Omber i agree that the KRS routebuilder has a very steep learning curve, however once you get past the tracklaying it can be quite fun and there is alot of options not available in TRS, you just need a good bit of patience working with track, but i find it worth it simply because in RS i can take it for a quick test run after im done without going through agonizing load time(which im sure doesnt affect people with good computers, but why do you need a advanced PC to run a game that is basically from 2003) , i think that the ingame editing is one of the best aspects of the KRS editor as it lets you fix a small detail here and there without ending your session (or adding a switch if you find out your on the course for a cornfield meet
)
John, the class 08 shunter pack contains 12 different paint schemes, by contrast 20 bucks will get you just 4 loco's at some trainz sites..
Might i add that the RS models are accurately detailed and use realistic textures while the trs models have textures a bit on the less than lifelike side to put it lightly...
http://www.worldoftrainz.com/Pages/Locomotives/EMD/SD60.htm
Im sure you can find a better deal on TRS payware at a different site, the main issue hear is not the actual price, just the low low low value of the dollar, 9 pounds is quite reasonable over on the other side of the pond.
As for freeware of course theres more content for Trs, but it has had what now 5 year to build up. There is alot of absolutely stunning looking content appearing at
http://www.uktrainsim.com/
and rail-sim.de
The UKTS has alot to offer if your into UK steam and even if your not they are great looking models to look at anyways.
As for advanced texturing and modeling, have a look at what can be done by a good artist.
http://www.chrisjonesgaming.net/moonraker/screenshots/1179.jpg
http://www.chrisjonesgaming.net/moonraker/screenshots/1180.jpg
Im sure many of you can tell who built that, while Ns37's models look great in TRS, in RS the quality is virtually render like, check out the shadows of the handrails, horn, fan etc. These are created through shaders and actually change with the lighting. It could be done in TRS but the shadows would have to be made part of the texture and would remain in the same place no matter what time of day (or night) it was.
Nikos