Pros/Cons: Trainz vs. Railworks

[kristjin]

So I just got introduced to the model railroad simulator world a couple weeks ago and have been on the edge of my seat waiting for TRS2010:EE to be released so I could buy it and start playing. I was really happy to hear it was available today until I started reading about the download problems. So while waiting for Auran to resolve these issues, I've discovered Railworks.

Can anyone offer a legitimate comparison of the two? Pros and cons of each? Which you prefer? From what I can see right now, BIG pros on the Railworks side include availability (on Steam's pleasantly fast servers) and less expensive than Trainz. The trees look at least as good as anything being advertised for the speedtreez in TRS2010.

Other thoughts?

 

[amigacooke]

My thought is that this isn't a good idea. There have been comparison threads previously.

My take is that Railworks has great graphics, but has limited functionality unless you want a driver simulator.

Trainz allows simulation of a railway system, though the dispatcher system is far from perfect.

By the way, TS2009 is available on Steam and I expect (personal speculation) TS2010 will also be in a few months.

 

[skidmark22]

http://www.youtube.com/user/lande22#p/a/u/2/DSHCwxW-93I

Just a comparison of graphics. More realistic looking in my opinion and much more driver oriented I believe.

 

[IsambardKingdomBrunel]

RailFail has the functional quality of a clockwork trainset.

Only good thing going for it are the graphics.

IKB.

 

[laika]

http://www.youtube.com/user/lande22#p/a/u/2/DSHCwxW-93I

Just a comparison of graphics. More realistic looking in my opinion and much more driver oriented I believe.

Maby out of the box yes , but Trainz beats Railworks in all. There are alot of items that looks far beter in Trainz then Railworks if you take the time to look on DLS or thrid party sites. I don,t even want to mention the bad signaling system en unrealistic driving aspects in Railworks. But the problem with trainz is the hugh learning factor. Trainz is not a game but a hobby. With the proper routes and rolling stock driving is more realistic in Trainz then Railworks. As an example try to drive the EN57 polish train for Trainz and drive it manual(not with DCC) then you know what i mean.
Railworks dont even have animated crossings etc.

 

[theokus]

Good graphics.
Easy to make a real-life-route.

 

[Vern]

Trainz has Transdem available for the route builder, 'nuff said!

While waiting for TS2010, I've been plodding around doing a short route in RW. Believe me, the route editor is little more than an upgraded version of the MSTS one with a few features (like forest objects or easy terrain texturing) removed. It's not that user friendly and because there are relatively few people working with it unless your 3D modelling skills are up to scratch you are limited to mostly default objects and don't get me started on terrain textures. Contrast that even with what's built into TS2009 & presumably 2010, before even going near the DLS.

If Auran really wanted to kill off the competition all they really need to do is bolt a half decent despatcher and the ability to run to a timetable and without setting points as you go and it would be the perfect train sim...

 

[kristjin]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I agree - Trainz is the way. So... just hanging out and waiting for a solution allowing me to download 2010:EE.

 

[IsambardKingdomBrunel]

If Auran really wanted to kill off the competition all they really need to do is bolt a half decent despatcher and the ability to run to a timetable and without setting points as you go and it would be the perfect train sim...

Yup i only give Trainz 8.5\10 due to that very fact.

Apart from that one downside, it's the tarts whatsits.

Mike.

 

[airtime]

Trainz rocks...

Railworks has great graphics and a super dopler sound, but the surveyor part of it is just too complicated...

Where-as Trainz rocks, and knocks the competition dead, excellent easy to use surveyor, drive many trains from around the world, and watch other trains run by themselves, without faffing around for 4 hours, just trying to get a consist together to run from one point to another...

Dude... Trainz rocks

Joe Airtime... rock on dude.:hehe:.