Train Simulation News Archive

Blue Arrow Announces Southern Region Set in the 1960's, Blue Arrow's new Southern Region features a 25 mile stretch from just outside Woking to Basingstoke. Also included are over twenty locomotives and cars. [More...]

Trainz 2006 Screen Shots Just Trains has just released a new set of screen shots for Trainz Railway Simulator 2006. TRS2006 is now in production and will be available later this month. [More...]

Canadian Pacific Railway Offers MSTS Add-Ons Though these may have been available for a while already, Canadian Pacific Railways offers free MSTS downloads available through their corporate web site. [More...]

Announcing Grove City For Canton All Aboard is back with a new expansion module for Canton. Grove City expands the route by 75 miles and includes busy downtown industries allowing for lots of switching possibilities. [More...]

Trainz 2006 Now Available For Pre-Orders Just Trains has announced that pre-orders are now being accepted for Trainz Railway Simulator 2006. TRS2006 is now in production and will be available later this month. [More...]

Train Times Announced Just Trains has now announced the release dates for two major upcoming products: Trainz Railway Simulator 2006 and Train Driver. TRS2006 is the follow-up to Auran's popular Trainz and TRS2004 simulators Train Driver by Railwaves is a stand-alone sim of the West Somerset Railway. [More...]

Announcing Nickel Belt Rail Photos A new website devoted to railroad photography and Microsoft Train Simulator add-ons. Their first release is now available, 15 Canadian Pacific GMD SD40-2's in five paint shemes. New rolling stock packs will soon be available as will new locomotive sets. They have different pages and topics for all who will visit. [More...]

New Products From Just Trains Just Trains is back with the announcement of two upcoming products: Trainz Railway Simulator 2006 and Train Driver. TRS2006 is the follow-up to Auran's popular Trainz and TRS2004 simulators Train Driver by Railwaves is a stand-alone sim of the West Somerset Railway. [More...]

Announcing Rail Simulator Kuju Entertainment (the company who actually wrote the original Microsoft Train Simulator) and major software publisher Electronic Arts have announced Rail Simulator, an all new sim now under developed that is expected to be released in 2006. [More...]

Announcing Freight Yard Manager Jim Hill and Carl White announce the development of Freight Yard Manager. The sim is based on a 2D overhead view of U.S. freight yards with users loading and unloading freight, building and breaking down trains, etc. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Donner Pass Route Now available from 3D Train Stuff is their new Donner Pass Route - High Sierra Crossing, featuring over 90 miles of double track mainline on Southern Pacific's historic Overland Route across the mountains of California. [More...]

New How To Added Thanks to Otto Wipfel we have a new "how to" article on how to create mini routes the easy way. Have mini copies of routes allows MSTS to load faster and run better. [More...]

New RailDriver Cab Files Available Peter Cunningham has developed a new set of RailDriver compatible engine files for most of the popular UK add-ons, both freeware and commercial. [More...]

Blue Arrow TS Releases Arthur Henry Peppercorn's Pacific Locomotives Now available from Blue Arrow TS is the final installment in the LNER Pacific locomotive packs. This pack features Arthur Henry Peppercorn's Pacific Locomotives, representing classes A1 and A2. [More...]

Thompson Expansion For Canton-Suddenly Now Available Now available for Canton-Suddenly is the newest expansion pack, Thompson. Thompson extends mainline running to where the route is now up to 54 miles in length. Many new buildings and ten more activities are featured. [More...]

Arkansas & Ozarks Route Released V Scale Creations has announced the release of the Arkansas & Ozarks Subdivision route. Set in 1988, the A&O features a collection of locomotives, rolling stock and over 40 hours of activities. [More...]

New How To Added Thanks to Michael Sinclair we have a new "how to" article on how to convert analog sound to MSTS Format, told entirely through pictures. [More...]

Trainmaster Train Simulator Progress Update The team at RailDriver that is developing Trainmaster Train Simulator (TMTS) has issued a press release with updated information on the progress of the sim's development. [More...]

Ohio Valley System Expands The Ohio Valley System has added a Narrow Gauge Division and a Traction Division to its popular VR. Narrow gauge enthusiasts and traction enthusiasts now have a home. OVS added the Rio Grande Southern and Mesaba Electric routes, with plans for Red Arrow Lines and more narrow gauge routes in the future. In related news, OVS is the first VR to form an integrated virtual airline, Ohio Valley Aviation. Like the railroads, the airline provides modern and vintage equipment and flights. [More...]

Union Pacific Engine Pack Released The Union Pacific Engine Pack is Stream Lines' first product release. The UP Engine Pack contains a collection of six modern era locomotives including the GE C40-8, AC6000CW, EMD SD70M, with flared and standard radiators, SD90MAC and GP38-2. The pack is now available for online order and download, and is priced at $11.99 USD. [More...]

GM&O Simulations Releases BNSF SD40 Heritage New from GM&O Simulations: BNSF SD40 "Heritage" and ATSF "Patch" Pack. This is the first group of BNSF patched and painted SD40s. Yet another in the works. Painted by Lucio Moreira, this pack of BNSF SD40s are some of the best yet. Get them now at www.mstsgmo.com

Blue Arrow TS Releases LNER Pacifics LNER Pacifics combines a number of products previously only available online into one package. Included are the Edward Thompson Pacifics pack and the Pacifics & Mikados pack along with the Flying Scotsman models. [More...]

Get Your Train-Sim.Com Gear Just in time for the holidays, Train-Sim.Com now offers a complete set of "gear" including t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads, tote bags and more. These make perfect gifts for yourself or another happy train-simmer. Visit the Train-Sim.Com Shop here.

3DTrainStuff Releases The Swanage Route Now available from 3DTrainStuff is The Swanage Route for Microsoft Train Simulator. The route features detailed scenery along with trainsets, rolling stock and activities for this preserved railway in southern England. The route is modelled as it is today but equipment and activities cover three different eras. [More...]

Personnel Changes At Just Trains UK based flightsim publisher Just Trains has announced some personnel changes. Managing Director Mungo Amyatt-Leir will be leaving the company. Alex Ford will be moving to the position of Publishing Director. [More...]

New How To Added Thanks to Bob Wilkes we have a new "how to" article on turning routes on and off. It's been found that disabling unused routes speeds up loading of MSTS but there's been debate on the best way to do this. Bob discusses the subject and then announces a new utility to handle enabling and disabling routes. [More...]

Blue Arrow TS Announces Edward Thompson's LNER Pacifics Edward Thompson's LNER Pacifics is Blue Arrow TS' fourth CD add-on for MSTS. It includes six examples of locomotives plus rolling stock built during the era of CME Edward Thompson. [More...]

Conbuilder Web Site Opens Authors Carlos Gomes and Joe Smith have announced that they have now opened a dedicated web site to support their utility Conbuilder. You can visit the new site here.

Midwest Rail Systems News Tai Chan, founder of Midwest Rail Systems, has announced that MRS will not be re-opening unless a significant number of new staff members can be found to carry on the work of operating the virtual rail line. [More...]

Announcing The Canadian Pacific Steam Locomotives Heritage Collection Now available is the Canadian Pacific Steam Locomotives Heritage Collection for use with MSTS. The set includes a wide variety of steam locomotives, coaches and cabs. Proceeds go to supporting steam preservation groups. [More...]

RailDriver Open House In late October P.I. Engineering/RailDriver will be holding an open house at their headquarters in Michigan. Visitors will be able to see the full size locomotive simulator, SD40-2 cab, RailDriver train controller demo and more. [More...]

GM&O Simulations Announces ATSF GP30 Fat Pack GM&O Simulations proudly announces an "ATSF GP30 Fat Pack". Features Eight Santa Fe GP30's including the first purchased versions and models in between, even BNSF patched versions with ditch lights. A new custom horn and regular GM&O Simulations cab view are included with each unit. See them now at www.mstsgmo.com

FSClips Releases Video Clips of West Somerset Railway and Trainz FSClips offers a downloads page with many free video clips from flight simulation and now train simulation too. Clips come in different sizes so that they can be used by modem users as well as those with broadband. The latest releases include clips of the West Somerset Railway and Trainz Railway Simulator. [More...]

Blue Arrow TS Announces Fires And Wires Blue ArrowTS's Fires & Wires combines a fine array of English Heritage electric locomotives with a broad selection of LNER locomotives plus rolling stock and activities. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Vintage Trains Over Tehachapi Pass Now available from 3D Train Stuff is Vintage Trains Over Tehachapi Pass. The add-on includes Southern Pacific Cab Forwards (AC-12 and AC-10), Santa Fe EMD FT demonstrator units, rolling stock, activities and more. [More...]

Signalling Centre London Victoria Central Signalling Centre Software is pleased to announce a new signalling simulation based on London Victoria Central in the United Kingdom. This will be the third simulation. During a nine hour sift the operator controls almost 1000 train services centered at London Victoria. [More...]

TRS2004 Service Pack 3 Released Now available from Auran is the Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 service pack 3. This pack primarily optimizes the display, removing stuttering problems experienced by some users. [More...]

Madrid Aranjuez "Tren de la Fresa" Route Released Now available from Train Magazine is a new MSTS route, Madrid Aranjuez "Tren de la Fresa", designed in a 1970's/1980's style. Also announced is a larger route from Madrid through all of Andalucia. [More...]

Fort Worth Locomotive Shops Opens The Fort Worth Locomotive Shops is a new design group that has just opened that will be doing freeware locomotives and rolling stock. The group is looking for additional members. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Multi-Player Pack Now available for free download from 3D Train Stuff is a new multi-player pack for up to six players for its Tehachapi Pass Route II. The pack includes six activities with AI traffic, dispatcher notes and crew work orders. [More...]

Maple Leaf Tracks Announces Cascades Crossing Cascades Crossing recreates the operations of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Oregon during the early 1990's. The route spans 220 miles of mainline from the rail centers of Eugene and Klamath Falls, Oregon. Between these two locations lay some very challenging stretches of railway, including a 52 mile stretch of steep mountain territory with plenty of bridges, countless tunnels, and helper locomotives. [More...]

OVS Short Lines Adds Northern Arkansas Route OVS Short Lines, the short line VR, has added Andre Ming's North Arkansas Railroad to its route lineup. The virtual railroad is the short line operator of the popular "Ohio Valley System" and members are free to run with that busy regional VR as well. The Northern Arkansas route is steam based and set at the turn of the century, which prefectly complements the diesel era Canton Railroad. The VR also operates the East Metro route. [More...]

Skyline Computing News: Steve Davis of Skyline Computing, author of Switchlist Generator and ActivityMaster, has asked us to inform the community that the Skyling Computing web site is now back online. Also a new email address is now available for users requiring support or having questions. [More...]

Train Master Train Simulator Video Clips Unveiled Now available for download from the Train Master Train Simulator design team are two video clips. These clips show the all new graphics engine using MSTS imported objects. [More...]

New How To Added Thanks to author Michael Sinclair we have a new tutorial describing how to use the route editor, told entirely through pictures. [More...]

Announcing EUTrainSim The creators of UKTrainSim have announced the opening of a new web site, EUTrainSim, to better serve those train-sim users who are interested in continental European railroading. [More...]

The Gresley's Are Here! Now available from Blue Arrow TS is their tribute to Sir Nigel Gresley: the Pacifics & Mikados add-on pack for Microsoft Train Simulator. Included are examples Gresley's finest work for LNER fans. [More...]

V Scale Creations Announces The North Arkansas The North Arkansas route from V Scale Creations is set in the 1901-1902 era and is based on a prototype that exists in the northern Ozark region. Operations are steam, authentic to the era, and feature a series of activities that are sequential and require increasing skills. [More...]

Northeastern Railroad Announces New Virtual Railroads Virtual North Eastern Railroad (vNERR) has announced the organization of two new VRs, this time based on two payware routes: the Cajon Pass 2 and the Tehachapi Pass 2 routes from 3DT as well as the Kicking Horse Pass 2 route from MLT. [More...]

Announcing Suddenly Expansion For Canton Now available from Rich Garber/All Aboard is Canton-Suddenly, an expansion to the previously released Canton route. Suddenly continues the experience with more mainline, more industry, more towns plus new buildings and scenery that are more detailed than before. [More...]

Another New How To Added Thanks to author Cyndi Richards we have another how to. This one describes how to properly set the bounding box on locomotives and rolling stock to prevent bogus collisions. [More...]

New How To Added Thanks to author Cyndi Richards we have two new tutorials. The first describes how to turn routes on and off using batch files. The second describes how to alias cabviews. [More...]

Northeastern Railroad Celebrates Anniversary Virtual Northeastern Railroad will shortly celebrate the completion of two years in operation. During that time they have developed a very successful series of train-sim activities which they will now start releasing to the general public through the Train-Sim.Com file library. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Santa Fe Over Tehachapi Pass Pack 2 Now available from 3D Train Stuff is Santa Fe Over Tehachapi Pass - Trainset & Activity Expansion Pack 2. Available only on CD, this add-on features modern Santa Fe diesels plus a variety of activities to test your skills. [More...]

New How To Added Thanks to author Michael Sinclair we have a new tutorial describing how to create your own activities, told entirely through pictures. [More...]

Blue Arrow TS Announces Electric Heritage Volume 1 Coming this weekend from Blue Arrow TS is Electric Heritage Volume 1 - The Early Years. The MSTS add-on features 24 AC Electric locomotives with both day and night cabs plus a variety of wagons and coaches. [More...]

How To Area Opens Thanks to author Otto Wipfel we now have a series of "how to" articles available for MSTS. Topics include how to install various downloadable add-ons as well as getting started with MSTS activities. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Activities 3D Train Stuff has just released six new activities for the popular Cambrian Coast Route. They are available for free download on their website. The activities also come with an auto-installer to make installation a breeze. [More...]

RailDriver Announces All New TrainMaster Simulator RailDriver Division of P.I. Engineering has announced a completely new, second generation version of TrainMaster. This new sim will feature upgraded physics, a redesigned file structure and the latest DirectX 9 graphics. [More...]

Trainz Service Pack 2 Released Auran has announced that Service Pack 2 for Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 is now available as a download from the official Auran web site. This pack includes bug fixes plus a host of new features and improvements. [More...]

RailDriver Purchases TrainMaster / Announces New Sim Just as we officially hear of the demise of Microsoft Train Simulator 2, a new sim is announced. RailDriver Division of P.I. Engineering, the maker of the realistic train cab controller, has announced the purchase of TrainMaster. TrainMaster was the first out the cab train-sim and now the combined companies will be developing a new version with upgraded physics and DirectX 9 support. [More...]

Flying Scotsman Is Saved! Well known to train-simmers and railfans everywhere, the real world Flying Scotsman was recently in danger of being put to pasture. Now, through a variety of donations and grants the speedy locomotive has been save. BluearrowTS has created an enhanced version of the locomotive which they are selling as downloadable software and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the real locomotive. [More...]

GM&O Simulations Releases First GP30 GM&O Simulations proudly offers the first in a series of GP30s: five N&W GP30s in three different N&W paint schemes. Each GP30 offers the highest detail and low frame drag. Available now. Other roads to come. [More...]

Wilco Announces New Web Site And Products Wilco Publishing has just launched a new web site, offering a user friendly interface and adapting to market trends where download and CD versions of add-ons are preferred. Also announced are new products including Night Trains Vol. 1 (Trains de Nuit), featuring powerful French "hotels on rails" with photoreal textures, digital sounds, accurate locos and more. [More...]

Announcing Southern Pacific Heritage Packs Maple Leaf Tracks announces the release of Southern Pacific Heritage Packs. Two separate packs are now available. The first covers SP diesel locomotives from the late 1960's to the early 1990's. The second pack includes the Kodachrome painted locomotives of the failed SP / AT&SF merger. These are some of the finest prototype replica models to be found anywhere in the world. [More...]

Announcing Mosaic - The Terrain Texture Editor Now available from Digital-Rails is Mosaic, a new utility for MSTS route designers. Mosaic offers control over all aspects of your route's terrain tile settings and eliminates the 64 texture limit. [More...]

New SD40s From GM&O Simulations Released This long-time supplier of train-sim add-ons and now supplier of retail locomotives, is proud to announce the release its new original SD40 (non dash-2) series. The first release, a GM&O SD40 4-pack, is available now. CGW and CB&Q are planned for future release. GM&O Simulations plan on other locomotive releases in the near future. [More...]

BluearrowTS LNER Pack For MSTS Released Now available from BluearrowTS is their LNER Pack featuring a collection of locomotives and rolling stock from the LNER and BR. Locomotives such as the A4 Mallard and the Union of South Africa are featured along with fifteen new LNER and BR(E) wagons. [More...]

VMD Releases EMD SD9 For Trainz Now available from the Virtual Motive Division is their sixth add-on for Trainz, the EMD SD9 locomotive. The locomotive is highly detailed and includes a custom cab and sounds. Full details and screen shots are available here.

The Future Of Trainz It's now been two years since the original Trainz was released and today Auran has released an extensive document offering detailed information on exciting new plans for the future of Trainz. Include are plans that will lead to Rail Simulator Pro, a version suitable for actual locomotive engineer training. [More...]

Midwest Rail System Releases Activity Pack Beta Midwest Rail System has announced the release of MRS Act Pack .12 beta. The pack includes five activities. [More...]

Beginner's Guide To Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 Now available at the RailDriver web site is a new tutorial written by Tim Court to help get train-simmers started using Auran's Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004. The two part tutorial covers setting up a session and driving and dispatching. You can read the tutorial here.

Midwest Rail System Accepting Requests For Advertising Midwest Rail Systems is now accepting request for advertisements that you want added to our site. For more information please contact our president, Tai Chan, at taic@mowshed.com Also Midwest Rail Systems is still looking for activity designers and equipment skinners. You can apply for these positions at www.midwest-rail.com

Razorback Railway - The Living Railway The Razorback Railway is pleased to present a world first concept for the Auran Trainz Railway Simulator: The Living Railway. The Living Railway is a new virtual world where a dispatcher assigns tasks for you to perform on the Railway. [More...]

RailDriver Software For Trainz 2004 Beta RailDriver software to support Trainz 2004 is now available for download. You can also now purchase Trainz 2004 and a variety of MSTS add-ons directly from the RailDriver web site. [More...]

Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway Train-Sim Version The real world Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway in Wales, the oldest independent railway company in the world, has an extensive collection of MSTS wagons available for download from their web site as well as an early alpha version of their actual route. [More...]

Digital-Rails Announces Routes Already known for their train-sim utilities DEMEX and JUMPER, Digital-Rails is now branching out into route design. Several Microsoft Train Simulator routes are under development, including "The Joint Line" offering heavy hauling in the Powder River Basin. [More...]

RailDriver December News New RailDriver software to support Trainz 2004 is expected shortly to coincide with Auran's release of Service Pack 1. You can also now purchase Trainz 2004 and a variety of MSTS add-ons directly from the RailDriver web site. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Santa Fe 3751 Over Cajon Pass 3D Train Stuff, Llc. is proud to announce the release of a new add-on called the Santa Fe 3751 Over Cajon Pass for our Cajon Pass route, and Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]

Just Trains Severn Valley Railway Videos Just Trains, the train-sim label of popular British-based publisher Just Flight, has released two video clips showing a variety of exciting elements of its recent release Severn Valley Railway. The videos available for download come in high-res and low-res flavors and give an overview of the immense detail put in to this expansion for Microsoft Train Simulator. They are both .WMV format so can easily be played with the standard Windows Media Player, after unzipping the download. [More...]

VMD Team Adds New Members The Virtual Motive Division has added three new members to its roster of add-on designers as Phil Campbell, Thomas Luik and Freddie Huff join the team. In addition, the release of an EMD SD70MAC for Trainz was also announced. [More...]

Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 Goes Gold Auran has announced that Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 has now "gone gold" and is available for direct purchase from their web site. It should start appearing in retail stores next week. TRS2004 features a total railroading experience, including driving trains, coordinating movement of passenger and freight and the ability to create environments to operate in. [More...]

Just Trains Announces Severn Valley Railway The Severn Valley Railway is a beautifully preserved railway of yesterday that you can still ride today. Soon, using the Blue Arrow TS version published by Just Trains, you'll also be able to drive it using Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]

Just Trains And National Railway Museum Team Up Just Trains has received the backing of Britain's National Railway Museum (NRM) for the release of Trainz Railway Simulator 2004 which is scheduled for late October. NRM has endorsed Railway Simulator 2004 and advertising will include the beautiful blue Mallard locomotive that is housed at the museum and featured in the sim. [More...]

Announcing Espee Over Tehachapi Pass Now available from 3D Train Stuff is their latest MSTS add-on Espee Over Tehachapi Pass featuring a new trainset and activity pack for use on their Tehachapi Pass Route II. Included are a variety of GP60s plus rolling stock. [More...]

RET Metro Online News RET Metro Online is a Dutch site about the subway in the Netherland's second largest city, Rotterdam. Under development for Microsoft Train Simulator is various rolling stock plus a route running from Centraal Station to Slinge and later to Hoogvliet. [More...]

Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 Web Site Opens The new support web site for the upcoming Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 is now open at www.railroadsimulator.com. In addition, new screen shots have been posted here.

VBuilder3D Now Freeware Developer Thierry Videlaine's VBuilder3D is modelling software that lets you quickly created 3D objects that can be exported to DirectX, .3ds and Microsoft Train Simulator formats. The .3ds files created by VBuilder3D can also be imported into Gmax and thus used with any sim or game that has a Gmax game pack. The standard version is now freeware, limited only on the number of shapes per object. [More...]

Signalling Centre London Kings Cross Relaunched Signalling Centre London Kings Cross was the first simulation specifically designed for Microsoft Windows from Signalling Centre Software and will be relaunched on 1st August 2003 to include many new features that are available in the highly successful simulation based on Birmingham New Street in the United Kingdom. [More...]

Train Magazine.Com Donations & Sponsors Campaign Spanish MSTS site Train Magazine.com has announced a sponsorship program for both individuals and companies to help support the services the site offers to the Spanish and Latin American train-sim community. [More...]

Announcing Canton Virtual Railroad The Canton Virtual Railroad is open, using Rich Garber's Canton Railroad. Started by the staff of the highly popular Ohio Valley System, the Canton VR does the same thing for the short lines that the OV does regionals. Canton's incredible scenery and its ability to be "placed" almost anywhere will make it a sure hit. And being backed by one of the most popular VR's on the net means it will be well supported and a lot of fun. [More...]

Canton Route Released Now available from developer Rich Garber is Canton, a fifteen to seventeen mile branchline route offering lots of running and switching. Included are five towns, eighteen industries, six depots and over 250 objects all built to scale and photorealistic. [More...]

VMD Releases Fourth Engine The Virtual Motive Division has just released its fourth locomotive add-on for Trainz: the EMD F45 diesel. Five liveries are planned including ATSF, BN, Milwaukee Road, Montana Rail Link and Wisconsin Central. [More...]

Auran And UP Sign License Agreement Auran and Union Pacific Railroad have reached a license agreement that will result in both current and historic Union Pacific equipment being prominently featured in Auran's upcoming Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004. [More...]

The Spanish MSTS Designer Group Going On Now available at Train Magazine.com for free download are several new locos and rolling stock pieces from the Spanish MSTS Designer Community. Included are MFV wagons, Renfe 271 electric loco and more. [More...]

A Treat For Train Enthusiasts Now available from Stategy First is the Train Collection, containing three previously released titles combined into one package at a reduced price. Included in the package are "Rails Across America", "Ultimate Trainz" and "Trainz Paint Shed". [More...]

Review: The Cambrian Route The latest route offering from the UK division of 3D Train Stuff is The Cambrian Route - A Seaside Journey. Though perhaps not well known to many trainsimmers, this scenic route along the coast of Wales is a picturesque setting and provides for some wonderful railroading along the 73 miles of included mainline track. Our reviewer found that 3DTS did a great job with the route, which features some of the best scenery to be found in MSTS. [More...]

Austrains Vr Opens Austrains Vr, a new Australian virtual railway using Microsoft Train Simulator, is now open. The road uses Australian rolling stock and Australian designed routes. [More...]

Atlantic Coastal Railway Set To Re-Open Atlantic Coastal Railway (ACR) is set to re-open next week with a newly redesigned and streamlined web site. New myACR automation lets engineers' records get updated faster. [More...]

Tehachapi Pass Route II Now Available 3D Train Stuff, Llc. is proud to announce the release of their latest add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator, called the, Tehachapi Pass Route II - California Gateway Edition. The route features over 100 miles of prototypical mainline, branch lines, interchanges, three yards, activities, and new trainsets. exciting add-on, please visit [More...]

Review: Burlington Northern Over Marias Pass. 3D Train Stuff Llc has formed an alliance with 3D-Perfection.com to provide a new line of MSTS add-ons. First up is Burlington Norther Over Marias Pass which features six activities plus new BN locomotives and rolling stock. Reviewer Curt May gives it a look over. [More...]

RailDriver Open House Announced More like a mini train-sim convention, the first RailDriver Open House will be held July 19th and feature displays, including the full size GP38 cab, a route editor workshop and more. Additional activities and exhibitors are still being lined up. [More...]

German Railroads Volume II Ships to North America Now available at retail stores is German Railroads Volume 2 - Fast Railcars On The Runway. This MSTS add-on includes the route from Munster to Bremen and includes several new trains and over 40 activities. [More...]

simMarket Adds Train-Sim Products Now available for download at simMarket, as well as on CD-ROM are two products from Japanese publisher Aerosim: JNR Electric Locomotive and JNR Limited Express 485 & 583 Series. [More...]

Microsoft Train Simulator 2 Screen Shots Microsoft Game Studios has just announced that Microsoft Train Simulator 2 will be shown for the first time in public at E3, with release expected this fall. We have now just received the first small sampling of screen shots for the sim. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Cambrian Route 3D Train Stuff has announced the release of the long awaited The Cambrian Route - A Seaside Journey for Microsoft Train Simulator. The route is 73 miles long and includes six new diesel and steam trainsets, new custom day and night cabviews, custom sounds, 23 freight and passenger activities, 30 pieces of new rolling stock, and loads of spectacular scenery. [More...]

TRAINZ RAILROAD SIMULATOR 2004 ANNOUNCED Auran has officially announced the next product in the Trainz series, Trainz Railroad Simulator 2004 (TRS2004) will be released in Q4, 2003. TRS2004 is the new name given to the planned Yardmaster module and incorporates a huge number of new features and stunning new graphics from the Auran Jet V2.0 game engine. [More...]

TsTools 2 Announced Publisher dcm has announced a June release date for TsTools 2. TsTools is a utility for route designers that offers a variety of features. The new version features enhance abilities like editing properties on a tile by tile basis, move/rotate static objects, etc. [More...]

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR 2 ANNOUNCED Microsoft Game Studios has just announced that Microsoft Train Simulator 2 will be shown for the first time in public at E3, the annual game convention in Los Angeles, held May 14 through May 16. Release is expected this fall. [More...]

Announcing German Railroads Volume II Now available from German Railroads is Volume 2 - Fast Railcars On The Runway. This MSTS add-on includes the route from Munster to Bremen and includes several new trains and over 40 activities. Also, Volume 1 - Along The Bigge Lake is now available from American retailers, including Amazon.com. [More...]

Kicking Horse Pass 2.0 Released Now available from Maple Leaf Tracks is Kicking Horse Pass 2.0. This expansion pack includes over 90 miles of mainline track, 14 locomotives and paint schemes, rolling stock, etc. [More...]

Announcing VBuilder3D New from developer Thierry Videlaine is VBuilder3D, modelling software that lets you quickly created 3D objects that can be exported to DirectX, .3ds and Microsoft Train Simulator formats. The .3ds files created by VBuilder3D can also be imported into Gmax and thus used with any sim or game that has a Gmax game pack. [More...]

Review: The 3D Sounds Package Sound is one aspect of simulation that can sometimes get overlooked. 3D Perfection Models has decided to do something about that with the recent release of their The 3D Sounds Package for MSTS. To learn what's included and just how much of a difference in makes, read this review by Nels Anderson.

3D Train Stuff Announces Burlington Northern Over Marias Pass Add-on 3D Train Stuff Llc has formed an alliance with 3D-Perfection.com to provide a new line of MSTS add-ons. First up is Burlington Norther Over Marias Pass which features six activities plus new BN locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases UK Branch Activity Pack 1 Now available from 3D Train Stuff is UK Branch Activity Pack 1, offering 26 new activities for their UK Branch Collection stuff (or both older products, LMS Steam & Freight, and Record Holders of Steam). The activities all use default MSTS routes. [More...]

Railroad Tycoon II Maps Available On CD The Railroad Tycoon II maps that were available on the website U.K. Rail Express are now being put onto a CD for a fee to cover CD, postage and packing. When Railroad Tycoon 3 is released, UK Simulation will be one of the leading resources. [More...]

Ohio Valley System Opens The Ohio Valley System includes the two railroads included in Rich Garber's Ohio Rail route. Engineers choose one of the railroads to accumulate run hours, although they can run on either road, or one of a code share partner. There currently are two code share partners, with more expected very soon. [More...]

Announcing Rail Tycoon 3 Publisher Gathering and developer PopTop Software, subsidiaries of Take-Two Interactive Software have announced Rail Tycoon 3 with a planned release of fall 2003. The latest release in the series will feature a cutting edge 3D graphics engine while allowing players to create their own railroad empire from the early days of railroading right up to the modern era. [More...]

Your Hand On The Throttle Train-simming is great...as far as it goes. But don't we all dream of getting our hand on the throttle of a real locomotive? Well, it's possible to do just that, running steam no less, at places like the Valley Railroad in Essex, Connecticut. Nels Anderson took advantage of this opportunity and reports on just what it was like. [More...]

3D Perfection Releases 3D Sounds Package Now available from 3D Perfection Models is their 3D Sounds Package. This package includes upgraded sounds for MSTS based on many hours of actual live recordings of real railroading sounds. The package also includes new locomotives, cars and activities. [More...]

TsTools March Sale Publisher dcm is offering TsTools at a special price of 25% off during the month of March. TsTools is a utility for route designers that offers a variety of features. [More...]

Review: RailDriver Now available in limited quantities, RailDriver is the piece of hardware all train-sim fans have been waiting for...a realistic train control, at a reasonable price. Though forced to deal with imperfections in the sim itself, RailDriver is a must-have add-on. Learn all about it and how it works by reading Nels Anderson's review. [More...]

Maple Leaf Tracks Releases BN Heritage Pack The latest Microsoft Train Simulator add-on to be released by Maple Leaf Tracks is the BN Heritage Pack, a collection of locomotives from the Burlington Northern Railroad. Models included are GP9, GP39-2, GP50, SD45, SD60M and C30-7. [More...]

Auran Releases F7 Skin For MSTS Paint Shed Users of Auran's MSTS Paint Shed can now download a new Paint Shed of the EMD F7 car body diesel locomotive [More...]

3D Train Stuff Releases Cajon Pass Expansion Pack Now available from 3D Train Stuff is Cajon Pass Route High Desert Rails Expansion Pack. This addition to their Cajon Pass Route includes new activities, new F40PH locomotives, Amtrak cars, freight cars (including a Boeing trainset) and more. [More...]

Review: Michigan Iron Ore Maple Leaf Tracks offers another fine addition to their collection of routes with Michigan Iron Ore - The Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad. Fans of freight operations and especially of switching will enjoy moving long strings of ore cars through the large yards, mines and docks found on the route. Nels Anderson reviews the route and offers comments and many screen shots. [More...]

Auran Completes North American Tour Gamers and railroad enthusiasts in North America had the opportunity throughout January to experience the computer game called Ultimate Trainz Collection, created by game developer Auran, during a seven-city tour. Over 35,000 railroad fans in Los Angeles, Syracuse, Baltimore, Buffalo, Houston, Toronto, and Chicago experienced Ultimate Trainz Collection in action. [More...]

TsTools Purchase Now Available By PayPal Publisher dcm is evaluating the use of PayPal as a means of accepting orders for TsTools. As an incentive, anyone purchasing TsTools this week via PayPal will get $5 off the regular price [More...]

Announcing Jumper Route Editor Utility Jumper v1.0 is a new utility that aids in MSTS route construction by providing an easy way to jump to a new location within the route. Users simply click on a list of locations from a marker file. [More...]

German Railroads Comes To North America Publisher Strategy First has announced an agreement with German developer German Railroads to bring two add-ons for MSTS to the North American market. German Railroads 1 and German Railroads 2 will ship in the first and second quarters respectively of 2003. [More...]

Announcing Midwest Rail Systems Midwest Rail Systems is the newest VRR open for MSTS users. They are currently accepting applications for both administrative jobs (such as HRD, programmers, and division directors.), design jobs (such as skinners, graphics artist and activity designers.), as well as engineers. MRS runs both passenger and freight and MOW trains on its Illinois Central Route. Traffic is mostly diesel however Midwest Rail Systems is also currently adding a steam only line for steam buffs. Midwest Rail Systems also includes a free CD with route, engines, and more when you sign up. [More...]

Maple Leaf Tracks Releases Michigan Iron Ore Now available from Maple Leaf Tracks is Michigan Iron Ore - The Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad, offering over 40 miles of shortline ore hauling activity for MSTS. Included with the route are first and second generation Alco and GE locomotives that are capable of pulling 100 car ore trains from the mines to the docks. [More...]

Introduction To Virtual Railroads Are you interested in joining a virtual railroad but aren't sure what exactly they are all about? In this article Jim Vaughn, director of workforce development for North Eastern Railroad (Virtual) offers a detailed explanation of what is involved and what to look for in a virtual railroad. [More...]

Cajon Pass Route Update Released 3D Train Stuff has announced the release of v1.60 of their Cajon Pass route. This update, free to current owners, addresses all known issues in activities and includes some new wellcars, poles and even some new activities. [More...]

Announcing Virtual-Motive-Division.com Virtual-Motive-Division is a group of designers building detailed creations for Auran's Trainz simulator. Current projects include the EMD GP38-2, GP7 and GP9 in liveries for five North American railroads. [More...]

3D Perfection Models Releases The SF GP20 Four Pack Now available from 3D Perfection Models is a collection of four Santa Fe GP20 locomotives with four matching activities, custom cabs and custom sounds. Also available as a free download is a Santa Fe box car. [More...]

Preview: RailDriver As good as Auran's Trainz and Microsoft's Train Simulator are, they've always been less than real due to the way we are forced to control them. Well, soon that will change with the upcoming release of RailDriver, a full size and realistic locomotive control console. Rich Garber had the opportunity to use a pre-release unit and offers his preview of the controller. [More...]

Aerosoft New Product News Coming in the next month from Aerosoft are two new train-sim related products. TrainSim Activity Pack 1 includes more than 60 hours of fun with activities for ProTrain 1 and 2, High Speed Trains, Heidi Express and German Railroads. Also announced is Raildriver's Cab Controller, the first hardware controller for Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]

Announcing TrainzProRoutes TrainzProRoutes is a new group of developers working on high quality prototypical routes for Auran's Trainz simulator. Current projects include the Tehachapi Route. [More...]

Review: Maple Leaf Tracks' Sandpatch The Sandpatch route through the mountains of Maryland and southwestern Pennsylvania provides a great challenge for any train-simmer interested in typical North American freight railroading. Sandpatch is a favorite with railfans and should be a favorite with MSTS users as well. Reviewer Nels Anderson takes a close look at the scenery, locomotives, rolling stock and activities included in this add-on. [More...]

Trainz Ultimate Collection Screen Shots By now you've certainly heard about Auran's Trainz Ultimate Collection but you'd probably like to know more. We've just been supplied with a large collection of screen shots that are just stunning! Here's your chance to see just how good this sim is. [More...]

Maple Leaf Tracks Releases The B&O Heritage Pack Now available from Maple Leaf Tracks is a collection of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad locomotives and rolling stock from the 1960's. Included are locomotives such as the SW9, GP9, GP30, GP35, SD35 and RSD-12. Also included are activities that use this equipment on Maple Leaf Tracks' Sandpatch Route. [More...]

Railwaves.com Releases Class 66/67 Sound Package Now available from Railwaves.com is a sound package for the UK Class 66 and 67 diesel locomotives. Thes sounds are based on recordings of a real Class 66 made especially for this package. [More...]

Microsoft Simulations Store Now Open Microsoft Game Studios announces the opening of the Microsoft Simulations Store, offering apparel, bags, mugs, watches, etc. with Microsoft Flight Simulator and Train Simulator logos. [More...]

University Of Munich Survey The University Of Munich is currently undertaking a research project on flight and train simulators and needs your help. They are looking for users and especially for add-on developers for Microsoft Train Simulator and for Auran's Trainz to fill out a survey. [More...]

Sylium Releases CC 6500 Pack + T.A.C. Now available from Sylium is CC 6500 Pack + T.A.C., their second add-on for MSTS. Included are four locos and various cars all with photoreal textures, full 3D interiors, special sounds and more. [More...]

Just Trains News Just Trains has just released a number of announcements. First is that the Just Trains TGV route now has an update available. Also available is a free skins upgrade to the Just Trains Euro Loco Pack. Finally, Just Trains has opened a message forum on their web site. [More...]

Feature Article: A Bigger Picture Flightsimmers and gamers have for years been creating elaborate cockpits to enhance the realism of the simming experience. The same sort of thing can be done with train-sims too. In this introductory article, Elden Slick looks at some of the components required, such as video projectors, fresnel lenses, as well as adjustments that need to be made to Train Simulator itself to make things work. [More...]

Dekosoft Releases SD40-2 Pro Edition Now available from Dekosoft is their SD40-2 Pro series which includes seven detailed models with two custom cabs. Both high and low hood versions are included, all with lots of 3D details. Also, special offers are available when purchasing two packs together. [More...]

Announcing TsPathfinder DCM has announced TsPathfinder, a utility intended for the typical Microsoft Train Simulator users, who wants to create maps of routes. TsPatherfinder will create maps of entire routes or maps specific to a particular activity. A special offer is also available for those who want to purchase both TsPathfinder and TsTools. [More...]

Announcing Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine Issue #2 Woodbridge Softworks has announced the launch of Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine, a quarterly magazine to be published on CD. Each issue has features such as review, routes, project and supporting files. [More...]

TsTools Special Offer Now through October 31 TsTools is available at a discount of 20% ($23.99 instead of $29.99). If you would like to take advantage of this offer, you can place your order by clicking here.

DEMEX v1.20 Now Available DEMEX is a terrain creation tool for MSTS that allows you to create hundreds of miles of terrain based on freely available DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data. Version 1.20 has just been released, offering creation of distant mountain terrain and creation of MSTS markers from USA Photomaps waypoints. [More...]

Simulatortracks News Simulatortracks has announced that work on the Paris - Lille TGV route is finished, and final test runs are being done before release. The route starts at either Chessy TGV station (sound of Marne la Vallee) or Paris Gare du Nord and proceeds north to either Lille Europe or Lille Flandres station. [More...]

Microsoft Train Simulator v1.2 Microsoft Train Simulator Insider has additional information about the update to MSTS announced yesterday. Read their announcement, which has a variety of links to various information here.

Microsoft Releases Train Simulator Add-ons Now available on Microsoft's official MSTS web site are several add-ons, including two new locomotives, two activities, some cars and Gmax game pack. The included SD40-2 features an all new cab. [More...]

Review: The Cajon Pass Route The latest add-on from 3DTrainStuff is a dream come true for fans of freight railroading, offering an exciting route through the California mountains plus a variety of both modern and historic locomotives and rolling stock to run on it. Both UP and BNSF trackage is included along with an extensive set of activities to try. [More...]

Great Northern Railroad Opens Great Northern Railroad (a subsidiary of Atlantic Coastal Transportation) has announced its official opening date of Monday October 7th. This virtual freight railroad has been in development for over a year. [More...]

Review: German Railroads Volume 1: The Seventies - Along The Bigge Lake German Railroad Volume 1 provides two German routes, Finnentrop-Olpe-Betzedorf and Olpe-Dieringhausen with custom buildings and scenery, appropriate rolling stock and extensive documentation. Robert R. Murphy takes a close look at this add-on in his latest review. [More...]

Danny's Virtual Railroad Opens Home of the Atlantic High-Speed System, this group strives to make every trip on their trains as quick and convenient as possible. [More...]

UP Big Boy For Trainz Released Designer Claes Wikdahl has announced the release of his Union Pacific Class 4000 "Big Boy" steam locomotive #4006 for use with Auran's Trainz. Included are detailed loco and tender with animated running gear, smoke and steam effects, volumetric shadows and authentic sounds. [More...]

German Railroads Volume 1 - Biggelake English Version Released German Railroads - Vol. 1 - "The Seventies - Along the Bigge Lake" is out now in an English language version. Volume 2 has also been announced for early 2003. [More...]

Microsoft Train Simulator Paint Shed Now Available Available now from Auran is Microsoft Train Simulator Paint Shed, an add-on for MSTS users that allows anyone to repaint and customize any of the included locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]

Announcing Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine Woodbridge Softworks has announced the launch of Woodbridge's Train Simulation Craftsman Magazine, a quarterly magazine to be published on CD. Each issue has features such as review, routes, project and supporting files. [More...]

North Eastern Railroad Conceived A new virtual railroad is opening September 1, 2002. North Eastern Railroad staff have been preparing for opening day since October 2001. Many months have gone into developing a whole new concept in virtual railroading. [More...]

TsTools v1.3 Now Available TsTools v1.3 is now available offering additional functionality for route designers. TsTools will open your route and display the tiles, markers and track in a 2 dimensional map view, allowing you to edit many of the route properties and to create terrain data. [More...]

Announcing Birmingham New Street New from Signalling Centre Software is their latest simulation based on a British Railway location - Birmingham New Street. A trial version is also available for download. [More...]

Great Northern Railroad Seeks Personel Great Northern Railroad (a subsidiary of Atlantic Coastal Transportation) has announced that they are seeking people to fill several staff positions, including Director of Great Northern RR Operations and Division Train Master of Kalispell and Divisional Train Master of Shelby. [More...]

ChrisTrains NS Mat'54 v1.1 Released Available now for immediate download is v1.1 of the the Mat'54, an EMU modelled in two forms for MSTS. A two car version and a four car version are available and fully working cabview are included. [More...]

Railwaves.com Announces West Somerset Railway Route Coming this winter from Railwaves.com in cooperation with the real West Somerset Railway PLC will be a route covering 23 miles from Norton Fitzwarren Junction to Minehead in Somerset, UK. Activities and appropriate locomotives and rolling stock will be included. [More...]

Announcing RailDriver RailDriver is a new division of P.I. Engineering, Inc. that will offer hardware cab controls for train simulators with realistic levers and buttons. Also planned are RailDriver Cyclopedias with text and drawings that will be of great value to locomotive and car designers. [More...]

Cajon Pass Route - High Desert Rails Edition Released New from 3D Train Stuff is The Cajon Pass Route - High Desert Rails Edition for MSTS. The route includes over 240 miles of accurate grades, prototype signaled mainlines, junctions, yards, stations, sidings, cities all with realistic scenery and natural terrain with beautiful distant mountains. Also included are over 22 new locomotives and trainsets plus over 50 pieces of freight rolling stock. [More...]

Dekosoft Releases Seaboard Collector's Edition GP38 New from Dekosoft is their GP38-2 Seaboard Collector's Edition, consisting of eight different locomotives from the four railroads that are part of the system: Seaboard Coast Line, Louisville & Nashville, Family Lines System and Seaboard System. [More...]

German Railroads Volume One Released German Railroads - Vol. 1 - "The Seventies - Along the Bigge Lake" is out now. To get a first impression, take a look at this review: http://www.trains-station.com/German.html. This is a test of the German version, but the English one is the same (only everything in English language). Except the DB 217. This loco is included in the English add-on. You can also download a demo version at http://www.german-railroads.com.

Trainz Service Pack 3 Arrives Trainz Service Pack 3 is now available. It includes enhanced map support, new content including maps, locomotives and rolling stock and the addition of scenario support along with bug fixes and other items. [More...]

Review: American Classics Train Sim Pack Train Artisan is well known for their high quality locomotives. In American Classics you get a collection of New York Central's finest steam and diesel passenger train sets with nine steam and diesel locomotives, custom cabs and so on. Robert Murphy offers his comments on this nice add-on in his review here.

Review: NALW Big Boy The Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" locomotive may well be the most asked for add-on for MSTS. Well, the wait is over as North American Locomotive Works has released their Big Boy which is now available for download. Learn more about the UP 4000-series locomotives in this review. [More...]

North West Trains Moves One of the longest running Virtual Railways in the UK, North West Trains, has moved to new servers and is accepting applications from drivers. A new duty assignment system is also being put in place. The VR runs on the Northern Rail Route around Carlisle, Settle, Workington and Barrow, as well as using the East Coast Main Line. Visit the website (http://nwtrains.uktrainsim.com) for more details.

Railwaves.com Announces West Somerset Railway The latest project under development by Railwaves.com has just been announced. It is the West Somerset Railway (WSR), a 20 mile preserved route that runs through some of the UK's most scenery countryside. [More...]

VNARC Now Under New Management VNARC is now being run by a new set of managment. They are accepting new members, however operations won't start right away. Operations will start soon with a fresh, new staff. They are accepting members in all departments, high managment staff, including Human Resources, Public Relations, Web Master and Department Managers, but are not looking for engineers just yet. Visit the web site for more details. Or Conact Sami Nasr at saminasr@rogers.com or Pawlo Alban at pawlo@sympatico.ca

Dekosoft Announces GP38-2 And GP40-2 Edition New from Dekosoft are Pro Editions of the popular EMD GP38-2 and GP40-2 locomotives. Also newly released is Coil Car Set 1.5. [More...]

Just Trains Announces New Web Site Just Trains now has a newly re-designed web site available for its customers. The site offers multi-currency support for purchases, free downloads to complement their many add-ons plus service updates. [More...]

Dream In Vision Announces New Locomotive Dream in Vision have announced that they are working on a Princess Coronation Class Pacific steam locomotive (aka Duchess Class) and are also developing static 3D objects. [More...]

Review: UK Record Holders Of Steam 3D Train Stuff has come up with another winning combination of British steam locomotives in their latest release UK Record Holders Of Steam. This set of five colorful streamlined steam locomotives plus matching cars will make a great addition to any MSTS collection. Reviewer Nels Anderson takes a close look at the collection here.

Train Simulator Gmax Pack Now Available Microsoft has just announced that Gmax support is now available for Microsoft Train Simulator. Discreet's gmax is a 3D design platform used for many games and sims. Gmax itself is already available for download, and now an MSTS game pack plus sample locomotive are available. [More...]

Trainz To Include Scenarios In Service Pack 3 Trainz Service Pack 3 is now scheduled to be released July 1. It will include support for prototypical routes and interactive scenarios as well as updating art assets, sound, AI and physics. [More...]

RailwayStation.com Announces Contest Think you're the best switching engineer? Then try RailwayStation.com's switching contest for their "Timesaver Route". The route and contest activity are both free downloads. [More...]

Dream In Vision Announces New Locomotive Coming next from Dream In Vision is an Australian version of the Dash 8 locomotive, as used by BHP Iron Ore. Quite different looking from the U.S. version, individual units also show variations. [More...]

Review: Euro Loco The Euro Loco pack, created by ChrisTrains and published by JustTrains, includes a wide variety of European locomotives plus matching freight and passenger cars. Reviewer Henri Patey takes a quick look at this add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]

Abacus Announces Scenic Railway Available shortly from Abacus is Scenic Railway, an add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator. Scenic Railway includes a new route leading from Capital City which includes a large yard, many industries plus rural areas. SD40 locomotives and suitable rolling stock are also included. [More...]

SimulatorTracks Releases Brussels - Lille TGV Simulatortracks announces the release of the Brussels - Lille TGV Line version 2. With this route, built with 25 kV gantries and TVM signalling, you can drive your TGV or Eurostar from the Lille area to Brussels. In this version are added several other rail tracks which connect to the TGV Line. For example a trip from the Lille TGV depot to Lille Europe and then returning to Brussels is possible. [More...]

Virtual BNSF Opens New Web Site VBNSF has reopened with an all new web site. They now offer a functional training department along with operations on two new routes, East Metro and Ohio and WV Railroading. Major job openings are available. [More...]

Review: TGV Train Sim Pack New from designer EuropeanBahn and publisher Just Trains is TGV Train Sim Pack, which offers over 500 miles of high speed routes as well as matching trainsets and activities. Learn more about this add-on by reading Robert Jubb's review. [More...]

VNARC Temporarily Shut Down The Virtual North American Railroad Company has temporarily shut down and will start from scratch later on late in the month or early June, due to inactivity and no cooperation within members and because of some non-organised members. Some members helped alot, some of them have done nothing. If you want to keep your old position please e-mail Sam Barnett at sam@planb.net.au, and also please note that @vnarc.com e-mail service is not working but the forums are open, for communication reasons, so feel free to ask questions there. E-mail the CEO at saminasr@rogers.com.

Win Euro Loco Pack ChrisTrains is offering the chance to win on of five copies of their recently released Euro Loco Pack simply by visiting their site and submitting your email address. [More...]

Dekosoft Announces SD-35 Pro Edition Dekosoft now offers the EMD SD-35 and SDP-35 locomotives as companions to their previously released GP-35 models. The distinct shape models are included under several railroad names. [More...]

Review: International Trains Volume 1 Recently Sylium released their first add-on for Microsoft Train Simulator: International Trains Volume 1, the Paris - St Gervais sleeping car train, featuring electric locomotives and matching passenger cars. Reviewer Henri Patey takes a look at this add-on and describes what he found in words and pictures. [More...]

Dream In Vision Progress Report Dream In Vision has issued a progress report on some of their MSTS add-ons, including a Hudson locomotive, hand car, Santa Fe diesel and GE AC 6000 diesel. [More...]

EuropeanBahn Announces TGV Train Sim Pack Available this week from EuropeanBahn and Just Trains is an add-on for MSTS that includes 6 European routes totalling just under 600 miles, plus appropriate vehicles and several activities. [More...]

Spittler Engineering Releases "Real Pines" Spittler Enginnering announces the release of Real Pines, replacement textures for the default fir trees in Microsoft Train Simulator as used on the Marias Pass route. [More...]

Sylium Completes First Add-On Now available from Sylium is International Trains Volume 1, the Paris - St Gervais sleeping car train. This add-on is for Microsoft Train Simulator. [More...]

Capital Transit Looking For Members Capital Transit Virtual Rail is now open, bringing passengers to Washington D.C. via the Northeast Corridor route. They are in need of a co-president, train designers and route designers. [More...]

German Forum For Train Sim Designer Opens Train Sim Designer is a German only version of Train Sim Modeler which was recently released. A discussion forum for this utility is now available here

Train Artisan Opens New Web Site Train Artisan is proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of the Train Artisan web site. Inside the new site, you'll find a little something for everyone. We've got news, a new screen shot gallery, products page and a freebie section that is open to everybody. We've also sectioned off a part of the site to provide a gift to those who donate or who have purchased American Classics - Train-Sim Pack. [More...]

OzzyRail Looking For Members Calling all Aussies! OzzyRail needs a few new train designers and object designers for a secret new route in development. They are also looking for a Public Relations manager for press releases, communicating with other VRs, advertisements etc. To apply go to http://www.planb.com.au/oz.

Harold Clitheroe Reviews Maple Leaf Tracks' "Kicking Horse Pass" Kicking Horse Pass, on the CPR Laggan Subdivision, is a challenging area in western Canada. In his review, Harold Clitheroe offers some history of the real route as well as examining the Train-Sim version. [More...]

Dream In Vision Announces Upcoming Add-Ons Dream In Vision has announced some MSTS add-ons they are working on, including "The Pioneers Of Steam Pack", animated/swaying wagons, classic American steamers and even the "Back To The Future" car. [More...]

North East Rail Opens The North East Rail is a new commuter company in the growing VR community. NER's main strategy is is to take portion of market in a non-aggressive way and to establish in the virtual transportation community as a synonimous of reliability and fair play. [More...]

Announcing American Classics - Train Sim Pack New from Train Artisan and Just Trains is American Classics - Train Sim Pack, a collection of steam and diesel locomotives from the New York Central of the 1930's and 1950's. Included also are 14 activities and authentic period rolling stock. [More...]

Trainz Service Pack 3 Announced In preparation for the upcoming Yardmaster module, Auran have announced that the next Service Pack for Trainz will provide scenarios, a new scripting language, Driver save function and support for longer/prototypical routes in addition to a variety of enhancements to existing features. [More...]

Euro Loco Pack Pre-Orders Now Being Accepted ChrisTrains has announced that JustTrains and Amazon.com are now accepting pre-orders for Euro Loco, a collection of locomotives for Microsoft Train Simulator. Also included is an authentic mix-car freight set. [More...]

Dream in Vision To Offer MSTS Add-ons Game developers 'Dream in Vision' have turned their attention to Microsoft Train Simulator and have a GE AC 6000 in development plus other locomotives to be announced. They also provide exposure to their artwork which can be purchased and have showcased some of their 3ds max work as well. [More...]

Sylium - Programs & Models Bank Opens A new site about 3D modeling has opened. The first product is a night train with sleeping cars offering very detail photoreal textures. [More...]

Railwaves.com Releases Sprinter Sound Package Now available from Railwaves.com is Sprinter Sound Package v1.0 with accurate simulations of sounds from the UK Class 150, 153, 155 and 156 Sprinter locomotives. [More...]

ChrisTrains NS Koploper v2.0 Released Available now for immediate download is the first SuperScale version of the Koploper. This rebuilt electric locomotive is available in four varients. [More...]

VNARC News VNARC, the Virtual North American RailRoad Company, now has their new forums open. They are still looking for additional members; one benefit of which is a vnarc.com email address [More...]

Announcing German Railroads Volume One Soon to be available is German Railroads Volume One, "Die Siebziger - Entlang der Bigge" which should be of interest to anyone who likes historic German railroads. It covers a 60 mile route around Lake Bigge and features highly realistic signals. [More...]

Trainz Paint Shed Now Available Available now from Auran, in a boxed or downloadable version is Trainz Paint Shed, an add-on for Trainz users that allows anyone to repaint and customize any of the included locomotives and rolling stock. [More...]

Euro Loco Contest Announced Trains-station.com and Justtrains.net have announced a contest where they will be giving away five copies of Euro Loco, an add-on pack for Microsoft Train Simulator that includes nine locomotives plus passenger and freight rolling stock. This product from Just Trains includes British, Dutch, German, Italian and French locomotives. [More...]

Capital Transit VR Opens Capital Transit Virtual Rail is now open, bringing passengers to Washington D.C. via the Northeast Corridor route. Its first custom railcar is now available for download and members are sought in a variety of positions. [More...]

Review: LMS Steam & Freight Fans of British steam era operations are sure to enjoy 3D Train Stuff's add-on LMS Steam & Freight for use with Microsoft Train Simulator. The package includes three locomotives and a variety of freight cars. [More...]

OzzyRail Updates Web Site OzzyRail has finished updating its web site. This web site is much more user friendly than the old single page version. Check it out... [More...]

Enhanced Track Audio Released Railwaves.com has released Version 1.2 of Enhanced Track Audio. This fixes all the problems reported with external sounds not working when travelling in reverse, and refines the flange squeal effect. This patch is free to download for all registered users, and is available from http://www.railwaves.com. Details of the upcoming product, UK Ambient Audio, can also be found on the site, along with information for commercial developers.

Virtual Canadian National Railway Now Open VCNR, the Virtual Canadian National Railway, is now open. Members of all types are currrently being sought. In addition, VCNR is especially in need of two skin designers and an activity engineer. [More...]

Abacus Announces Rail Yard Collection Coming soon from Abacus is the Rail Yard Collection, offering MSTS fans a collection with eight locomotives (diesel, electric and steam) and 24 pieces of rolling stock. [More...]

Review: Dekosoft WP GP-35 Recently released by Dekosoft, the Western Pacific GP-35 Collector's Edition includes several nicely detailed diesel locomotives at a very low price. The package includes three different locomotives along with a realistic cab. [More...]

Atlantic Coastal Railway News Big changes have taken place at Atlantic Coastal Railway (ACR), including a move of the web site to a new server and the addition of a new message board. Currently 175 active engineers are on the roster. [More...]

Announcing Bolzano - Brenner Route Trenomania.it has announced the release of a new Italian route. Though fictional, it is based on the real Bolzano - Brenner Pass in northern Italy. [More...]

Announcing UK Record Holders Of Steam The 3DTrainStuff team has recently grown to 18 members and has under development a number of projects for both Microsoft Train Simulator and Auran Trainz. Now ready to announce is UK Record Holders of Steam a collection of some of the faster steam engines of all time. [More...]

Announcing VNARC Founder Sami Nasr has announced the opening of VNARC, the Virtual North American RailRoad Company. This virtual railroad, which operates both passenger and freight equipment, is looking for members in all capacities. [More...]

OzRail Changes Name To OzzyRail After much discussion OzRail has changed its name to OzzyRail. [More...]

TsTools v1.2 Now Available TsTools v1.2 is now available offering additional functionality for route designers included free placement bitmap feature, bitmap reference, ability to delete background images and others. [More...]

Australian Virtual Railway Opens Calling all Aussies! The first Australian Virtual Railway (OzRail) is opening. There are lots of positions available. Check out the web site here.

ChrisTrains NS Buffel Released The ChrisTrains NS Buffel v1.0 has been released. It has full smooth shading, working custom cabview modelled based on the real thing and a passenger view also based on the real thing. Full details at www.christrains.com. Download available from www.msts.nl

Dekosoft Announces Collector's Editions Sets Artist Nalle Centergran has joined the Dekosoft team and will help launch the Collector's Edition models, starting with the EMD GP35 locomotives of the Western Pacific. These silver, orange and black diesels feature extra care and superdetailing. [More...]

Virtual BNSF Web Site Temporarily Down VBNSF has asked us to notify people that their web site is temporarily down while it is being worked on.

Abacus Updates Route Builder Tutorial Abacus has announced an update to: Step By Step Guide To Route Building, a 190 book offering a tutorial on route design. The update is a free download for registered users of the previous version. [More...]

Superscale NS1200 v2.1 Available An updated version of the first Superscale model out of the ChrisTrains stable is now available for download. This release includes the superscale skins for the ACTS and VOS derivatives of the locomotive, as well as new smooth shading technique which means nicely rounded noses. [More...]

TsTools Tutorial Now Available Now available for TsTools users is a tutorial written by Graham Pitt that offers insight into getting started with terraforming using TsTools. [More...]

Review: Trainz Auran's Trainz is now available in both a boxed and a downloadable version. Reviewers Matt Peddlesden and James Hunt take a close look at what it offers including all three of the currently available modules. [More...]

VRamtrak has now changed their name to P & W VR. Than name change was to make our VR different. The VR site is still going the same as it was when it was called VRamtrak. We are going to add more things, and if you check the site out you will see new and improved things. The address is the same, as it was when it was called VRamtrak. The site is now open so come and sign up.www.vamtrak.8m.com

TsTools 1.1 Now Available DCM, an independent group of MSTS enthusiasts, has released version 1.1 of TsTools - a utility for MSTS route designers with advanced mapping and topographic functions. This version includes all previous patches and bug fixes and introduces a new three level licensing structure. [More...]

Virtual BNSF Happenings Virtual BNSF Railway is taking a lot of new ideas and making them happen. Things like new routes are just part of what's going to be coming to the VR. [More...]