New to Trainz and Looking for Advice

[rfxcasey]

Hello, I just purchased Trainz 2009 WBE on Steam. I don't understand a lot about how the content downloader works. When I start Trainz and go to content section I see all this content a lot of which says "update available". Is there a way to bulk download all these updates? Is content from older versions like trainz classic worth getting or should I just stick to 2009 stuff. Also how do I install content I dowload manually (FTP). If there is an IRC channel or Trainz Teamspeak server anyone knows of with folks willing to help someone new please clue me in. Thanks.

 

[pware]

Only in the latest version of Trainz (2012) did they implement a method of getting all the updates simultaneously. In Trainz 2010 and 2009 there is an alternative method that is almost as good. See this post http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showpost.php?p=760536&postcount=2

Personally, I would stick to downloading and installing only the 2009 stuff as they should have fewer problems than the content designed for earlier versions.

Peter Ware

 

[overkill650]

Welcome rfxcasey!

now, on to your questions. well, nowadays, to download anything, you need what is called a FCT, or First Class Ticket. It's like $25/ year, and, well i dont wanna say guarantees, but it gives you access to better upload/ download speeds.

The next thing is, although you bought Trainz, no offense, but buying it from steam is the worst thing you can do.

I haven't experienced it, but from what I hear alot of people have problems with downloading content and with updates/ patches.

I'm not trying to discourage you, just letting you know that you may have problems sooner or later.

Lastly, you must realize that Trainz is a 90% completed game. The 10% is the content part. meaning, trainz comes with a huge amount of content. But lets say you download someone's route. you'll also need to download the Locomotives, sessions, rules, rolling stock, type of track, trees, etc. Trainz is also a 90% completed game, because all the content isn't "set in stone." meaning, you can edit like 99% of the content in trainz to your liking.

So, in the end, have fun, the forums are the best place to get advice/ solve problems, and when it seems trainz is being a big pain in the A55 , just stick with it and you will find the answer.

 

[rfxcasey]

Thanks very much, it's nice to see that there are friendly folks here at the Trainz camp. I would have expected as much as most sims applear to a more civilized crowd. Thanks for the advice and links. Understand what you are saying about Steam but I don't mind tinkering and usually everything is solvable. The sim was only $3.74 cents and I had looked at it when it first came out but never bought it.

While here, let me ask a couple more general things. Is Trainz considered the best or is there another better sim. Also is there a huge difference between Trainz 09, 10 and 12? Also in Trainz are there any working devices such as coal dispensers, switches or anything else of that nature? I would also like to improve the look of my trees right off the bat. Is there any good tree content anyone can suggest or any other must have graphical mods?

 

[danny5]

Well you can't beat the price for testing a game.TS12 is a very good game it has Multi-player & with some of the new routes and systems it will be a great game that will take up all your time and lose all your friends & family.
Now like overkill650 said getting a FCT is almost a must.I always get a year but there ones that cost less.
Welcome to trainz and enjoy.

 

[Euphod]

Welcome rfxcasey! The best aspect of Trainz is the friendly people here who will help you out. My advice would be to stay with what you've already purchased for a bit, before you look at another version. 2010 and 12 each have differences from 2009, but not so much in game play and how they generally work, all Trainz are similar in that respect. You can find content that will do amazing things, such as loading and unloading, and most of it is free on the DLS. Well worth buying an FCT to make downloading easier.

 

[pware]

Is Trainz considered the best or is there another better sim.

Thats a very loaded question, particularly as the people who lurk in these forums are all "Trainzers" - but yes, there are other Train Sims out there - from freeware to payware to fully commercial products like Trainz.

Railworks is a fully commercial simulator and competitor to Trainz - and there is a very wide range of opinions on which is better (I vote for Trainz) but you will find that all have pros and cons. Nearly everyone would agree that Trainz has the best route creation system of all the sims. Microsofts Train Simulator is dead and buried. Do a Google for "train simulators" and you will find a wide variety.

Also is there a huge difference between Trainz 09, 10 and 12?

The differences between 09 and 10 are relatively minor - I can't even recall what they were. I currently only have 10 and 12 installed on my system.

In my opinion, 12 was a significant improvement over 10 - but others would disagree. The program is more stable, its graphics are better and it is not weighed down by the need to allow older (2006 and earlier) content to run.

Also in Trainz are there any working devices such as coal dispensers, switches or anything else of that nature? I would also like to improve the look of my trees right off the bat. Is there any good tree content anyone can suggest or any other must have graphical mods?

All the switches, as far as I know, work in terms of the mechanical switch lever will throw left or right. There are also some points systems that will swing the switch blade left and right.

Many, but not all coal dispensers, will also work - i.e. they produce coal dust as the train passes beneath them and the hoppers will actually fill up with coal. Look for those assets that are "Industry Active" (i.e. will load/unload stuff from trains). There is a learning curve involved in using thsi stuff but the results can be well worth it.

There are also animated assets such as cranes that move, waterfalls, smoking factory chimneys, etc, etc.

I would also like to improve the look of my trees right off the bat. Is there any good tree content anyone can suggest or any other must have graphical mods?

Speed Trees, a commercial tree animation product also used in movies to create realistic CGI trees, is part of Trainz 2010 and 12 but not made by Auran/N3V. It has been the topic of much debate amongst Trainzers in these forums - some hate them, others (like me) like them in moderation.

The best thing to do is explore existing routes before you set out to create your own.

Peter Ware

 

[backyard]

Gee Pete, I enjoyed that Speed Trees endorsement...

Hello Mr. Casey and welcome to the Auran N3V-Trainz Forum Community!

Here is a second must read after the FAQ-page...

New to Trainz?...How to use the Auran Trainz Discussion Forums, Daily!

Please post a reply to bump the thread for other new posters.

Also, read everything you can that you think you may need to overcome the learning curve of a new software!

 

[RRSignal]

Microsofts Train Simulator is dead and buried.

Have to disagree on this one point: MSTS has a very active development aside from the original program itself. Moreover, OpenRails is based on MSTS compatibility; many might argue that it's MSTS2, or at least has the potential of it would have.

Otherwise, your post is pretty accurate, and a major reason why Trainz is the 800# gorilla of train sims is because route, session, and content creation is relatively easy.

 

[backyard]

Like buzzards off a gut wagon...

Have to disagree on this one point: MSTS has a very active development aside from the original program itself. Moreover, OpenRails is based on MSTS compatibility; many might argue that it's MSTS2, or at least has the potential of it would have.

Otherwise, your post is pretty accurate, and a major reason why Trainz is the 800# gorilla of train sims is because route, session, and content creation is relatively easy.

MSTS is a partially open source software, many updates and improvements as well as assets have been provided by 3rd-party Content Creators...as have we...

There was a rivalry between MSTS and Trainz, however Microsoft knows who is leading with almost 200,000 Download Station freeware assets as well as World of Trainz, RRMods, Jointed Rail Productions, etc.

Railworks is now the rival?....so...

I have both MSTS and Rail Simulator because they are promoting train simulation...I installed both at different times, ran a route and uninstalled them. I realized they had no where near the amount of truly dedicated Content Creators and assets available as Auran N3V-Trainz, and probably never will...

Once you have years of experience with the new version improvements of Trainz and learn to enjoy the same with upgrades to your computer, run actual terrain routes, etc. you find you have all the train simulation software you will ever need.

TRAINZ RULES!

 

[cweis127]

Some advise, if you want quality rolling stock and locomotives, hit up Jointed Rail, they have the best stuff out there