It would seem that this thread has turned into a competition between members as to which Trainz version is the best, not which one is the best for DMahalko's child. Let's get back on topic, shall we?
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.
While you have a good point, I remember that when I was in 1st grade and was train-crazy like DMahalko's child, I didn't really care where the train was from, I just cared that it was a train. I liked Thomas the Tank Engine as much as I liked a North American freight train or the TGV. But that was me; different strokes for different folks, as they say.
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
I'm picking on paulzmay here but several members have metioned how the CMP is more stable than in this version than in that version, and how content creation crashes happen on this version and not that version. People, DMahalko specifically said that his child will probably not be creating or editing content at all, as he just wants to drive. I know the feeling, as I was the same way when I was his age. If all he's going to be doing is driving, who cares how stable CMP is? The kid wants to drive, so which version gives him the best driving experience and is stable? NOT which has the best CMP that doesn't crash.
To answer your question Dmahalko, I have never played TRS04, I have TRS06 as well as Trainz Railwayz (which has 06 built in), and I have never played TRS09. I would recommend investing in either TRS06 SP1 or Trainz Railwayz. These are the most kid-friendly versions in my opinion for several reasons:
1. TRS06 has 6 in-depth and easy to understand tutorials as stated above. This is a crucial feature when dealing with young children.
2. TRS06 has more built in routes and sessions than TRS04, and I know that if I were his age I'd want as many sessions as possible.
3. TRS06 doesn't have nearly as many bugs and errors as TRS09. This is good because kids don't want to have to wait for an error to get fixed, they want to play.
4. TRS06 has PaintShed built in. While you have said that he probably will not be doing any content creating, at the very least you can teach him PaintShed. I know when I first got the game and started using PaintShed, I loved it! So imagine how much your child will love being able to paint his own engines and cars. Trust me; once he learns how to use it he'll love it.
5. The previosuly mentioned sound issues with TRS06 as far as I can tell only occur with certain horns, most of which do not come with the game.
6. TRS06 comes with a boatload of objects, locomotives and rolling stock out of the box. Your child should be more than happy with all the choices he has, and you shouldn't need to download anything from the DLS until he's older and starts to get into realism and specific railroads.
7. Trainz Railwayz comes with TRS06 and a Trainz Classics (I don't know which one). It's a great package. However, I don't really like the Trainz Classics that comes with it. I have a very fast dual-core computer, and while TRS06 never lags on my PC, TC lagged excessively when I tried out one of the 2 routes you get with it. Your child won't want lag anymore than you do. However, Trainz Railwayz is a great choice because it's usually sold for a VERY cheap price.
I hope this helps with your purchase.