a new "how to" article on how to create mini routes the easy way. Have mini copies of routes allows MSTS to load faster and run better. [More...]
New RailDriver Cab Files Available Peter Cunningham has developed a new set of RailDriver compatible engine files for most of the popular UK add-ons, both freeware and commercial. [More...]
Blue Arrow TS Releases Arthur Henry Peppercorn's Pacific Locomotives Now available from Blue Arrow TS is the final installment in the LNER Pacific locomotive packs. This pack features Arthur Henry Peppercorn's Pacific Locomotives, representing classes A1 and A2. [More...]
Thompson Expansion For Canton-Suddenly Now Available Now available for Canton-Suddenly is the newest expansion pack, Thompson. Thompson extends mainline running to where the route is now up to 54 miles in length. Many new buildings and ten more activities are featured. [More...]
Arkansas & Ozarks Route Released V Scale Creations has announced the release of the Arkansas & Ozarks Subdivision route. Set in 1988, the A&O features a collection of locomotives, rolling stock and over 40 hours of activities. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to Michael Sinclair we have a new "how to" article on how to convert analog sound to MSTS Format, told entirely through pictures. [More...]
Trainmaster Train Simulator Progress Update The team at RailDriver that is developing Trainmaster Train Simulator (TMTS) has issued a press release with updated information on the progress of the sim's development. [More...]
Ohio Valley System Expands The Ohio Valley System has added a Narrow Gauge Division and a Traction Division to its popular VR. Narrow gauge enthusiasts and traction enthusiasts now have a home. OVS added the Rio Grande Southern and Mesaba Electric routes, with plans for Red Arrow Lines and more narrow gauge routes in the future. In related news, OVS is the first VR to form an integrated virtual airline, Ohio Valley Aviation. Like the railroads, the airline provides modern and vintage equipment and flights. [More...]
Union Pacific Engine Pack Released The Union Pacific Engine Pack is Stream Lines' first product release. The UP Engine Pack contains a collection of six modern era locomotives including the GE C40-8, AC6000CW, EMD SD70M, with flared and standard radiators, SD90MAC and GP38-2. The pack is now available for online order and download, and is priced at $11.99 USD. [More...]
GM&O Simulations Releases BNSF SD40 Heritage New from GM&O Simulations: BNSF SD40 "Heritage" and ATSF "Patch" Pack. This is the first group of BNSF patched and painted SD40s. Yet another in the works. Painted by Lucio Moreira, this pack of BNSF SD40s are some of the best yet. Get them now at www.mstsgmo.com
Blue Arrow TS Releases LNER Pacifics LNER Pacifics combines a number of products previously only available online into one package. Included are the Edward Thompson Pacifics pack and the Pacifics & Mikados pack along with the Flying Scotsman models. [More...]
Get Your Train-Sim.Com Gear Just in time for the holidays, Train-Sim.Com now offers a complete set of "gear" including t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads, tote bags and more. These make perfect gifts for yourself or another happy train-simmer. Visit the Train-Sim.Com Shop here.
3DTrainStuff Releases The Swanage Route Now available from 3DTrainStuff is The Swanage Route for Microsoft Train Simulator. The route features detailed scenery along with trainsets, rolling stock and activities for this preserved railway in southern England. The route is modelled as it is today but equipment and activities cover three different eras. [More...]
Personnel Changes At Just Trains UK based flightsim publisher Just Trains has announced some personnel changes. Managing Director Mungo Amyatt-Leir will be leaving the company. Alex Ford will be moving to the position of Publishing Director. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to Bob Wilkes we have a new "how to" article on turning routes on and off. It's been found that disabling unused routes speeds up loading of MSTS but there's been debate on the best way to do this. Bob discusses the subject and then announces a new utility to handle enabling and disabling routes. [More...]
Blue Arrow TS Announces Edward Thompson's LNER Pacifics Edward Thompson's LNER Pacifics is Blue Arrow TS' fourth CD add-on for MSTS. It includes six examples of locomotives plus rolling stock built during the era of CME Edward Thompson. [More...]
Conbuilder Web Site Opens Authors Carlos Gomes and Joe Smith have announced that they have now opened a dedicated web site to support their utility Conbuilder. You can visit the new site here.
Midwest Rail Systems News Tai Chan, founder of Midwest Rail Systems, has announced that MRS will not be re-opening unless a significant number of new staff members can be found to carry on the work of operating the virtual rail line. [More...]
Announcing The Canadian Pacific Steam Locomotives Heritage Collection Now available is the Canadian Pacific Steam Locomotives Heritage Collection for use with MSTS. The set includes a wide variety of steam locomotives, coaches and cabs. Proceeds go to supporting steam preservation groups. [More...]
RailDriver Open House In late October P.I. Engineering/RailDriver will be holding an open house at their headquarters in Michigan. Visitors will be able to see the full size locomotive simulator, SD40-2 cab, RailDriver train controller demo and more. [More...]
GM&O Simulations Announces ATSF GP30 Fat Pack GM&O Simulations proudly announces an "ATSF GP30 Fat Pack". Features Eight Santa Fe GP30's including the first purchased versions and models in between, even BNSF patched versions with ditch lights. A new custom horn and regular GM&O Simulations cab view are included with each unit. See them now at www.mstsgmo.com
FSClips Releases Video Clips of West Somerset Railway and Trainz FSClips offers a downloads page with many free video clips from flight simulation and now train simulation too. Clips come in different sizes so that they can be used by modem users as well as those with broadband. The latest releases include clips of the West Somerset Railway and Trainz Railway Simulator. [More...]
Blue Arrow TS Announces Fires And Wires Blue ArrowTS's Fires & Wires combines a fine array of English Heritage electric locomotives with a broad selection of LNER locomotives plus rolling stock and activities. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Vintage Trains Over Tehachapi Pass Now available from 3D Train Stuff is Vintage Trains Over Tehachapi Pass. The add-on includes Southern Pacific Cab Forwards (AC-12 and AC-10), Santa Fe EMD FT demonstrator units, rolling stock, activities and more. [More...]
Signalling Centre London Victoria Central Signalling Centre Software is pleased to announce a new signalling simulation based on London Victoria Central in the United Kingdom. This will be the third simulation. During a nine hour sift the operator controls almost 1000 train services centered at London Victoria. [More...]
TRS2004 Service Pack 3 Released Now available from Auran is the Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 service pack 3. This pack primarily optimizes the display, removing stuttering problems experienced by some users. [More...]
Madrid Aranjuez "Tren de la Fresa" Route Released Now available from Train Magazine is a new MSTS route, Madrid Aranjuez "Tren de la Fresa", designed in a 1970's/1980's style. Also announced is a larger route from Madrid through all of Andalucia. [More...]
   Fort Worth Locomotive Shops Opens The Fort Worth Locomotive Shops is a new design group that has just opened that will be doing freeware locomotives and rolling stock. The group is looking for additional members. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Multi-Player Pack Now available for free download from 3D Train Stuff is a new multi-player pack for up to six players for its Tehachapi Pass Route II. The pack includes six activities with AI traffic, dispatcher notes and crew work orders. [More...]
Maple Leaf Tracks Announces Cascades Crossing Cascades Crossing recreates the operations of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Oregon during the early 1990's. The route spans 220 miles of mainline from the rail centers of Eugene and Klamath Falls, Oregon. Between these two locations lay some very challenging stretches of railway, including a 52 mile stretch of steep mountain territory with plenty of bridges, countless tunnels, and helper locomotives. [More...]
OVS Short Lines Adds Northern Arkansas Route OVS Short Lines, the short line VR, has added Andre Ming's North Arkansas Railroad to its route lineup. The virtual railroad is the short line operator of the popular "Ohio Valley System" and members are free to run with that busy regional VR as well. The Northern Arkansas route is steam based and set at the turn of the century, which prefectly complements the diesel era Canton Railroad. The VR also operates the East Metro route. [More...]
Skyline Computing News: Steve Davis of Skyline Computing, author of Switchlist Generator and ActivityMaster, has asked us to inform the community that the Skyling Computing web site is now back online. Also a new email address is now available for users requiring support or having questions. [More...]
Train Master Train Simulator Video Clips Unveiled Now available for download from the Train Master Train Simulator design team are two video clips. These clips show the all new graphics engine using MSTS imported objects. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to author Michael Sinclair we have a new tutorial describing how to use the route editor, told entirely through pictures. [More...]
Announcing EUTrainSim The creators of UKTrainSim have announced the opening of a new web site, EUTrainSim, to better serve those train-sim users who are interested in continental European railroading. [More...]
The Gresley's Are Here! Now available from Blue Arrow TS is their tribute to Sir Nigel Gresley: the Pacifics & Mikados add-on pack for Microsoft Train Simulator. Included are examples Gresley's finest work for LNER fans. [More...]
V Scale Creations Announces The North Arkansas The North Arkansas route from V Scale Creations is set in the 1901-1902 era and is based on a prototype that exists in the northern Ozark region. Operations are steam, authentic to the era, and feature a series of activities that are sequential and require increasing skills. [More...]
Northeastern Railroad Announces New Virtual Railroads Virtual North Eastern Railroad (vNERR) has announced the organization of two new VRs, this time based on two payware routes: the Cajon Pass 2 and the Tehachapi Pass 2 routes from 3DT as well as the Kicking Horse Pass 2 route from MLT. [More...]
Announcing Suddenly Expansion For Canton Now available from Rich Garber/All Aboard is Canton-Suddenly, an expansion to the previously released Canton route. Suddenly continues the experience with more mainline, more industry, more towns plus new buildings and scenery that are more detailed than before. [More...]
   Another New How To Added Thanks to author Cyndi Richards we have another how to. This one describes how to properly set the bounding box on locomotives and rolling stock to prevent bogus collisions. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to author Cyndi Richards we have two new tutorials. The first describes how to turn routes on and off using batch files. The second describes how to alias cabviews. [More...]
Northeastern Railroad Celebrates Anniversary Virtual Northeastern Railroad will shortly celebrate the completion of two years in operation. During that time they have developed a very successful series of train-sim activities which they will now start releasing to the general public through the Train-Sim.Com file library. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Santa Fe Over Tehachapi Pass Pack 2 Now available from 3D Train Stuff is Santa Fe Over Tehachapi Pass - Trainset & Activity Expansion Pack 2. Available only on CD, this add-on features modern Santa Fe diesels plus a variety of activities to test your skills. [More...]
   New How To Added Thanks to author Michael Sinclair we have a new tutorial describing how to create your own activities, told entirely through pictures. [More...]
Blue Arrow TS Announces Electric Heritage Volume 1 Coming this weekend from Blue Arrow TS is Electric Heritage Volume 1 - The Early Years. The MSTS add-on features 24 AC Electric locomotives with both day and night cabs plus a variety of wagons and coaches. [More...]
   How To Area Opens Thanks to author Otto Wipfel we now have a series of "how to" articles available for MSTS. Topics include how to install various downloadable add-ons as well as getting started with MSTS activities. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Activities 3D Train Stuff has just released six new activities for the popular Cambrian Coast Route. They are available for free download on their website. The activities also come with an auto-installer to make installation a breeze. [More...]
RailDriver Announces All New TrainMaster Simulator RailDriver Division of P.I. Engineering has announced a completely new, second generation version of TrainMaster. This new sim will feature upgraded physics, a redesigned file structure and the latest DirectX 9 graphics. [More...]
Trainz Service Pack 2 Released Auran has announced that Service Pack 2 for Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 is now available as a download from the official Auran web site. This pack includes bug fixes plus a host of new features and improvements. [More...]
RailDriver Purchases TrainMaster / Announces New Sim Just as we officially hear of the demise of Microsoft Train Simulator 2, a new sim is announced. RailDriver Division of P.I. Engineering, the maker of the realistic train cab controller, has announced the purchase of TrainMaster. TrainMaster was the first out the cab train-sim and now the combined companies will be developing a new version with upgraded physics and DirectX 9 support. [More...]
Flying Scotsman Is Saved! Well known to train-simmers and railfans everywhere, the real world Flying Scotsman was recently in danger of being put to pasture. Now, through a variety of donations and grants the speedy locomotive has been save. BluearrowTS has created an enhanced version of the locomotive which they are selling as downloadable software and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the real locomotive. [More...]
GM&O Simulations Releases First GP30 GM&O Simulations proudly offers the first in a series of GP30s: five N&W GP30s in three different N&W paint schemes. Each GP30 offers the highest detail and low frame drag. Available now. Other roads to come. [More...]
Wilco Announces New Web Site And Products Wilco Publishing has just launched a new web site, offering a user friendly interface and adapting to market trends where download and CD versions of add-ons are preferred. Also announced are new products including Night Trains Vol. 1 (Trains de Nuit), featuring powerful French "hotels on rails" with photoreal textures, digital sounds, accurate locos and more. [More...]
Announcing Southern Pacific Heritage Packs Maple Leaf Tracks announces the release of Southern Pacific Heritage Packs. Two separate packs are now available. The first covers SP diesel locomotives from the late 1960's to the early 1990's. The second pack includes the Kodachrome painted locomotives of the failed SP / AT&SF merger. These are some of the finest prototype replica models to be found anywhere in the world. [More...]
Announcing Mosaic - The Terrain Texture Editor Now available from Digital-Rails is Mosaic, a new utility for MSTS route designers. Mosaic offers control over all aspects of your route's terrain tile settings and eliminates the 64 texture limit. [More...]
New SD40s From GM&O Simulations Released This long-time supplier of train-sim add-ons and now supplier of retail locomotives, is proud to announce the release its new original SD40 (non dash-2) series. The first release, a GM&O SD40 4-pack, is available now. CGW and CB&Q are planned for future release. GM&O Simulations plan on other locomotive releases in the near future. [More...]
BluearrowTS LNER Pack For MSTS Released Now available from BluearrowTS is their LNER Pack featuring a collection of locomotives and rolling stock from the LNER and BR. Locomotives such as the A4 Mallard and the Union of South Africa are featured along with fifteen new LNER and BR(E) wagons. [More...]
VMD Releases EMD SD9 For Trainz Now available from the Virtual Motive Division is their sixth add-on for Trainz, the EMD SD9 locomotive. The locomotive is highly detailed and includes a custom cab and sounds. Full details and screen shots are available here.
The Future Of Trainz It's now been two years since the original Trainz was released and today Auran has released an extensive document offering detailed information on exciting new plans for the future of Trainz. Include are plans that will lead to Rail Simulator Pro, a version suitable for actual locomotive engineer training. [More...]
Midwest Rail System Releases Activity Pack Beta Midwest Rail System has announced the release of MRS Act Pack .12 beta. The pack includes five activities. [More...]
Beginner's Guide To Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 Now available at the RailDriver web site is a new tutorial written by Tim Court to help get train-simmers started using Auran's Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004. The two part tutorial covers setting up a session and driving and dispatching. You can read the tutorial here.
Midwest Rail System Accepting Requests For Advertising Midwest Rail Systems is now accepting request for advertisements that you want added to our site. For more information please contact our president, Tai Chan, at taic@mowshed.com Also Midwest Rail Systems is still looking for activity designers and equipment skinners. You can apply for these positions at www.midwest-rail.com
Razorback Railway - The Living Railway The Razorback Railway is pleased to present a world first concept for the Auran Trainz Railway Simulator: The Living Railway. The Living Railway is a new virtual world where a dispatcher assigns tasks for you to perform on the Railway. [More...]
RailDriver Software For Trainz 2004 Beta RailDriver software to support Trainz 2004 is now available for download. You can also now purchase Trainz 2004 and a variety of MSTS add-ons directly from the RailDriver web site. [More...]
Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway Train-Sim Version The real world Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway in Wales, the oldest independent railway company in the world, has an extensive collection of MSTS wagons available for download from their web site as well as an early alpha version of their actual route. [More...]
Digital-Rails Announces Routes Already known for their train-sim utilities DEMEX and JUMPER, Digital-Rails is now branching out into route design. Several Microsoft Train Simulator routes are under development, including "The Joint Line" offering heavy hauling in the Powder River Basin. [More...]
RailDriver December News New RailDriver software to support Trainz 2004 is expected shortly to coincide with Auran's release of Service Pack 1. You can also now purchase Trainz 2004 and a variety of MSTS add-ons directly from the RailDriver web site. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Santa Fe 3751 Over Cajon Pass 3D Train Stuff, Llc. is proud to announce the release of a new add-on called the Santa Fe 3751 Over Cajon Pass for our Cajon Pass route, and Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]
Just Trains Severn Valley Railway Videos Just Trains, the train-sim label of popular British-based publisher Just Flight, has released two video clips showing a variety of exciting elements of its recent release Severn Valley Railway. The videos available for download come in high-res and low-res flavors and give an overview of the immense detail put in to this expansion for Microsoft Train Simulator. They are both .WMV format so can easily be played with the standard Windows Media Player, after unzipping the download. [More...]
VMD Team Adds New Members The Virtual Motive Division has added three new members to its roster of add-on designers as Phil Campbell, Thomas Luik and Freddie Huff join the team. In addition, the release of an EMD SD70MAC for Trainz was also announced. [More...]
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 Goes Gold Auran has announced that Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 has now "gone gold" and is available for direct purchase from their web site. It should start appearing in retail stores next week. TRS2004 features a total railroading experience, including driving trains, coordinating movement of passenger and freight and the ability to create environments to operate in. [More...]
Just Trains Announces Severn Valley Railway The Severn Valley Railway is a beautifully preserved railway of yesterday that you can still ride today. Soon, using the Blue Arrow TS version published by Just Trains, you'll also be able to drive it using Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]
Just Trains And National Railway Museum Team Up Just Trains has received the backing of Britain's National Railway Museum (NRM) for the release of Trainz Railway Simulator 2004 which is scheduled for late October. NRM has endorsed Railway Simulator 2004 and advertising will include the beautiful blue Mallard locomotive that is housed at the museum and featured in the sim. [More...]
Announcing Espee Over Tehachapi Pass Now available from 3D Train Stuff is their latest MSTS add-on Espee Over Tehachapi Pass featuring a new trainset and activity pack for use on their Tehachapi Pass Route II. Included are a variety of GP60s plus rolling stock. [More...]
RET Metro Online News RET Metro Online is a Dutch site about the subway in the Netherland's second largest city, Rotterdam. Under development for Microsoft Train Simulator is various rolling stock plus a route running from Centraal Station to Slinge and later to Hoogvliet. [More...]
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 Web Site Opens The new support web site for the upcoming Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 is now open at www.railroadsimulator.com. In addition, new screen shots have been posted here.
VBuilder3D Now Freeware Developer Thierry Videlaine's VBuilder3D is modelling software that lets you quickly created 3D objects that can be exported to DirectX, .3ds and Microsoft Train Simulator formats. The .3ds files created by VBuilder3D can also be imported into Gmax and thus used with any sim or game that has a Gmax game pack. The standard version is now freeware, limited only on the number of shapes per object. [More...]
Signalling Centre London Kings Cross Relaunched Signalling Centre London Kings Cross was the first simulation specifically designed for Microsoft Windows from Signalling Centre Software and will be relaunched on 1st August 2003 to include many new features that are available in the highly successful simulation based on Birmingham New Street in the United Kingdom. [More...]
Train Magazine.Com Donations & Sponsors Campaign Spanish MSTS site Train Magazine.com has announced a sponsorship program for both individuals and companies to help support the services the site offers to the Spanish and Latin American train-sim community. [More...]
Announcing Canton Virtual Railroad The Canton Virtual Railroad is open, using Rich Garber's Canton Railroad. Started by the staff of the highly popular Ohio Valley System, the Canton VR does the same thing for the short lines that the OV does regionals. Canton's incredible scenery and its ability to be "placed" almost anywhere will make it a sure hit. And being backed by one of the most popular VR's on the net means it will be well supported and a lot of fun. [More...]
Canton Route Released Now available from developer Rich Garber is Canton, a fifteen to seventeen mile branchline route offering lots of running and switching. Included are five towns, eighteen industries, six depots and over 250 objects all built to scale and photorealistic. [More...]
VMD Releases Fourth Engine The Virtual Motive Division has just released its fourth locomotive add-on for Trainz: the EMD F45 diesel. Five liveries are planned including ATSF, BN, Milwaukee Road, Montana Rail Link and Wisconsin Central. [More...]
Auran And UP Sign License Agreement Auran and Union Pacific Railroad have reached a license agreement that will result in both current and historic Union Pacific equipment being prominently featured in Auran's upcoming Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004. [More...]
The Spanish MSTS Designer Group Going On Now available at Train Magazine.com for free download are several new locos and rolling stock pieces from the Spanish MSTS Designer Community. Included are MFV wagons, Renfe 271 electric loco and more. [More...]
A Treat For Train Enthusiasts Now available from Stategy First is the Train Collection, containing three previously released titles combined into one package at a reduced price. Included in the package are "Rails Across America", "Ultimate Trainz" and "Trainz Paint Shed". [More...]
Review: The Cambrian Route The latest route offering from the UK division of 3D Train Stuff is The Cambrian Route - A Seaside Journey. Though perhaps not well known to many trainsimmers, this scenic route along the coast of Wales is a picturesque setting and provides for some wonderful railroading along the 73 miles of included mainline track. Our reviewer found that 3DTS did a great job with the route, which features some of the best scenery to be found in MSTS. [More...]
Austrains Vr Opens Austrains Vr, a new Australian virtual railway using Microsoft Train Simulator, is now open. The road uses Australian rolling stock and Australian designed routes. [More...]
Atlantic Coastal Railway Set To Re-Open Atlantic Coastal Railway (ACR) is set to re-open next week with a newly redesigned and streamlined web site. New myACR automation lets engineers' records get updated faster. [More...]
Tehachapi Pass Route II Now Available 3D Train Stuff, Llc. is proud to announce the release of their latest add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator, called the, Tehachapi Pass Route II - California Gateway Edition. The route features over 100 miles of prototypical mainline, branch lines, interchanges, three yards, activities, and new trainsets. exciting add-on, please visit [More...]
Review: Burlington Northern Over Marias Pass. 3D Train Stuff Llc has formed an alliance with 3D-Perfection.com to provide a new line of MSTS add-ons. First up is Burlington Norther Over Marias Pass which features six activities plus new BN locomotives and rolling stock. Reviewer Curt May gives it a look over. [More...]
RailDriver Open House Announced More like a mini train-sim convention, the first RailDriver Open House will be held July 19th and feature displays, including the full size GP38 cab, a route editor workshop and more. Additional activities and exhibitors are still being lined up. [More...]
German Railroads Volume II Ships to North America Now available at retail stores is German Railroads Volume 2 - Fast Railcars On The Runway. This MSTS add-on includes the route from Munster to Bremen and includes several new trains and over 40 activities. [More...]
simMarket Adds Train-Sim Products Now available for download at simMarket, as well as on CD-ROM are two products from Japanese publisher Aerosim: JNR Electric Locomotive and JNR Limited Express 485 & 583 Series. [More...]
Microsoft Train Simulator 2 Screen Shots Microsoft Game Studios has just announced that Microsoft Train Simulator 2 will be shown for the first time in public at E3, with release expected this fall. We have now just received the first small sampling of screen shots for the sim. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Cambrian Route 3D Train Stuff has announced the release of the long awaited The Cambrian Route - A Seaside Journey for Microsoft Train Simulator. The route is 73 miles long and includes six new diesel and steam trainsets, new custom day and night cabviews, custom sounds, 23 freight and passenger activities, 30 pieces of new rolling stock, and loads of spectacular scenery. [More...]
TRAINZ RAILROAD SIMULATOR 2004 ANNOUNCED Auran has officially announced the next product in the Trainz series, Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 (TRS2004) will be released in Q4, 2003. TRS2004 is the new name given to the planned Yardmaster module and incorporates a huge number of new features and stunning new graphics from the Auran Jet V2.0 game engine. [More...]
TsTools 2 Announced Publisher dcm has announced a June release date for TsTools 2. TsTools is a utility for route designers that offers a variety of features. The new version features enhance abilities like editing properties on a tile by tile basis, move/rotate static objects, etc. [More...]
MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR 2 ANNOUNCED Microsoft Game Studios has just announced that Microsoft Train Simulator 2 will be shown for the first time in public at E3, the annual game convention in Los Angeles, held May 14 through May 16. Release is expected this fall. [More...]
Announcing German Railroads Volume II Now available from German Railroads is Volume 2 - Fast Railcars On The Runway. This MSTS add-on includes the route from Munster to Bremen and includes several new trains and over 40 activities. Also, Volume 1 - Along The Bigge Lake is now available from American retailers, including Amazon.com. [More...]
Kicking Horse Pass 2.0 Released Now available from Maple Leaf Tracks is Kicking Horse Pass 2.0. This expansion pack includes over 90 miles of mainline track, 14 locomotives and paint schemes, rolling stock, etc. [More...]
Announcing VBuilder3D New from developer Thierry Videlaine is VBuilder3D, modelling software that lets you quickly created 3D objects that can be exported to DirectX, .3ds and Microsoft Train Simulator formats. The .3ds files created by VBuilder3D can also be imported into Gmax and thus used with any sim or game that has a Gmax game pack. [More...]
Review: The 3D Sounds Package Sound is one aspect of simulation that can sometimes get overlooked. 3D Perfection Models has decided to do something about that with the recent release of their The 3D Sounds Package for MSTS. To learn what's included and just how much of a difference in makes, read this review by Nels Anderson.
3D Train Stuff Announces Burlington Northern Over Marias Pass Add-on 3D Train Stuff Llc has formed an alliance with 3D-Perfection.com to provide a new line of MSTS add-ons. First up is Burlington Norther Over Marias Pass which features six activities plus new BN locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases UK Branch Activity Pack 1 Now available from 3D Train Stuff is UK Branch Activity Pack 1, offering 26 new activities for their UK Branch Collection stuff (or both older products, LMS Steam & Freight, and Record Holders of Steam). The activities all use default MSTS routes. [More...]
Railroad Tycoon II Maps Available On CD The Railroad Tycoon II maps that were available on the website U.K. Rail Express are now being put onto a CD for a fee to cover CD, postage and packing. When Railroad Tycoon 3 is released, UK Simulation will be one of the leading resources. [More...]
Ohio Valley System Opens The Ohio Valley System includes the two railroads included in Rich Garber's Ohio Rail route. Engineers choose one of the railroads to accumulate run hours, although they can run on either road, or one of a code share partner. There currently are two code share partners, with more expected very soon. [More...]
Announcing Rail Tycoon 3 Publisher Gathering and developer PopTop Software, subsidiaries of Take-Two Interactive Software have announced Rail Tycoon 3 with a planned release of fall 2003. The latest release in the series will feature a cutting edge 3D graphics engine while allowing players to create their own railroad empire from the early days of railroading right up to the modern era. [More...]
Your Hand On The Throttle Train-simming is great...as far as it goes. But don't we all dream of getting our hand on the throttle of a real locomotive? Well, it's possible to do just that, running steam no less, at places like the Valley Railroad in Essex, Connecticut. Nels Anderson took advantage of this opportunity and reports on just what it was like. [More...]
3D Perfection Releases 3D Sounds Package Now available from 3D Perfection Models is their 3D Sounds Package. This package includes upgraded sounds for MSTS based on many hours of actual live recordings of real railroading sounds. The package also includes new locomotives, cars and activities. [More...]
TsTools March Sale Publisher dcm is offering TsTools at a special price of 25% off during the month of March. TsTools is a utility for route designers that offers a variety of features. [More...]
Review: RailDriver Now available in limited quantities, RailDriver is the piece of hardware all train-sim fans have been waiting for...a realistic train control, at a reasonable price. Though forced to deal with imperfections in the sim itself, RailDriver is a must-have add-on. Learn all about it and how it works by reading Nels Anderson's review. [More...]
Maple Leaf Tracks Releases BN Heritage Pack The latest Microsoft Train Simulator add-on to be released by Maple Leaf Tracks is the BN Heritage Pack, a collection of locomotives from the Burlington Northern Railroad. Models included are GP9, GP39-2, GP50, SD45, SD60M and C30-7. [More...]
Auran Releases F7 Skin For MSTS Paint Shed Users of Auran's MSTS Paint Shed can now download a new Paint Shed of the EMD F7 car body diesel locomotive [More...]
3D Train Stuff Releases Cajon Pass Expansion Pack Now available from 3D Train Stuff is Cajon Pass Route High Desert Rails Expansion Pack. This addition to their Cajon Pass Route includes new activities, new F40PH locomotives, Amtrak cars, freight cars (including a Boeing trainset) and more. [More...]
Review: Michigan Iron Ore Maple Leaf Tracks offers another fine addition to their collection of routes with Michigan Iron Ore - The Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad. Fans of freight operations and especially of switching will enjoy moving long strings of ore cars through the large yards, mines and docks found on the route. Nels Anderson reviews the route and offers comments and many screen shots. [More...]
Auran Completes North American Tour Gamers and railroad enthusiasts in North America had the opportunity throughout January to experience the computer game called Ultimate Trainz Collection, created by game developer Auran, during a seven-city tour. Over 35,000 railroad fans in Los Angeles, Syracuse, Baltimore, Buffalo, Houston, Toronto, and Chicago experienced Ultimate Trainz Collection in action. [More...]
TsTools Purchase Now Available By PayPal Publisher dcm is evaluating the use of PayPal as a means of accepting orders for TsTools. As an incentive, anyone purchasing TsTools this week via PayPal will get $5 off the regular price [More...]
Announcing Jumper Route Editor Utility Jumper v1.0 is a new utility that aids in MSTS route construction by providing an easy way to jump to a new location within the route. Users simply click on a list of locations from a marker file. [More...]
German Railroads Comes To North America Publisher Strategy First has announced an agreement with German developer German Railroads to bring two add-ons for MSTS to the North American market. German Railroads 1 and German Railroads 2 will ship in the first and second quarters respectively of 2003. [More...]
Announcing Midwest Rail Systems Midwest Rail Systems is the newest VRR open for MSTS users. They are currently accepting applications for both administrative jobs (such as HRD, programmers, and division directors.), design jobs (such as skinners, graphics artist and activity designers.), as well as engineers. MRS runs both passenger and freight and MOW trains on its Illinois Central Route. Traffic is mostly diesel however Midwest Rail Systems is also currently adding a steam only line for steam buffs. Midwest Rail Systems also includes a free CD with route, engines, and more when you sign up. [More...]
Maple Leaf Tracks Releases Michigan Iron Ore Now available from Maple Leaf Tracks is Michigan Iron Ore - The Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad, offering over 40 miles of shortline ore hauling activity for MSTS. Included with the route are first and second generation Alco and GE locomotives that are capable of pulling 100 car ore trains from the mines to the docks. [More...]
Introduction To Virtual Railroads Are you interested in joining a virtual railroad but aren't sure what exactly they are all about? In this article Jim Vaughn, director of workforce development for North Eastern Railroad (Virtual) offers a detailed explanation of what is involved and what to look for in a virtual railroad. [More...]
Cajon Pass Route Update Released 3D Train Stuff has announced the release of v1.60 of their Cajon Pass route. This update, free to current owners, addresses all known issues in activities and includes some new wellcars, poles and even some new activities. [More...]
Announcing Virtual-Motive-Division.com Virtual-Motive-Division is a group of designers building detailed creations for Auran's Trainz simulator. Current projects include the EMD GP38-2, GP7 and GP9 in liveries for five North American railroads. [More...]
3D Perfection Models Releases The SF GP20 Four Pack Now available from 3D Perfection Models is a collection of four Santa Fe GP20 locomotives with four matching activities, custom cabs and custom sounds. Also available as a free download is a Santa Fe box car. [More...]
Preview: RailDriver As good as Auran's Trainz and Microsoft's Train Simulator are, they've always been less than real due to the way we are forced to control them. Well, soon that will change with the upcoming release of RailDriver, a full size and realistic locomotive control console. Rich Garber had the opportunity to use a pre-release unit and offers his preview of the controller. [More...]
Aerosoft New Product News Coming in the next month from Aerosoft are two new train-sim related products. TrainSim Activity Pack 1 includes more than 60 hours of fun with activities for ProTrain 1 and 2, High Speed Trains, Heidi Express and German Railroads. Also announced is Raildriver's Cab Controller, the first hardware controller for Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]
Announcing TrainzProRoutes TrainzProRoutes is a new group of developers working on high quality prototypical routes for Auran's Trainz simulator. Current projects include the Tehachapi Route. [More...]
Review: Maple Leaf Tracks' Sandpatch The Sandpatch route through the mountains of Maryland and southwestern Pennsylvania provides a great challenge for any train-simmer interested in typical North American freight railroading. Sandpatch is a favorite with railfans and should be a favorite with MSTS users as well. Reviewer Nels Anderson takes a close look at the scenery, locomotives, rolling stock and activities included in this add-on. [More...]
Trainz Ultimate Collection Screen Shots By now you've certainly heard about Auran's Trainz Ultimate Collection but you'd probably like to know more. We've just been supplied with a large collection of screen shots that are just stunning! Here's your chance to see just how good this sim is. [More...]
Maple Leaf Tracks Releases The B&O Heritage Pack Now available from Maple Leaf Tracks is a collection of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad locomotives and rolling stock from the 1960's. Included are locomotives such as the SW9, GP9, GP30, GP35, SD35 and RSD-12. Also included are activities that use this equipment on Maple Leaf Tracks' Sandpatch Route. [More...]
Railwaves.com Releases Class 66/67 Sound Package Now available from Railwaves.com is a sound package for the UK Class 66 and 67 diesel locomotives. Thes sounds are based on recordings of a real Class 66 made especially for this package. [More...]
Microsoft Simulations Store Now Open Microsoft Game Studios announces the opening of the Microsoft Simulations Store, offering apparel, bags, mugs, watches, etc. with Microsoft Flight Simulator and Train Simulator logos. [More...]
University Of Munich Survey The University Of Munich is currently undertaking a research project on flight and train simulators and needs your help. They are looking for users and especially for add-on developers for Microsoft Train Simulator and for Auran's Trainz to fill out a survey. [More...]
Sylium Releases CC 6500 Pack + T.A.C. Now available from Sylium is CC 6500 Pack + T.A.C., their second add-on for MSTS. Included are four locos and various cars all with photoreal textures, full 3D interiors, special sounds and more. [More...]
Just Trains News Just Trains has just released a number of announcements. First is that the Just Trains TGV route now has an update available. Also available is a free skins upgrade to the Just Trains Euro Loco Pack. Finally, Just Trains has opened a message forum on their web site. [More...]
Feature Article: A Bigger Picture Flightsimmers and gamers have for years been creating elaborate cockpits to enhance the realism of the simming experience. The same sort of thing can be done with train-sims too. In this introductory article, Elden Slick looks at some of the components required, such as video projectors, fresnel lenses, as well as adjustments that need to be made to Train Simulator itself to make things work. [More...]
Dekosoft Releases SD40-2 Pro Edition Now available from Dekosoft is their SD40-2 Pro series which includes seven detailed models with two custom cabs. Both high and low hood versions are included, all with lots of 3D details. Also, special offers are available when purchasing two packs together. [More...]
Announcing TsPathfinder DCM has announced TsPathfinder, a utility intended for the typical Microsoft Train Simulator users, who wants to create maps of routes. TsPatherfinder will create maps of entire routes or maps specific to a particular activity. A special offer is also available for those who want to purchase both TsPathfinder and TsTools. [More...]
Announcing Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine Issue #2 Woodbridge Softworks has announced the launch of Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine, a quarterly magazine to be published on CD. Each issue has features such as review, routes, project and supporting files. [More...]
TsTools Special Offer Now through October 31 TsTools is available at a discount of 20% ($23.99 instead of $29.99). If you would like to take advantage of this offer, you can place your order by clicking here.
DEMEX v1.20 Now Available DEMEX is a terrain creation tool for MSTS that allows you to create hundreds of miles of terrain based on freely available DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data. Version 1.20 has just been released, offering creation of distant mountain terrain and creation of MSTS markers from USA Photomaps waypoints. [More...]
Simulatortracks News Simulatortracks has announced that work on the Paris - Lille TGV route is finished, and final test runs are being done before release. The route starts at either Chessy TGV station (sound of Marne la Vallee) or Paris Gare du Nord and proceeds north to either Lille Europe or Lille Flandres station. [More...]
Microsoft Train Simulator v1.2 Microsoft Train Simulator Insider has additional information about the update to MSTS announced yesterday. Read their announcement, which has a variety of links to various information here.
Microsoft Releases Train Simulator Add-ons Now available on Microsoft's official MSTS web site are several add-ons, including two new locomotives, two activities, some cars and Gmax game pack. The included SD40-2 features an all new cab. [More...]
Review: The Cajon Pass Route The latest add-on from 3DTrainStuff is a dream come true for fans of freight railroading, offering an exciting route through the California mountains plus a variety of both modern and historic locomotives and rolling stock to run on it. Both UP and BNSF trackage is included along with an extensive set of activities to try. [More...]
Great Northern Railroad Opens Great Northern Railroad (a subsidiary of Atlantic Coastal Transportation) has announced its official opening date of Monday October 7th. This virtual freight railroad has been in development for over a year. [More...]
Review: German Railroads Volume 1: The Seventies - Along The Bigge Lake German Railroad Volume 1 provides two German routes, Finnentrop-Olpe-Betzedorf and Olpe-Dieringhausen with custom buildings and scenery, appropriate rolling stock and extensive documentation. Robert R. Murphy takes a close look at this add-on in his latest review. [More...]
Danny's Virtual Railroad Opens Home of the Atlantic High-Speed System, this group strives to make every trip on their trains as quick and convenient as possible. [More...]
Announcing TsPathfinder DCM has announced TsPathfinder, a utility intended for the typical Microsoft Train Simulator users, who wants to create maps of routes. TsPatherfinder will create maps of entire routes or maps specific to a particular activity. [More...]
UP Big Boy For Trainz Released Designer Claes Wikdahl has announced the release of his Union Pacific Class 4000 "Big Boy" steam locomotive #4006 for use with Auran's Trainz. Included are detailed loco and tender with animated running gear, smoke and steam effects, volumetric shadows and authentic sounds. [More...]
German Railroads Volume 1 - Biggelake English Version Released German Railroads - Vol. 1 - "The Seventies - Along the Bigge Lake" is out now in an English language version. Volume 2 has also been announced for early 2003. [More...]
Microsoft Train Simulator Paint Shed Now Available Available now from Auran is Microsoft Train Simulator Paint Shed, an add-on for MSTS users that allows anyone to repaint and customize any of the included locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]
Announcing Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine Woodbridge Softworks has announced the launch of Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine, a quarterly magazine to be published on CD. Each issue has features such as review, routes, project and supporting files. [More...]
North Eastern Railroad Conceived A new virtual railroad is opening September 1, 2002. North Eastern Railroad staff have been preparing for opening day since October 2001. Many months have gone into developing a whole new concept in virtual railroading. [More...]
TsTools v1.3 Now Available TsTools v1.3 is now available offering additional functionality for route designers. TsTools will open your route and display the tiles, markers and track in a 2 dimensional map view, allowing you to edit many of the route properties and to create terrain data. [More...]
Announcing Birmingham New Street New from Signalling Centre Software is their latest simulation based on a British Railway location - Birmingham New Street. A trial version is also available for download. [More...]
Great Northern Railroad Seeks Personel Great Northern Railroad (a subsidiary of Atlantic Coastal Transportation) has announced that they are seeking people to fill several staff positions, including Director of Great Northern RR Operations and Division Train Master of Kalispell and Divisional Train Master of Shelby. [More...]
ChrisTrains NS Mat'54 v1.1 Released Available now for immediate download is v1.1 of the the Mat'54, an EMU modelled in two forms for MSTS. A two car version and a four car version are available and fully working cabview are included. [More...]
Railwaves.com Announces West Somerset Railway Route Coming this winter from Railwaves.com in cooperation with the real West Somerset Railway PLC will be a route covering 23 miles from Norton Fitzwarren Junction to Minehead in Somerset, UK. Activities and appropriate locomotives and rolling stock will be included. [More...]
Announcing RailDriver RailDriver is a new division of P.I. Engineering, Inc. that will offer hardware cab controls for train simulators with realistic levers and buttons. Also planned are RailDriver Cyclopedias with text and drawings that will be of great value to locomotive and car designers. [More...]
Cajon Pass Route - High Desert Rails Edition Released New from 3D Train Stuff is The Cajon Pass Route - High Desert Rails Edition for MSTS. The route includes over 240 miles of accurate grades, prototype signaled mainlines, junctions, yards, stations, sidings, cities all with realistic scenery and natural terrain with beautiful distant mountains. Also included are over 22 new locomotives and trainsets plus over 50 pieces of freight rolling stock. [More...]
Dekosoft Releases Seaboard Collector's Edition GP38 New from Dekosoft is their GP38-2 Seaboard Collector's Edition, consisting of eight different locomotives from the four railroads that are part of the system: Seaboard Coast Line, Louisville & Nashville, Family Lines System and Seaboard System. [More...]
German Railroads Volume One Released German Railroads - Vol. 1 - "The Seventies - Along the Bigge Lake" is out now. To get a first impression, take a look at this review: http://www.trains-station.com/German.html. This is a test of the German version, but the English one is the same (only everything in English language). Except the DB 217. This loco is included in the English add-on. You can also download a demo version at http://www.german-railroads.com.
Trainz Service Pack 3 Arrives Trainz Service Pack 3 is now available. It includes enhanced map support, new content including maps, locomotives and rolling stock and the addition of scenario support along with bug fixes and other items. [More...]
Review: American Classics Train Sim Pack Train Artisan is well known for their high quality locomotives. In American Classics you get a collection of New York Central's finest steam and diesel passenger train sets with nine steam and diesel locomotives, custom cabs and so on. Robert Murphy offers his comments on this nice add-on in his review here.
Review: NALW Big Boy The Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" locomotive may well be the most asked for add-on for MSTS. Well, the wait is over as North American Locomotive Works has released their Big Boy which is now available for download. Learn more about the UP 4000-series locomotives in this review. [More...]
North West Trains Moves One of the longest running Virtual Railways in the UK, North West Trains, has moved to new servers and is accepting applications from drivers. A new duty assignment system is also being put in place. The VR runs on the Northern Rail Route around Carlisle, Settle, Workington and Barrow, as well as using the East Coast Main Line. Visit the website (http://nwtrains.uktrainsim.com) for more details.
Railwaves.com Announces West Somerset Railway The latest project under development by Railwaves.com has just been announced. It is the West Somerset Railway (WSR), a 20 mile preserved route that runs through some of the UK's most scenery countryside. [More...]
VNARC Now Under New Management VNARC is now being run by a new set of managment. They are accepting new members, however operations won't start right away. Operations will start soon with a fresh, new staff. They are accepting members in all departments, high managment staff, including Human Resources, Public Relations, Web Master and Department Managers, but are not looking for engineers just yet. Visit the web site for more details. Or Conact Sami Nasr at saminasr@rogers.com or Pawlo Alban at pawlo@sympatico.ca
Dekosoft Announces GP38-2 And GP40-2 Edition New from Dekosoft are Pro Editions of the popular EMD GP38-2 and GP40-2 locomotives. Also newly released is Coil Car Set 1.5. [More...]
Just Trains Announces New Web Site Just Trains now has a newly re-designed web site available for its customers. The site offers multi-currency support for purchases, free downloads to complement their many add-ons plus service updates. [More...]
Dream In Vision Announces New Locomotive Dream in Vision have announced that they are working on a Princess Coronation Class Pacific steam locomotive (aka Duchess Class) and are also developing static 3D objects. [More...]
Review: UK Record Holders Of Steam 3D Train Stuff has come up with another winning combination of British steam locomotives in their latest release UK Record Holders Of Steam. This set of five colorful streamlined steam locomotives plus matching cars will make a great addition to any MSTS collection. Reviewer Nels Anderson takes a close look at the collection here.
Train Simulator Gmax Pack Now Available Microsoft has just announced that Gmax support is now available for Microsoft Train Simulator. Discreet's gmax is a 3D design platform used for many games and sims. Gmax itself is already available for download, and now an MSTS game pack plus sample locomotive are available. [More...]
Trainz To Include Scenarios In Service Pack 3 Trainz Service Pack 3 is now scheduled to be released July 1. It will include support for prototypical routes and interactive scenarios as well as updating art assets, sound, AI and physics. [More...]
RailwayStation.com Announces Contest Think you're the best switching engineer? Then try RailwayStation.com's switching contest for their "Timesaver Route". The route and contest activity are both free downloads. [More...]
Dream In Vision Announces New Locomotive Coming next from Dream In Vision is an Australian version of the Dash 8 locomotive, as used by BHP Iron Ore. Quite different looking from the U.S. version, individual units also show variations. [More...]
Review: Euro Loco The Euro Loco pack, created by ChrisTrains and published by JustTrains, includes a wide variety of European locomotives plus matching freight and passenger cars. Reviewer Henri Patey takes a quick look at this add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]
Abacus Announces Scenic Railway Available shortly from Abacus is Scenic Railway, an add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator. Scenic Railway includes a new route leading from Capital City which includes a large yard, many industries plus rural areas. SD40 locomotives and suitable rolling stock are also included. [More...]
SimulatorTracks Releases Brussels - Lille TGV Simulatortracks announces the release of the Brussels - Lille TGV Line version 2. With this route, built with 25 kV gantries and TVM signalling, you can drive your TGV or Eurostar from the Lille area to Brussels. In this version are added several other rail tracks which connect to the TGV Line. For example a trip from the Lille TGV depot to Lille Europe and then returning to Brussels is possible. [More...]
Virtual BNSF Opens New Web Site VBNSF has reopened with an all new web site. They now offer a functional training department along with operations on two new routes, East Metro and Ohio and WV Railroading. Major job openings are available. [More...]
Review: TGV Train Sim Pack New from designer EuropeanBahn and publisher Just Trains is TGV Train Sim Pack, which offers over 500 miles of high speed routes as well as matching trainsets and activities. Learn more about this add-on by reading Robert Jubb's review. [More...]
VNARC Temporarily Shut Down The Virtual North American Railroad Company has temporarily shut down and will start from scratch later on late in the month or early June, due to inactivity and no cooperation within members and because of some non-organised members. Some members helped alot, some of them have done nothing. If you want to keep your old position please e-mail Sam Barnett at sam@planb.net.au, and also please note that @vnarc.com e-mail service is not working but the forums are open, for communication reasons, so feel free to ask questions there. E-mail the CEO at saminasr@rogers.com.
Win Euro Loco Pack ChrisTrains is offering the chance to win on of five copies of their recently released Euro Loco Pack simply by visiting their site and submitting your email address. [More...]
Dekosoft Announces SD-35 Pro Edition Dekosoft now offers the EMD SD-35 and SDP-35 locomotives as companions to their previously released GP-35 models. The distinct shape models are included under several railroad names. [More...]
Review: International Trains Volume 1 Recently Sylium released their first add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator: International Trains Volume 1, the Paris - St Gervais sleeping car train, featuring electric locomotives and matching passenger cars. Reviewer Henri Patey takes a look at this add-on and describes what he found in words and pictures. [More...]
Dream In Vision Progress Report Dream In Vision has issued a progress report on some of their MSTS add-ons, including a Hudson locomotive, hand car, Santa Fe diesel and GE AC 6000 diesel. [More...]
EuropeanBahn Announces TGV Train Sim Pack Available this week from EuropeanBahn and Just Trains is an add-on for MSTS that includes 6 European routes totalling just under 600 miles, plus appropriate vehicles and several activities. [More...]
Spittler Engineering Releases "Real Pines" Spittler Enginnering announces the release of Real Pines, replacement textures for the default fir trees in Microsoft Train Simulator as used on the Marias Pass route. [More...]
Sylium Completes First Add-On Now available from Sylium is International Trains Volume 1, the Paris - St Gervais sleeping car train. This add-on is for Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]
Capital Transit Looking For Members Capital Transit Virtual Rail is now open, bringing passengers to Washington D.C. via the Northeast Corridor route. They are in need of a co-president, train designers and route designers. [More...]
German Forum For Train Sim Designer Opens Train Sim Designer is a German only version of Train Sim Modeler which was recently released. A discussion forum for this utility is now available here
Train Artisan Opens New Web Site Train Artisan is proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of the Train Artisan web site. Inside the new site, you'll find a little something for everyone. We've got news, a new screen shot gallery, products page and a freebie section that is open to everybody. We've also sectioned off a part of the site to provide a gift to those who donate or who have purchased American Classics - Train-Sim Pack. [More...]
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.

Sybex Companion Book For MSTS Hits The Press. Sybex has announced that Microsoft Train Simulator: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets is available in stores now. [More...]
MSTS Press Beta Screen Shots: Eleven pages of screen shots are now available from the press beta, illustrating various aspects of the sim. Included are a repainted locomotive and box cars, a 2000 series car with the headlights fixed, an AI locomotive turned operable and other interesting scenes. [More...]


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