2004 or 2006

[jadebullet]

Hello, I just bought the complete trainz collection. (its currently shipping. i cant wait) I was wondering what is better for building routes, 2006 or 2004. I have noticed that there is alot more 2004 custom content and i plan on using alot of custom stuff. Are the graphics just as good as 2006? I figured that i would get the opinion of ppl who have the games.

What do you prefer and why do you prefer it. Also is there a way to convert 2004 custom content into 2006? If so how?

 

[Euphod]

Since you are new to the game, I would say 2004, but make sure you apply the service packs if they aren't applied already. The graphics are a wash between the two, 2006 can run a bit faster, and has some features that 2004 does not, but to take full advantage of it you have to correct alot of uh.....issues......in any pre-2006 content you want to use. You can import content into 2006 from all versions if you have the knowlege, but as you say you want to use alot of custom content, then 2004 is more forgiving.

But, why not buy them both......you're loaded!

 

[jadebullet]

But i did buy both. Im getting the complete collection. It comes with this.
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006
Trainz Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004
Trainz Ultimate Collection
Trainz Paintshed

Im just glad that trainz supports and encourages custom content. I got Rail Simulator when i couldnt find TRS06 on amazon(i had it when it came out but i lost the last disk:'( ). Rail simulator is almost impossible to get custom content for. I cant wait to play around with trainz again.

 

[Euphod]

But i did buy both.

Indeed, atta-boy! Of course the newer sims aren't going to have the same amount of custom content as the older ones, but it's the "use-a-bility" of the the program that matters the most, and Trainz has it all if you like to build routes and content.

 

[jadebullet]

I really cant wait to start on my route. (i have a good chunk of it on pen and paper lol) now hopefully the damn thing gets here soon lol. 1-3 weeks sucks. almost at the week part though. (Im not the most patient of ppl lol)

 

[PatrickTaylor89]

I've used both 2004 and 2006. I currently use only 2006. It's really a personal perference, as there aren't really a lot of massive differences between the two programs. Euphod already covered most of the important points. As he said, 2006 can be a bit more picky when it comes to importing older content. This can actually be a good thing, as it picks up on errors that the older versions don't. Most of the time, the content works anyway, but there are many who absolutely HATE using the content manager (CMP) that comes with 2006.

If route-building is your thing, there are a few advantages to 2006. First off, there is far more built-in content in the game than in 2004. Secondly, '06 comes with something called an I-Portal. This allows you to send trains between your own routes, and even makes it possible to send them to other users on-line (don't ask me how that works though, I've never tried it).

Hope you enjoy Trainz, whatever version you choose. From what I've heard, you'll find it far more flexible than Rail Simulator.

Patrick

 

[jadebullet2]

thanks again. I think since i am getting both that i will use and enjoy both. Also, about Railsimulator. for some reason when i installed it my framerate and processing power on my computer turned ugly for everything i played. I decided to purge my system of games i didnt play much and it still didnt help. Then when i uninstalled RS bingo, framerate was back to normal. not only was the game crappy, but it leeched off of my computer too. Im just glad that im getting trainz again.