Looking for Kid-Friendly train sim with NO BUGS

[DMahalko]

I am mainly looking for something that I can hand to a train-crazy 1st grader (age 6 and up) and I do not want any major problems like asset errors, random crashes, broken and incomplete content, and so forth.

The constant stream of comments in these forums about TS2009 problems makes me think that would be a really bad choice. Are the built-in scenarios in TS2009 at least fully functional with no problems?


I am thinking that the Driver editions are really probably all I need, since these kids are not going to be interested in track editing. Just driving around in the trains and so forth.

- Dale

 

[ChutePilot]

Hi Dale,

I'm afraid I can't speak about any other train sim, but I would have to say that, at this point, TRS2009 is not what you are looking for. First of all, the only available version is the World Builder Edition, which is geared more for route-builders. There is talk of an Engineer's Edition, which would be more of a train-driving sim, but who knows when a clean, working version of that will hit the shelves?

You might look into an earlier version of Trainz, like TRS2004. That's what I went to after I discovered many of the much-discussed problems with TRS2009. Once you get it, you (as the Dad) can spend a few hours downloading some routes, scenarios, sessions, activites - whatever you want to call them, and then after the 2 of you have gone through some of the tutorials, you'll both be ready to enjoy the view from the cab of a train.

Have fun!
Greg

 

[john259]

For such a young child, I wonder if something in the style of Densha de Go! on a console might be more appropriate?

John

 

[Euphod]

I am thinking that the Driver editions are really probably all I need, since these kids are not going to be interested in track editing.

You may surprised! My son started when he was 6, and has been making routes, and destroying routes for 3 or 4 years now. He's ten, and he helps me build content.

I think any version of the game will be fine, IF you DON"T download extra stuff. The default content works rather well, especially in 2004 and 2006.

 

[meatloaf747]

Gidday Dale,
Whilst I would not disagree with any of Gregs comments about TRS 2004, I personally would recommend TRS2006 (SP1) for the little one/s. Especially if they are only going to be driving around Trains. It has six great working tuturials 1-6 that you can slowly take them through.
Probably your best option is buying The "Trainz Collection" boxed DVD's.
It has TRS2006, Trainz Routes 1-4, TRS2004, Ultimate Trainz Collection (UTC) and as a bonus, Paintshed for UTC & 2004.
I brought a copy for my nephew about 15 months ago, and off memory it cost me $39.95A. (It may have been on a Christmas special & I think the normal price is $49.95A). The price may have come down since then. (Shop around).
By getting the collection, you can load all three versions of Trainz on your computer & then see which one your little one/s like best...
Whilst you are at it, dad can also see which one he likes best. :hehe:
Cheers, Mac...

 

[john259]

The sound in TRS2004 works on all hardware whereas in TRS2006 there is a serious sound bug which affects some users. TRS2004's asset management system is much easier to understand and much more reliable than that used in TRS2006. Both have much the same good range of built-in content including tutorial material. In Britain they each sell for around 5 British pounds so I think you should be able to find either on sale in the US for under $10 now. For the normal user both are vastly superior to TS2009 in its current state.

John

 

[johnwhelan]

I am mainly looking for something that I can hand to a train-crazy 1st grader (age 6 and up) and I do not want any major problems like asset errors, random crashes, broken and incomplete content, and so forth.

The constant stream of comments in these forums about TS2009 problems makes me think that would be a really bad choice. Are the built-in scenarios in TS2009 at least fully functional with no problems?


I am thinking that the Driver editions are really probably all I need, since these kids are not going to be interested in track editing. Just driving around in the trains and so forth.

- Dale

If there is an interest in UK items then TC3 is the most stable version of Trainz, otherwise it depends a bit on your machine, dual core I'd go TRS2009 in compatibility mode, P4 2.4 probably TRS2006. Many of the problems come in TRS2009 native mode.

Remember that it may not matter to a six year old if the buffers are an inch out, whilst a lot of Trainz enthusiasts will protest its not right. Many are perfectionists.

The requirement is for something for the child to explore and TRS2009 contains all the content from TRS2006 etc. most (95+%) content works fine. You want something that won't crash to often both are stable, don't under estimate children by the way. In the real world things don't always work so learning to avoid or how to fix items is a learning experience. Most of the "Broken" content actually runs fine it just gets flagged as an error. Some of my items got flagged for missing texture files. They weren't used so had been deleted but I hadn't deleted a text file that had their name in. The model doesn't call for them, the item runs fine so I just deleted the text file to remove the flagged error.

TRS2009 CM2 is much more stable than TRS2006 CMP by the way.

"built-in scenarios" are a problem in TRS2009 they changed some of the scripting but the Trains still run, the AI will drive to different stations, passengers will load and unload at stations, the animated scenery will perform quite nicely coal wagons still have loads that disappear when unloading and you can hear the coal being unleaded besides see the dust.

TRS2009 WBE download edition is $30 at the moment the price goes up 1st April when it goes on general sale, I'd probably suggest that one.

Cheerio John

 

[steamdrivre]

I'm going to have to agree with most of the folks here in that '04 is the most stable of all versions. The CMP that's been added to '06 and above can be a nightmare to a child and to us adults.
'09 has been released far too soon and it does have it's major issues. A lot of folks are reverting back to a more stable version such as '04 or '06.
TRS '04 is probably your best bet, you'll find the least amount problems if any with that version.

Rick

 

[meridious]

I'm going to agree with getting the collection. You have a better oppurtunity to decide for yourself on which of the three versions that your kids like. Not to mention they install seperately so there shouldn't be an issue with that. The reason I agree with this is because those three versions are tried and true. You could ask 1,000 people on here and I would bet the majority of them would say to get TRS2004 or TRS2006.

 

[cascaderailroad]

TRS2006

I personally would reccomend: Trainz Railwayz (Full Version) TRS2006 Build 3337 (Merscom)
No service packs are required

Make sure it is NEW and UN-OPENED box, and never previously registered by someone else !

 

[johnwhelan]

I'm going to have to agree with most of the folks here in that '04 is the most stable of all versions. The CMP that's been added to '06 and above can be a nightmare to a child and to us adults.
'09 has been released far too soon and it does have it's major issues. A lot of folks are reverting back to a more stable version such as '04 or '06.
TRS '04 is probably your best bet, you'll find the least amount problems if any with that version.

Rick

You have read Angela's and others recent posts about content crashing TRS2004 I assume? CM2 in TRS2009 is much more stable than TRS2006 CMP, and a lot easier to use than messing around with folders as you do in TRS2004.

Also there is a lot more content available for versions above TRS2004. My TRS2004 recent items are much more limited than the TC3 versions and not as stable.

Cheerio John

 

[steamdrivre]

Interesting, John. In over two years of playing '04 I've never had a content created crash. I've had a couple of Surveyor related crashes but only two or three in all this time.
My '06 crashed on me almost weekly and the sound issues well, that's why it's in the trash.

Would you mind pointing me in Angela's direction? I'd like to investigate that issue.

Rick

 

[picture]

Good evening Dale,
I think that TRS04 is the best out now. But that is my opinion. Everyone here at the forums has there own ideas. It all depends on what you want. All versions have a Driver section.
Some like UTC because it is the most simplest. Others like TRS04 as it has been around for a long time and it has the most updates. Some creators still are creating content for as 04. I have found TRS04 to be the most stable as steamdrivre has said. TRS06 has more built in routes but most of them are just demos. Trainz Classics 1,2, and 3 had good updates and enhanced the steam effects(if that is what you want to call it). TS2009 is ok as it does have a compatabiliy mode so that older content does work. Also CMPv2 is a little bit better but still gives me headaches. But paint shed no longer works with 09.
I own all of the above minus Trainz Classics 3. And after all this time Im still using TRS04. I do have TS2009 installed on my dads computer but I almost never use it. I have TRS04 on my computer in my room and play it all the time. I also use TRS04 to film all my videos as 09 slows way down when I try to record with it.

I hope this has helped with your decision.

Matt

 

[crohakon]

While I agree with most people here that are pushing 2004 or 2006...

My only issue is with buying software that will no longer be supported within a year. Like it or not, trainz 2009 is going to become more and more popular as they get little minor bugs fixed and more and more you will see less content creation and support for 2004 and 2006.

So I say buy 2009 now while it is cheaper (goes up 1st of April) install all of the patches, and wait out some of the minor bugs that WILL be fixed.

After the latest patch I have not had any crashes. So what ever they fixed, helped a lot for me.

I am a first time Trainz user, by the way. I never owned 2004 or 2006. I had used 2006... to try it out.. but it got me to buy 2009. :Y:

 

[johnwhelan]

Interesting, John. In over two years of playing '04 I've never had a content created crash. I've had a couple of Surveyor related crashes but only two or three in all this time.
My '06 crashed on me almost weekly and the sound issues well, that's why it's in the trash.

Would you mind pointing me in Angela's direction? I'd like to investigate that issue.

Rick

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=39214

Cheerio John

 

[ex-railwayman]

Regarding built-in content for TRS2006 and 09. There are some futuristic tram layouts that may appeal to your youngsters, there is a very high speed monorail system also, but, the majority of the standard guage railroad routes are European ( German & French ) some British and Australian, so, with you being from across the pond, unsure if that would appeal to your youngsters, maybe they would prefer something more North American, so, you'll have to decide exactly what would they appreciate more before embarking on spending your money.....


Cheerz. ex-railwayman.

 

[paulzmay]

As you may have gathered, there's as many opinions as trainzers...

Personally I'd recommend either TRS06 or the Trainz Railwayz package put out in the States (TRS06 + Trainz Classics 1+2). TRS2006 has a lot more built-in routes and rolling stock than TRS04, and if you're not doing much downloading CMP isn't really an issue (it works fine for lots of people anyway if treated carefully). TRS06 has at least 2 American routes included, and a good variety from elsewhere; I suspect a six year old might not have acquired the same national preferences that many of us here have.

Just my 2c

Paul

 

[alanti]

One thing that I feel may be good for younger modellers is a series of fixed track pieces which match the set track available from the various manufacturers. This would make it easy to create a layout following a plan from one of the track plan books.

Working with spline points trying to get track to go where you want it to can be frustrating even for adults when they first try it (it does get easier, the more practice you have) but I am sure that connecting pieces of track following a printed plan would be ideal for kids.

Don't forget "Train Sets" are supposed to go round in a circle or an oval, with a few sidings and/or a passing loop. Plonk down a few buildings and a platform around the tracks and you are set to go

 

[illinoiscentral]

I know that this is not a Trainz game nor a RRSimulator, but here goes,
Railroad Tycoon 3. I was just your boy's age when I recieved, Lionel Traintown. I strongly recomend it for a young man like him! It has been out of publishing for years but check E-Bay.

 

[ct_krogen]

I'm going to have to agree with most of the folks here in that '04 is the most stable of all versions. The CMP that's been added to '06 and above can be a nightmare to a child and to us adults.
'09

i had no problems with cmp in trs06,,, works like a charm....i would go with
trainz 06