Running Trainz on Linux

[iain2006]

I am about to rebuild my PC and instead of buying Windows 7 or 8 I am considering changing to Linux, probably Ubuntu 12.04 (or Kubuntu).

I am wondering how well, if at all, TRS (I currently use TRS2004 but I will probably get a newer version once I've upgraded) runs on Linux under WINE or if I'd be better to retain a Windows partition and use it on Windows (I have Win XP Pro SP3). I will probably retain Windows anyway for certain other programs.

Another concern I have with Linux is that, in TRS 2004 at least, some assets are missing/invisible in the simulation if using OpenGL in Windows but they show up properly running DirectX.

 

[JCitron]

I think that you can probably run up to TRS2006 in Linux. The later versions are a bit sketchy after that, depending upon drivers, etc., and yes this all would be done in WINE. As far as video drivers go, I think this is all Open/GL under Linux, which would be an issue for your TRS2004 right now. I remember that problem with some spline objects being weird. Open/GL worked for me, but DirectX didn't, and for some people it was the opposite.

For performance I would keep a Windows partition for the game. Just keep in mind the huge number of downloads and add-ons that are out there, and remember too that the file sizes are getting bigger. Some assets are 25MB now with the progressive meshes and the normal-mapped textures along with the seasonal texture libraries.

TS2009 and up runs fine under Windows 7, which is probably their best OS. Windows 8 works okay, but there are the new-OS teething problems which I'm sure will be worked out in the next SP or 2, or 3. I've installed Windows 8, mostly for support and education for me, and I've gotten Trainz to run quite nicely under it. I had to use Open/GL though. DirectX crashes on me, causing the program to plunk to the desktop. Running Windbg, I read through the CRASH.DMP file and found that it's related back to the video drivers referenced by Trainz TS12 through the Jet Engine. So, it's Open/GL for now until N3V can get that fixed.

John