Can anyone point me to a complete idiots guide to Trainz for Dummies?

[SpekkyTech]

Let me start by telling you I am Autistic, with ADHD thrown in as a bonus. My ability to start things is restricted by task paralysis (Google 'ADHD Limbic System').
Professionally, I work in Information Tech, so I'd like to think I'm pretty smart - I've been doing it for over three decades, so I must fit in somewhere!
As a young boy, my father built an HO/OO model railway, based on SNCF railways in France. I have fond memories of the layout and travelling on the network in France itself.
Anyway, I don't have room for a real layout, but now in my 60's, I have a lot more 'me' time on my hands, and Trainz is how I intend filling some of it.
My main interest is in a smaller layout, a goods yard for shunting, but with a mainline for trains to run around. I want that model railroad feel, not a train simulation, per se. I have some track plan books by CJ Freezer handed down from my father, and I would love to 'build' something in Trainz based on one of those.

But.... I find it so complicated to start! Can anyone point me to a complete idiots guide to Trainz for Dummies? There is so much to look at, I have no idea where to begin! I messed around with some routes I downloaded, and followed some 'sessions', which were good fun, but I'd really like to try and make something in memory of my Dad.

 

[johnwhelan]

It's a rich environment with lots of options. So I'd start small and go on from there. Middleton with canal is pretty basic and you can switch the rolling stock but it does have industry. The stations are from a plan in RMWEB for model layouts. Try one or two French layouts as well.

Cheerio John

 

[PeteC9008]

My main interest is in a smaller layout, a goods yard for shunting, but with a mainline for trains to run around. I want that model railroad feel, not a train simulation, per se. I have some track plan books by CJ Freezer handed down from my father, and I would love to 'build' something in Trainz based on one of those...... but I'd really like to try and make something in memory of my Dad.

So you've got your starting point, find a track plan you like the feel of, maybe a few elements from a few track plans to get everything you want in the layout.

Start with a new route, and set the scale to HO - That'll make copying the layout dimensions a LOT easier....

From there there are lots of assets on the Download Station to make a "Model Railroad" in Trainz, table edges, table legs, giant brick walls and doors etc, to give the smaller scale perspective. The "Bidye Traction" route is a really good example and has a lot of those Model railway elements added so it looks like a railway in a model room.

Have Fun!!

 

[SHEPRom]

Trainz is not just a game... It's a whole religion...

 

[Forester1]

For some great examples of model railroads try those by Philskene, there are quite a few freeware routes by him on the DLS. For the "simplest"(?) layouts try:
<kuid:768291:13289> DWW MR Carpeton 3 Rail O Gauge by Kotangagirl
<kuid:768291:13291> DWW MR Carpeton clockwork GWR Metro tank engine session
and/or:
<kuid2:167786:101307:1> Christmas Toys in the Summer Playground (session)
<kuid2:167786:100657:1> Toys In The Secret Garden at Christmas (session)
<kuid2:167786:101345:1> Christmas Toys in the Winter Playground (session)
<kuid2:167786:100702:1> Toys in the Summer Secret Garden at Christmas (Session)
<kuid2:167786:100714:1> Toys in The Winter Secret Garden at Christmas (The route by ARhian7)
And there are several O Gauge models on the DLS, incuding one I thought came out just recently, but I am not finding it even though I thought I downloaded it.
Or just put "model" in the search in your CM and you will find tons of examples!
Also if you look around the DLS there are folks that have uploaded different layouts of the digholes and tables ready to lay out your model railroad on.
Most of all, have fun!!!

 

[SpekkyTech]

Trainz is not just a game... It's a whole religion...

Did I imply it was a game?

 

[pdkoester]

Did I imply it was a game?

I don't think you did. But it has been known as a game by some, maybe the original was advertised as such?

 

[SpekkyTech]

I don't think you did. But it has been known as a game by some, maybe the original was advertised as such?

Well, FTR, I don't see it as a "game", in the same way as I don't consider a physical model railway a 'toy'. It clearly has different capabilities, and appeals. I want to 'build' a layout based on track plans for model railways and recreate as much realism as I can on my PC in the same way a physical modeller does. Trainz offers excellent graphics, immersion and options and having explored other titles which are "games", I opted for one which was serious about itself.

 

[pdkoester]

Understandable, as I had HO scale in the late 70s and 80s while Lionel was the toy set, I had in the early 70s. Then, I took a hiatus while getting into cars, marriage, divorce, career, etc., eventually got into MS Train Simulator, then Trainz. That helped revive my interest in realistic trains. Been Trainzing since early 2000s. It has the most features while being the easiest to do things I want to do, too.

 

[TSwenson]

Like most of these folks have said, start small and look at others work. I don't need to tell you all the ADHD type things on task paralysis (but for the NeuroTypical folks, small tasks, save often, etcetera), however I will caution about hyper-focusing, watch out for it -- it is so easy with Trainz (NT folks, just a little fix can turn into an intense period of "productivity" to the exclusion of all else, like all night, maybe I should have slept or eaten something).

The "help" and "guides" for Trainz have always been lacking in the "for Dummies" level of instruction, as much as I hate FAQ pages, we do need one, preferably done by an outsider (because those of use who use this program routinely skip the "for Dummies" level stuff without thought).

I have probably well over a hundred discarded routes, many because they languished to the point that updating them to advancing Trainz platform wasn't worth my time and effort, at least to my ADHD brain.

Learn how to use the content manager (CM) program, if you have a professional background in tech this may be a whole bunch easier than I had it coming from a transportation profession.

I would take a look at some of the mentioned routes and then dissect them, MAKE A COPY (a copy is faster than redownloading when things get... different) and then pull apart the bits and see how it goes together.

TRY older routes, they can be instructive (many of us learned as the program advanced).

DO NOT binge on the many videos out there on how to build stuff in Trainz. I find most are too fast and frustrate me easily (and with ADHD hitting that pause button isn't happening). One or even part of one is about good for me, then I play with the ideas from it for a bit.

Above all, play around with it, I've had probably 20-30 "test board" routes that have survived more than one project, just places to fool around with stuff, lay out ideas, and to check that things will work before trying to really change a almost finished route.

If you are having fun (and, bonus, learning) you aren't wasting anything. Many of the "good" content creators have been at this for a long time, some from the beginning, so just look into the different bits and find what you like. I prefer route building, my graphics/programing skills aren't great and if I want to operate... well, I get paid for that.

 

[stagecoach]

When you select Create route from the route selection screen, you will be presented with a small window to set it up.
First, select the working scale (Trainz always works in full scale. It is only the ruler that changes scale), then select metric or imperial and click the tick at the bottom of that window. You can then mark out the various points from the plans onto the baseboards. The ruler is in the third tab up in S1.0.

 

[ricomon35]

@SpekkyTech - I have several model railroads on the dls, with sessions.
I suggest downloading them and dissecting a clone of any of the routes to see how they're built.

I also have many model railroad specific static assets, as well as reskinned locos and rolling stock

I build full size rooms with wall my layouts as well.

Rico

 

[leksie]

Let me start by telling you I am Autistic, with ADHD thrown in as a bonus. My ability to start things is restricted by task paralysis (Google 'ADHD Limbic System').
Professionally, I work in Information Tech, so I'd like to think I'm pretty smart - I've been doing it for over three decades, so I must fit in somewhere!
As a young boy, my father built an HO/OO model railway, based on SNCF railways in France. I have fond memories of the layout and travelling on the network in France itself.
Anyway, I don't have room for a real layout, but now in my 60's, I have a lot more 'me' time on my hands, and Trainz is how I intend filling some of it.
My main interest is in a smaller layout, a goods yard for shunting, but with a mainline for trains to run around. I want that model railroad feel, not a train simulation, per se. I have some track plan books by CJ Freezer handed down from my father, and I would love to 'build' something in Trainz based on one of those.

But.... I find it so complicated to start! Can anyone point me to a complete idiots guide to Trainz for Dummies? There is so much to look at, I have no idea where to begin! I messed around with some routes I downloaded, and followed some 'sessions', which were good fun, but I'd really like to try and make something in memory of my Dad.

Hi Spekky .

The same here , PDD-NOS , i've also problems to start building a route and when i give myself a kick in the butt to build i lose after a short time the will to finish it . I sucked myself empty in the head .

 

[rwk]

I'm autistic, too but smart, like Rainman. I sometimes say or do inappropriate things. I have certain fetishes that the normal world would consider odd. I was born in Jan 1974. I went to learning disabled classes in school, but I was mainstreamed for some classes in junior high and high school. I had two restaurant jobs in the 1990's but have been unemployed since Dec 2000. I get govt benefits. I have a Polish last name that begins with k and ends with ski. I first had MSTS around 2001 but tried Trainz about 2 years later and eventually stopped playing MSTS. A couple years ago I bought one of the Dovetail train sims and a NJ Transit North Jersey Coast route but didn't play it much. Trainz is much easier for building, merging, and modifying routes. I never tried Open Rails, Railroader, or any of those other sims which appeared more recently.

 

[JCitron]

I first had MSTS around 2001 but tried Trainz about 2 years later and eventually stopped playing MSTS.

We started using Trainz around the same time.

@SpekkyTech

Trainz can be a bit overwhelming for new users no matter who they are. You need to start small and do the basics first to get to know the tools before diving into the deep end of the pool.

Set a plan, a backstory behind your route, a route can be a full-scale railroad, model railroad, or even a diorama. This will help you to limit the scope and the assets (objects) you will seek out for your route.

Take your time and work a little bit at a time and don't be afraid to start over. You may start over many times, perhaps even after working on your route for months. Remember, unlike a physical model railway, the only things you are wasting are pixels, disk space, and your time.

Back-ups are your friend here. Before making any major changes, save your route to a new version. Since you've worked in technology, you know the reason behind this.

Take a break when you feel overwhelmed or burned out. This is part of the creative process anyway no matter what you are doing. Stepping away from the project gives your brain a chance to catch up with the thoughts and gives you a breather in between before doing some more.

Before you know it, you'll have a full empire built and something to enjoy for years afterwards.

 

[derznovich]

I wish there were such a guide! Clearly needed. Although I bet any attempt would be jumped on, given the many, many different play styles people have. All the way from just playing canned sessions on existing routes in cab mode to designing routes and making custom assets and scripts.

Even among sandbox games, Trainz is on the extreme end of the spectrum. It's not just an open world, it's a world you can create, in every respect (well, almost). That leads to great visions and ambitions, which can then crash into against the game's many limitations.

But for most people, like JCitron said, your own time and energy may be the biggest limits -- even at the beginner level, but especially at the advanced level! I agree on burnout 100%!

For me, I think what got me into Trainz was starting small. I literally made "my first route" by modifying Kickstarter County, adding track and baseboards, downloading assets, creating new ports, mines, agricultural areas, building a spreadsheet to govern my industries. From there, I tried reskinning a few basic models from the DLS -- literally just 1 hour of effort to get something into the game. That, ultimately, was what hooked me.

Going the opposite direction is risky. I see quite a few new players announce they are building a 400 mile route based on a real prototype. Usually that leads to a few screenshots of some tracks, a station and two buildings, and mostly empty baseboards, and then their energy flags and they drop off. But, unlike with model railroading, at least they didn't lose the use of a whole basement for the rest of their life!

 

[skittlekicks]

Follow the KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid) rule when you are starting out. It will help you focus, stay on track (maybe the pun is intended), you will develop your own style of building, practice, practice, practice, and never fall in love with your designs (as you get better you'll change your mind on design choices)

A Trainz For Dummies guide would be epic and very useful (the Wiki is worded in some cases at engineering degree levels (most tech guide are), plus as the game advances (either by updates or new releases) it would have to be continuously updated.

Videos on YouTube are very dated, but some things still have value. I learned from Approach Medium's tutorial making yard ladders, and I improved on his work in my own use cases. Even watching real model railroading videos can inspire your imagination. Trainz is in fact virtual model railroading at the core. Your brain is a VERY poweful tool, and Trainz can help exersize it.