Help selecting Trainz version for 7 year old

[richreina]

Hi Trainz guyz,
I bought the Trains Driver program for my 7 year old son who is crazy about trains of all kinds. He loves playing the different scenarios in that version (get the coal, deliver it here and there, and so on). He played with the Trainz 2004 demo a while ago and got a kick out of designing tracks etc, but nothing too complicated.
I'd appreciate some advice on what version of the software I should go for that will allow him to play a wide range of scenarios without having to design them himself, so that I don't hear "Daddy I need your help" every 5 minutes. We like to play together but can't always do so.
My main criteria are that we be able to easily download a variety of preconfigured scenarios and then run them without doing a lot of trouble shooting (I have read a bit on the forum about compatability issues with TS2009?). I see that there are lots of scenarios on the download station for Trainz 2004, would that be the best one to go for?
Hoping for some help and a happy, unfrustrated child.
Thanks,
Richard

 

[cascaderailroad]

04 is a good version for the longhaul, designing layouts using 04 makes them usable by both 06 & 09 users.

I would personally recommend TrainzRailwayz TRS2006 Build 3337, as it requires no service packs and has quite a few scenarios.
See Photo: http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc339/cascaderailroad/TrainzRailwayz.jpg
Using TRS2006 I made this screenshot: http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc339/cascaderailroad/WRRW_Chunky_001.jpg

I am lead to believe the 09 is for experienced Trainzers, that are helping to develope it's continuing service packs, and unique 09 assets.

 

[john259]

For scenarios/activities TRS2004 is best. It has more reliable sound and asset management systems than TRS2006, and unlike TRS2006 it has the ability to both create and run true scenarios.

BTW, have you tried any of our activities?

John

 

[Gandalf0444]

I would say TRS2004 or TRS2006 would be your best option. They have the most content that will work without fiddling around trying to get it to work. I would stay away from the Trainz Classics series and TS2009 as they both have large compatibility issues not to mention TS2009 is still having teething issues which I am sure will be ironed out sometime down the line.

 

[johnwhelan]

It depends what your interests are. UK go for TC3 or the new Settle and Carlisle add on for TS2009. If you go the TS2009 route I'd buy TS2009 as well.

Basically you're coming in fresh, TS2009 in compatibility mode runs most things 99.5% although some are flagged as errors. They put some thought into making it easier to use, but remember ease of use is subjective and remember many people do not like change and are used to using TRS2004 under XP running on an older P4 2.4 mhz cpu so you'll hear different opinions. If you do decide to go TRS2004 be careful what you import, some content including mine runs fine by itself but the scripts can clash with other assets leading to some frustration as you try to sort out the problem.

If you are running Vista TS2009 is the simplest most robust solution. Both TRS2004 and TRS2006 can be run under Vista but it does mean you need to know about build numbers and configuring Vista.

Seven year old, do a search for Thomas in the forum, there are still versions floating around the internet. The wooden toy trains are around think they are part of the built in content.

The TC3 improvements to the game engine were included in TS2009. http://www.trainzclassics.co.uk/ is worth a visit and have a look under new features. TS2009 also has DXT compression so your graphic card appears to have four times the memory available, and can take advantage of dual and quad core cpus.

Have fun and remember its the content that matters most. He can explore in any version.

Cheerio John

 

[Gary_Evans]

Richard:
For a seven year old who doesn't want a lot of hassle with downloads etc. TRS 2004 is your best bet in my opinion. Not to toot my own horn but I have created several scenarios on 2004 (kuid 101340) and have received some good feed back from Dads and and granddads telling me the youngsters really enjoyed them. TRS 2004 is very easy to work with and a good starter. When your son is older and more experienced, he can move up to a more advanced version.
Gary

 

[angelah]

CMP

Yes, I can just imagine a 7-year old coping with CMP! I tried for a week and got nowhere and I have been using Trainz since the original Trainz.

The best version without a doubt for a youngster who just wants it to open and work straight away is 2004.

In fact it still puzzles me why CMP was introduced at all???? With TrainzObjects most of the small amount of problems could be sorted out and this wretched interface has really put me off buying any of the new versions that run it. And I did, I bought TC3 but have not had much success with it.

I think Auran should consider that many who retire might like to dabble in this game but would not like or maybe be able to cope with the CM whatever interface, so a lot of sales will be lost. This is a typical example, the younger generation want things to work quickly and easily and the way 04 wroks is exactly right.

But then a lot will disagree with me on this one.

Angela

 

[paul502]

Dont be put off by CMP, most here dont like it because they are used to TrainzObjects . I started with TRS 2006 & missed out TRS2004 so dont have that bias to the old program. The only problems with CMP are caused by old 2004 user's, (& some new), not taking time to learn it. All thats needed is patience, all problems ever posted on here are caused by users not the program, it works fine for me & many others..

 

[Gandalf0444]

Dont be put off by CMP, most here dont like it because they are used to TrainzObjects . I started with TRS 2006 & missed out TRS2004 so dont have that bias to the old program. The only problems with CMP are caused by old 2004 user's, (& some new), not taking time to learn it. All thats needed is patience, all problems ever posted on here are caused by users not the program, it works fine for me & many others..

Much agreed!:wave:

 

[bl4882]

I agree with the previous two posts, but I think that giving a full version of trainz to a 7 year old would be verging on child abuse. Maybe something like Driver would be suitable. It is virtually bomb-proof, provides plenty of fun running trains, and will not frustrate him by giving him more than he can digest.

Anyhow, whatever you choose, I hope you both have fun.

Bernie

 

[johnwhelan]

I agree with the previous two posts, but I think that giving a full version of trainz to a 7 year old would be verging on child abuse. Maybe something like Driver would be suitable. It is virtually bomb-proof, provides plenty of fun running trains, and will not frustrate him by giving him more than he can digest.

Anyhow, whatever you choose, I hope you both have fun.

Bernie

TS2009 Trainz Simulator: Settle and Carlisle is just the driver bit.

http://www.auran.com/auran/store/index.php?p=3&PID=234

Choose US dollars to get the best price.

Cheerio John

 

[itareus]

With due respect to those who prefer TS2004...

I would suggest TS2009 World Builder Edition (WBE). Run in compatibility mode (this is a simple case of ticking a box in "Options" after installing) as JohnW said 2009 will run most earlier content without a problem, which will give you loads of content for free, including the content built for 2006 and 2009 (which 2004 will not run).

Buying the latest version will also avoid the potential problem of you son coming home one day and saying his school pal has 2009 "and mine is out of date dad!".

For simple runing just use "Driver " mode. TS2009 WBE also has the "Surveyor" mode for creating new Routes - i.e it has all the facilities.

Avoid TS2006 - not because its bad / evil / nasty - it's just "neither here nor there". Just my opinion!

Downloading routes and sessions from the DLS (for any version) will be slow unless you purchase a "First Class Ticket" - not expensive considering all the content you get for free. There are other sites providing free content but this will generally involve more "work" which I don't think you want to do.

Enjoy!

 

[john259]

One solution might be to purchase both TRS2004 and TS2009WBE. You can have both versions installed on the same computer. TRS2004 sells for about five pounds in the UK and TS2009WBE is now about seven pounds on Amazon UK.

Then you would have all the options, and could judge for yourself which version you and your son prefer.

John

 

[BrokenSignal]

I would agree with the gang on 04' it's one of the best and easiest to use and DL stuff into. I'm into 09' and getting use to it,but 04' keeps calling me from the other side of the room "come play with me" Whatever Trainz you choose you'll both be happy. Happy Trainz to you.

 

[j_maybury]

Well,............. If that lot hasn’t confused you nothing will.
I would say take a look on (you tube) and see what you think? http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=trainz+simulator+2009&search_type=&aq=0&oq=trainz

All of them have good points and bad points.

TRS2004............. Is tried and tested, yet is long in the tooth.

TRS2006............. More content available, but bad sound quality and also getting old.

TC1&2.................Less said the better, quite unremarkable.

TC3....................Massive step in the right direction, but lacks built-in content which can only be found on 04,06,09,and cannot be downloaded from the DLS and these are needed for most routes .

TS2009...............Very good in compatibility mode and a lot of bang for your bucks, but still in it's infantsy.

But then you have to take your computer in to consideration you'll need a decent computer to get the best out of them.

I’m not helping much am I? :hehe:

 

[richreina]

Thanks for feedback

Thanks guys for all the feedback and comments I think it's great that so many people are willing to help. I didn't expect so many quick responses, I guess 'diverse' would be the best way to describe them. Given the surprisingly low price of the software I think we will go for the 2004 version that sounds like it will give the fewest problems in downloading scenarios. Less time fiddling = more time playing. As my son gets older and more confident building his own worlds we could upgrade to the latest version without spending a lot of money. We have a fairly high spec computer, so processing & graphics power should not be a problem.
Does anybody have particular favourite scenarios to recommend? My son volunteers for the Puffing Billy railway in Victoria, Australia (we hear the whistle from our house), has there been a scenario of that line?
Regards,
Richard

 

[trainzamtrakfan]

hello rich,

may i suggest trainz driver?
its a cut back version of trainz 06

 

[backyard]

I say TRS2004...

Your boy will have access to the DLS for downloads, this version ought to keep him happy for years!

 

[john259]

Your boy will also be able to run the Razorback Railway activities, that should keep him occupied for decades!

John

 

[angelah]

Sensible

Thanks guys for all the feedback and comments I think it's great that so many people are willing to help. I didn't expect so many quick responses, I guess 'diverse' would be the best way to describe them. Given the surprisingly low price of the software I think we will go for the 2004 version that sounds like it will give the fewest problems in downloading scenarios. Less time fiddling = more time playing. As my son gets older and more confident building his own worlds we could upgrade to the latest version without spending a lot of money. We have a fairly high spec computer, so processing & graphics power should not be a problem.
Does anybody have particular favourite scenarios to recommend? My son volunteers for the Puffing Billy railway in Victoria, Australia (we hear the whistle from our house), has there been a scenario of that line?
Regards,
Richard

Hello Richard,
You have made the most sensible choice. Starting with a version that is easy to use and quick to import assets into (the younger generation want it yesterday!) is the best way forward and as you say, it's always possible to upgrade to 2009 or maybe a later version by the time you feel confident to do so.
Enjoy Trainz, it will take all your free time away so be prepared for that, your life is about to change dramatically.... ha ha.
If you want some reay made routes for 04 then look at my routes on the DS, just search 'Name' radio button for angelah and they'll all pop up.
If you have problems with stutter then reduce in Preferences both Draw Distances and add full Daytime Fog Effect.
Whatever you do, have fun.

As far as 'not giving CMP enough time', I am retired and tried for a solid week with only very marginal success. That would have put me off the game completely had I not used 2004 already.

Bless you,

Angela