Return to earth from virtual skies

[TacomaSailor]

I was a long time (1984 - 2013) FlightSim and (2004 - 2013) MSTS enthusiast. In 2013 we took off again on our sailboat (from Puget Sound) and I dropped out of the simulation community until late 2017 when we returned to firm ground in SW Florida.

I then built a specialized FlightSim computer in my large dedicated computer room, which does not move about with the waves, and dove back into FSX (flightsim). In early 2020 I installed Steam and began using FSX off of that platform and in September 2020 I switched over to Steam/FlightSim 2020.

Last week I decided to give TrainSim another go and downloaded TS2022 and a bunch of DLC that I recognized from the old MSTS days.

BUT... NOW I am very confused about TS2022 (or TS20xx), it's relationship to RailWorks and MSTS, and where does TrainWorld fit into the picture?

I am disappointed in the little bit I have used TS2022 - the graphics are not as nice as I remember them in MSTS and the physics seem poor. I was a serious activity builder in MSTS but what little scenario work I have done in TS2022 is also disappointing.

Can someone please explain a little about what happened to MSTS, the history of TS20xx, and where Trainworld is going as far as being nicer graphics but not much on the train operating side?

[seagoon]

....Can someone please explain a little about what happened to MSTS, the history of TS20xx, and where Trainworld is going as far as being nicer graphics but not much on the train operating side?

You will no doubt receive many responses to your questions and not every one will be the same.

MSTS:
In essence, it has evolved into Open Rails.
There are those who still prefer to use MSTS but the core of the sim has never advanced beyond that of the original release over 20 years ago.

TS20XX:
Every couple of years DTG (developer/publisher) pop out an "update" to the previous edition, advancing the name by a couple of years.....TS2019, TS2022, etcetera.
They also produce add-on routes and 'stock, some of which offer more than glitz.

Train Simulator World:
Also a DTG product and the cynics, including myself, will tell you that it's aimed at the console generation (X-Box, Playstation) and although packed with great graphics it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to simulating realism.

The general feeling in the train-sim community is that each has something to offer but of the three, when it comes to realistic dynamics and physics, plus simulation of train operation, Open Rails is the best choice.

[NorthernWarrior]

TSW has some good points. I’m enjoying the SF Peninsula Corridor and the additional loco DLCs, the MP15 and Baby Bullet, are brilliant. Sherman Hill is also getting favourable reviews though I’m inclined to wait for a sale still. I do believe DTG’s understanding of how things work and how to apply their Simugraph physics engine has come on since the early days. If you want plug and play simming without having to mess around managing files and endless tweaking, then it’s certainly worth a look.

[gammaray84]

BUT... NOW I am very confused about TS2022 (or TS20xx), it's relationship to RailWorks and MSTS, and where does TrainWorld fit into the picture?

I'm sorry but there is no relationship between TS20xx (Railworks)/TrainSimWorld and MSTS/Open Rails.
It is really what you want. Do you want a simulator or do you want arcade game, which you can throw coins in endlessly and expecting different result... oh wait, where did i heard that before?

Is this a definition of a madman?

Have a good day

[NorthernWarrior]

Bear in mind that any advice given on this board is likely to come under heavy bias of the OR is the "one and only" crowd, which is why I post less and less here these days.
Neither TS or TSW are arcade games, both have considerable good points and as I said above if you want something relatively seamless with reasonably up to date graphics they ought to be your first port of call. If in doubt, don't forget Steam allows you to refund a purchase you are unsatisfied with so long as you haven't played more than two hours in total.
There are a number of other sims kicking around, which also might be of interest. Run 8 probably represents the pinnacle of physics evolution in train simming but has a quirky developer and has gone into somewhat limbo the last couple of years. It will cost a small fortune to assemble the full collection of routes and stock packs but if you do, you get in excess of 400 miles to drive across the Western USA (there are also some standalone eastern US routes). For arcade then Trainz is probably the closest to that paradigm but redeemed by its route building simplicity. Then you have the likes of Derail Valley, Diesel Railcar Simulator etc.
So don't be blinkered into thinking that Open Rails, noble though the cause and purpose may be, is the only game in town.

[haverfordwest]

Nope TS2022 is the one and only one, Vernon.

TSW2 too much foreign (non UK) stuff for my liking and probably never going to have steam locomotives.

Trainz.............. A JOKE

Run8 not ideal for SP users like myself.

OR great physics and realistic operational functions. But the graphics are terrible even for a free game.

Mike.

[R. Steele]

...
So don't be blinkered into thinking that Open Rails, noble though the cause and purpose may be, is the only game in town.

Perish the thought...this community is blessed with so many different types of simulators to choose from. The problem lies in figuring out which one appeals to you, especially if you don't have the cash to try out all the payware ones.

The OP just mentions MSTS and Trainz...RUN8 has not been mentioned in the thread...no particular relationship to either one ( although, if I'm not mistaken did not the RUN8 team make some MSTS stuff in the early years? ) ...anyway you should look at RUN8...imo...the premium payware sim out there...hits all the targets as far as mechanics, looks, and physics go...although it does lean towards multiplayer, it certainly can support single users.

[R. Steele]

...

OR great physics and realistic operational functions. But the graphics are terrible even for a free game.

Mike.

Oh come on, that's a little thick...by design it's backward compatible to heritage msts routes, equipment...the newest OR only routes are indeed an improvement..not up to the slick payware stuff yet, but definitely moving in that way...remember it's all about I's&O's.

[seagoon]

....remember it's all about I's&O's.

Which railroad is that?

[R. Steele]

Which railroad is that?

--- The infamous Ignorant & Obfuscate, moving passengers between bewilderment and confusion for who knows how long.
I was unnecessarily cryptic...inputs and outputs...garbage in garbage out.