Moving to PC- do I get 09, 10 or 12?

[alexl102]

Firstly, apologies as I know this has been discussed before but as the search feature searches for indicvidual words rather than phrases it was difficult to find a straight answer!

I'm about to receive a second-hand PC, running Win 7 I think, with a fairly reasonable spec (not sure exactly what that is yet, though I'm willing to upgrade it a little), and have decided that I would like to switch to a PC edition of Trainz.

So, my question is: Which version of Trainz do I buy? 09, 10, or 12?
I've heard that there are ups and downs to each version, as you'd expect, and essentially I just want the most trouble-free experience all round without spending huge amounts of money. My only 'conditions' as such are that I'd like to be able to buy and use the S&C add on and it's content with whatever version I get, and also Auran's duchess pack (as well as obviously things from the DLS but I presume that's a given). My only previous PC experience of Trainz was 2006.

Thanks in advance,

Alex

 

[shaneturner12]

I'd say either TS2010 or TS12, but be aware that TS12 does not have compatibility mode so any faulty content will not work unless it's fixed first.

Shane

 

[johnwhelan]

I'd go TS12 most content has been fixed that needed compatibility mode and the DLC content updates for the S&C etc are worth having and aren't available in TS2010. TS2009 really was a beta for content creators to get used to the new methods for TS2010 and TS12.

Cheerio John

 

[PWeiser]

Despite being something of a TS2009 partisan, TS2010 is probably your best bet. A modern machine should be able to crush it and, fanZ of 2012 to the contrary, compatibility mode is very valuable. Much 2004/2006 content will never be "upgraded" (and doesn't need to be) - if your tastes are at all specialized, chances of finding what you want are better.

[Small dig: Pre-'012 content isn't "faulty" - it's been properly tested and verified. Unlike '012.]

 

[RRSignal]

TS2010 is probably your best bet if you want a minimum of trouble finding, fixing and updating stuff. I see you have Trainz Mac, which is essentially TS2010 anyway. TS12 is ok as long as you don't patch beyond 49922, but includes only a few built-in routes.

 

[alexl102]

I've just discovered that the PC is actually running XP and for the time being I can't afford to upgrade, though it does have 4GB RAM. Will I be able to run TS10 on that?

 

[NSWGR_46Class]

The processor type and speed and the type of video card you have are the things that effect the operation of trainz the most - there is nothing to stop TS12 running on a PC with has XP as it operating system as long as the rest of the parts are up to it. And if you going from MAC to TS10 just go to TS12 its a far better version.


System Requirements
Minimum:

• OS: Windows XP (SP3)
• Processor: Pentium D 3.4GHz (or equiv)
• Memory: 1 GB RAM
• Graphics: nVidia GeForce 7200/128MB or equivalent
• Hard Drive: Approx. 16GB hard drive space
• Sound: DirectX 9.0c or compatible Sound Card,
• DirectX 9.0c
• Mouse and keyboard

I've just discovered that the PC is actually running XP and for the time being I can't afford to upgrade, though it does have 4GB RAM. Will I be able to run TS10 on that?

 

[johnwhelan]

I've just discovered that the PC is actually running XP and for the time being I can't afford to upgrade, though it does have 4GB RAM. Will I be able to run TS10 on that?

It's probably 32 bit XP so you can get to about 3 gigs of memory Trainz will work in 2 leaves one for the operating system, not too bad. TS12 is lightly lessdemanding in PC resources and its on sale Planet Auran for $20 6:30 pm EST.

http://www.simulatorcentral.com/index.php/simulators/special-offers/trainz-simulator-15.html

Cheerio John

 

[WindWalkr]

I see you have Trainz Mac, which is essentially TS2010 anyway.

Trainz Mac has the TS2010 content set, but uses the TS12 game engine.

chris

 

[johnwhelan]

Trainz Mac has the TS2010 content set, but uses the TS12 game engine.

chris

So that's the reason for all the performance and other issues in TS12 SP1 under Windows.

Cheerio John

 

[alexl102]

If I go TS12, I plan to avoid SP1 for now as there seem to have been some teething troubles with it which I just don't want.
Is the S&C stuff compatible with TS12?

 

[captainkman]

It most certainly is.

Kieran.

 

[shaneturner12]

If I go TS12, I plan to avoid SP1 for now as there seem to have been some teething troubles with it which I just don't want.
Is the S&C stuff compatible with TS12?

A bit of advice on that front then - avoid the automatic patching process by clicking No if prompted on startup, otherwise it will patch up to SP1.

Shane

 

[alexl102]

Thanks all. Think I'll go with TS12 then, unless there's a big reason why I can't. Your help has been very much appreciated.
Alex

 

[alexl102]

Sorry to be a pain- one more thing! I've just seen the spec of the PC, but it appears to be slightly lower than the min spec for TS12, so I just want to check for certain.

OS: Win XP SP3

Computer:
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
E4600 @ 2.40GHz
2.39 GHz, 3.23 GB RAM

 

[johnwhelan]

Sorry to be a pain- one more thing! I've just seen the spec of the PC, but it appears to be slightly lower than the min spec for TS12, so I just want to check for certain.

OS: Win XP SP3

Computer:
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
E4600 @ 2.40GHz
2.39 GHz, 3.23 GB RAM

The specs are more a guide than anything else. The CPU isn't the most wonderful in the world but it will run the program instructions. You may have to move the sliders over to the left especially the distance one. TS12 puts a fair chunk of work down to the GPU so the GPU is more important than the CPU in someways. If you select your content carefully you should be fine. The same content running in TS2009 and TS12 normally gives better frame rates in TS12 at the same settings on the same hardware. What has been happening is some higher end content has been getting more detailed so the recommended specs have been raised.

If you don't have a separate video card then this can help enormously but be careful on the power supply.

Best of luck

Cheerio John

Cheerio John

Cheerio John

 

[dricketts]

Just a thought. I'm using TS2010 and love it. After all the TS2012 SP1 issues I'll be waiting to contribute to N3V's revenue stream until TS20xx comes out or I need to renew my first class ticket. I'm thinking the latter will come first.