The latest feature update for Trainz Plus users is now
available. This release also delivers a "Service Pack 1" update for
TRS22 users to maintain compatibility for routes and content between
TRS22 and Trainz Plus builds.
The latest update includes the following highlights:
- Custom Content Package support*
- TZARC compression - 50% reduction in file size
- Update to Trainzbuild 5.2
- Improved audio - XAudio2 sound system API update for PC
- End of official support for Windows 7
- A range of other tweaks and bug fixes
* Note: Requires Surveyor 2.0 / Trainz Plus.
Content Package Palette
The new Content Package palette now available in Surveyor 2.0
provides the ability to enable and disable various content packages
for use in a route.
This system is required to enable additional content for MPS
routes. It will also greatly benefit all route builders by identifying
which packages are being used in your own routes, and those which you
plan on sharing or uploading to the DLS.
This means that Trainz Plus members can now enable any existing DLC
packages for use in their MPS routes, and other users will then be
prompted to install the required packages prior to entering the
route.
Custom Content Packages
It is also possible to create your own custom packages through the
Trainz Content Creation Program.
As this is a new system, we’re looking for a couple of teams
interested in working closely with our content team to iron out any
kinks in the process. Just submit your package through TCCP and let us
know in the comments you're interested in MPS.
TZARC Compression
All users (TRS22 and Trainz Plus) will benefit from this feature
which reduces the size of .tzarc files by roughly 50%.
There are three main benefits to TZARC compression:
- Faster downloads (twice the speed since DLC packages are half the size)
- Lower on-disk footprint (including for the built-in content)
- Potentially faster loading, especially on slower drives (depends on your hardware)
Note that your existing installed content is not automatically
reduced in size. It requires either a resave for modified content or a
new package downloaded for DLC items.
Improved Audio
This is a back-end update that brings support for the latest
Microsoft sound API to PC users. This resolves a rare but
long-standing bug in the OpenAL API (where Trainz would crash when you
reached 63mph) and delivers improved sound across the board.
Please note that there are no other changes to the internal sound
system. That project is a major undertaking and will be addressed when
we find more time in our schedule.
End of Windows 7 Support
XAudio2 ships with Windows 10 and as a redistributable for older
Windows versions. As Microsoft updates their API, it is likely that
Win 7 initially, and then Win 8 will no longer be supported.
We are announcing the end of official support for Trainz for any
Win 7 users (which ended official support with Microsoft in January
2020). You will need to either remain on your current build, or update
your operating system to use any future Trainz updates.
If you need to go back to a supported build, we have archived the
Win 7 supported builds here.
Also as a side note, Microsoft also ends Win 8 official support in
January 2023.
Bug Fixes
As we work to continually add features and improve Trainz, we also
work on fixing as many bugs as possible.
The key to resolving any outstanding issues is finding a reliable
way to reproduce the issue.
If you have an issue that has not been addressed, then please
submit a detailed report through our online bug reporting form.
