I just watched the video here, and looked at part of the one on the MSTS web site. The program looks very impressive, but -

Having bought the first edition of Train Simulator and finding it full of bugs (it functioned more like an early beta test version than a release version!), with routes that didn't work properly, particularly my favorite - Marias Pass, I'm very sceptical that this will be all they claim it will (if it is, it will be a rarity for Microsoft!).

Microsoft provided essentially no support for MSTS 1, blaming its problems on another company they said actually produced the routes, or something like that - they weren't clear at all on the relationship. The other company also provided no support to speak of. Published "fixes" didn't, and I finally gave up. I'll see what others have to say when this new version comes out, and maybe I'll buy when it hits the discount shelves if it seems OK.

Nice video for MRH, though! Thanks!!

Mark:

I agree with much of your sentiment concerning the early months of MSTS1.  However, if you still have your MSTS1 CD's, I encourage you to consider reinstalling, then upgrading with the new upgrades and take another look at how far it has progressed and how much has been fixed. The hardcode is being reversed engineered (ongoing) and is continually being upgraded and enhanced.  It is essentially a new sim.  For example:

* The front coupler is completely fixed, including the F9 uncoupling view screen.

* You can now switch cabs (i.e. "swap ends" to use prototype nomeclature) in diesel consists, even jump from engine to engine/head end to rear helper, etc.

* Many previous glitches have been elimanated and new features added.

* Many steam issues have been illiminated and new features added.

* Phototexture realism is now common in MSTS1.

The list goes on and on.

OH... and there's now several upgraded, nice looking, nice operating versions of Marias Pass. 

If you would like more information concerning what I am talking about, simply email me at laming@cebridge.net and I will happily help get you up to speed on the new state of MSTS1.

Sincerely,

Andre Ming

Go here, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and follow the debugging notes:

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/mrh_theater

I was using Yahoo as my browser. I switched to internet explorer and it ran fine.

Thanks

Wow! You guys really have a great interview process and the video worked in the pop-up window just fine. I like the idea of being able to run MTS 2 trains on any known tracks in the world, but that sounds like a large amount of data to install for a sim game.

Looking forward to more reviews once the product hits the shelves in 2009.

Hi Mr. Ming,

this morning, having a day off today, I woke up early and whent by the links you e-mailed me earlier this week, well, MSTS 1 is running again, thanks a bunch........already did some miles on the Full Bucket Line, héhéhé....

 He needs to have some dialog, preferably interactive.

Bernard Kempinski

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Personal Layout Blog: http://usmrr.blogspot.com/

 

Microsoft basically just shut down development on both Flight Simulator and Train Simulator...

I can't say I ever tried Microsofts Train Sim...Played with the Flight Sim years ago though.

I had a ton of fun with Auran's Trainz back in the day...