Which TS version to buy?

[tangofoxtrot]

I am new to Trainz and planning to buy, but I'm not sure which version. I'd really like to get TS2010EE, however I'm not sure my minimal system is up to the task. I'm also planning on getting Murchison2.

My system is:
Proc: P4 - 3.0 GHz,
RAM: 3 GB
HD: 160 GB
Graphics Card: NVidia 9500GT (1GB),
OS: Windows XP SP3.

Has anyone sucessfully run TS2010 on a system this minimal with decent results? How about TS 2009?

As a data pont, if relevant, my system runs the two TS2006 demos with the TS graphics settings maxed out at a screen res of 1680x1050 with no problem.

I eventually intend to create routes and perhaps some graphics content with Google Sketchup when an exporter is available. My interests are primarily narrow gauge with a little standard gauge branchline thrown in.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

[marinemania]

Well if commuter rail roads is your thing then you can purchase trainz classics 1&2.

 

[meatloaf747]

Hey Dancer !!!
The best advise I believe I can give to you is if you are planning on holding onto your present computer for a few more years, then I would suggest TRS2006 & Murchison 2 - (M2 direct from; Trainzone.co.nz).

Trainz 2006 doesn't have "native mode" or "speedtree". If you really want to enjoy Trainz, you don't necessarily need the latest & the greatest...
If you are planning on upgrading/up spec'ing your PC sometime over the next few months then I would consider TS2009, (with Murchison 2 2009 as an add-on)....
Murchison 2 is an incredible route and works really well in 04, 06, TC3, 09, & I'm told 010. (also run extremely well as a stand-a-lone, 09/010 without Surveyor)...

In my opinion there are dozens of incredible routes out there from some really incredible route/layout creators. Unfortunately, there is less than a half dozen that I would put in the same category as Murchison 2........

Trainz is a "sim" where "each person to there own" By that I mean I've been enjoying Trainz for about 6-7 years and have searched thru/tried hundreds of routes/layouts, until I found a couple that where "really me" (2005) Murchison 2 & Razorback.
I have spent more time modifying/on these two routes than I have on all of the rest of the routes combined. (hey, each to there own).
Regardless of what version of Trainz you choose to get, if you decide to get Murchison 2 you will never regret it.
Happy Trainzing.
Cheers, Mac...

 

[johnwhelan]

I am new to Trainz and planning to buy, but I'm not sure which version. I'd really like to get TS2010EE, however I'm not sure my minimal system is up to the task. I'm also planning on getting Murchison2.

My system is:
Proc: P4 - 3.0 GHz,
RAM: 3 GB
HD: 160 GB
Graphics Card: NVidia 9500GT (1GB),
OS: Windows XP SP3.

Has anyone sucessfully run TS2010 on a system this minimal with decent results? How about TS 2009?

As a data pont, if relevant, my system runs the two TS2006 demos with the TS graphics settings maxed out at a screen res of 1680x1050 with no problem.

I eventually intend to create routes and perhaps some graphics content with Google Sketchup when an exporter is available. My interests are primarily narrow gauge with a little standard gauge branchline thrown in.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

TS2010 is less demanding than TRS2006 but beware some of the content is more demanding. I'm running on a P4 2.4 with 3 gigs of memory and an ATI 3850 video card and for simple layouts in native mode its fine. You can adjust the video settings to optimise performance over detail and to drop the draw distance.

Murchison2 I think comes in different flavours, the most detailed one on high detail video settings your machine will struggle with but the one aimed at lower powered machines shouldn't be too bad.

If it helps its possible to create a layout that will kill the performance on any machine, note the number of people saying that built up areas slow down.

Cheerio John

 

[tangofoxtrot]

Thanks for the info John. Do you know if 2009 is more/or less demanding system-wise than 2010? I may have to give up on Murchison2 since its something like 440 base boards. I've noticed that there are several narrow gauge routes that are small that are available from dls and other sites. So, perhaps that's what I'll do.

 

[johnwhelan]

Thanks for the info John. Do you know if 2009 is more/or less demanding system-wise than 2010? I may have to give up on Murchison2 since its something like 440 base boards. I've noticed that there are several narrow gauge routes that are small that are available from dls and other sites. So, perhaps that's what I'll do.

TS2010 is reputed to have better frame rates than TS2009. I run it on a P4 2.4 and have TS2009 as well, I don't measure the fps, but they both seem to work fairly well on simple layouts.

Assets that use more than one texture file, have high poly counts or are heavily scripted are more demanding and can have a large impact on performance. Translation Murchison2 is well laid out with reasonably selected assets so don't rule it out altogether especially the versions aimed at lower end machines.

Cheerio John

 

[Mikeinva]

After changing the resolution on TRS06 to 1020x768 I'm seeing an increase in FPS with less lag than before on routes such as the Marias pass approach so changing these settings may prove helpful regardless of which version of trainz you are running.