| Crib Notes: Boso View Express 2 (Barten, 2006) |
 This set of crib notes covers Boso View Express 2 (BVE 2). BVE 2 is a cab-view drive-it sim with exceptionally good train dynamics and sounds. Its graphics are limited to 640x480 pixel resolution. The newer BVE 4 handles higher resolution. Both versions are available free at the BVE home site, which the only place you can legally get them. HTML
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| Crib Notes: Microsoft Train Simulator (Barten, 2006) |
 This set of crib notes covers Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS). The goal of the MSTS designers, it seems to me, is realism and attention to detail consistent with this goal. For example, European trains will not properly mate with American trains because the two use different couplers. I know of no other sim that is this particular. Also, electric powered trains will not operate on track that does not have overhead or third rail power. When operating a train in MSTS you have direction, throttle, and braking to concern yourself with, not to mention track switches and signals. You can go farther, if you choose, and concern yourself with such things as fuel consumption and boiler water levels. HTML
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| Crib Notes: Trainz Railroad Simulator 2006 (Barten, 2006) |
 This set of crib notes covers Trainz. The hallmark of Trainz is its ease of use, which is not to take away from its many other features. For example, driving can be in one of two modes: Cab or DCC. The former uses controls inside the cab; the latter uses a controller similar to a model railroad. Uncoupling cars and throwing track switches in Trainz are done visually, using the mouse. HTML
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| VR Railfinder: NYCTA (Barten, 2003) |
 If you're looking for concentrated rail action, look no further than the New York Transit Authority (NYCTA). It's the largest component of New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). The system combines subway, surface, and elevated running, with an emphasis on subways. For the virtual railroader and subway modeler, the NYCTA is as close to Nirvana as one could come. (OK, the London Underground is another worthy candidate, but today we're talking about the NYCTA.) HTML |
| System Requirements (Barten, 2006) |
Never buy software without reading the system requirements label. You know the one - it's small, comes in fine print, and usually sits on the bottom or side of the box. It's not the first thing the manufacturer wants you to see. Unlike food labels, which more often point to long term effects, such as clogged arteries from too much saturated fat or transfatty acids, system requirements usually have an immediate impact: the software runs properly or it doesn't - end of story. HTML
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| Train Sim Webfinder (Barten, 2006) |
UPDATED FOR FEBRUARY 2006. We’ve compiled two listings: Part 1 – Train Simulators and Part 2 – Train Simulation Support. We don’t want to leave anyone out, so we’ll be adding to the list as we go along. Feel free to send suggestions (and corrections). HTML
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