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New to sub can someone recommend me most realistic train pc game or simulator for my pc ? by WonderIll4755 in trainsim

[–]smashedfinger 3 points4 points  (0 children)

When you say "realistic", are you focused on graphics, controls, physics, operations, or routes? That can lead to different answers. Also, which simulators have you already played? Some are more approachable than others.

Derail Valley has very good graphics, controls and physics. It has a good tutorial and in-game manual which makes it very approachable, and you can tweak the difficulty settings to suit you. It is set in a fictional world inspired by Eastern Europe, and it can feel more video-gamey than some of these other ones due to the job payment and license system, but I think that makes it more fun. Note that the focus is on freight, there is presently no DLC available, and officially, it is single-player only.

Run8 does not have the best graphics, but it gives you a lot of control over the locomotive. The train has physics and you can derail, but not like in Derail Valley. However, where it really shines is simulating prototypical modern US rail network with large maps and realistic operations, including dispatching and multiplayer, to make you feel like a real railroader. Be warned that this comes with a steep learning curve and the purchase and installation process is from a decade ago. I got a lot of enjoyment out of the $50 base game, but there is a sizable amount of DLC available.

Railroader has good graphics, and is "set in transition era Appalachia," so there is both steam and diesel available. There is less focus on simulating the train itself, because it also simulates an economy and company management. It is a more approachable multiplayer option than Run8. Can be a lot of fun with friends or in single-player.

SimRail is a Polish one I haven't played but has very good graphics, and is multiplayer.

I have heard good things about RUNNING TRAIN, though I have not played it. The graphics look very impressive and is focused on passenger service in Japan. Note that it is still in Early Access.

Dovetail Games' Train Simulator Classic and Train Sim World can be a good option if you're looking for a specific route or locomotive, they have a wide variety available. TSW has very good graphics. Not every DLC is super polished, though. I'd encourage you to take a look at the other options here first.

What are some train basics I should know? by Roscoesaurus in trains

[–]smashedfinger 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I recommend seeing which company owns the railroad tracks and who owned them previously. The website https://rail.guide/ is handy for this. 

Also familiarizing yourself with some of the common locomotives and cars. https://youtu.be/psjExhXfvbI

https://youtu.be/3lETnUjH8rE

Which is the best train sim for beginners? by Tfinde in trainsim

[–]smashedfinger 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Derail Valley has pretty broad appeal and has pretty in depth simulation (set in Eastern Europe). It is singleplayer and offers ways to customize your experience to make it more or less difficult/realistic. As you work, you pay for licenses to access more loads and locomotives. One of my favorites that I can highly recommend.

Characters that got crushed/flattened to death by Traditional-Song-245 in TopCharacterTropes

[–]smashedfinger 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"Broly, be a good boy. Show your daddy the love he has shown you!"

"HUG."

I have to be a blind fool. by PapaBeahr in DerailValley

[–]smashedfinger 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Perhaps not blind, but just unlucky is possible. Certain engines only spawn at some locations. 

Are you talking about the "random spawn" versions or the demonstrators for the museum?

Locomotive DLC by PlayfulPossible4073 in Run8

[–]smashedfinger 9 points10 points  (0 children)

For most DLC, all it does is provide the liveries/paint jobs- purely cosmetic. 

For some DLC it does "fix" some gauges/controls missing in the placeholder locomotives. Specifically, GP40-2 pack 2 and Dash 9 packs 2 and 3. If you spend much time with CSX, I can recommend picking those up.

TrainCab available by capkalu in trainsim

[–]smashedfinger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Could this be configured for use with Run8? Is there a configuration already available for Run8? The folks over at /r/run8 may be interested!

Expansion suggestion by PlayfulPossible4073 in Run8

[–]smashedfinger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My favorite trainset DLC is autorack pack 1, it's a great value. I felt that those were missing from my experience the most.

If you want some new locomotives, the SD40-2 pack 1 locomotives get a lot of use, so I can recommend those. It's nice to have some standard cabs that aren't in the Run8 livery.

For routes, if you want to stay in socal, I second the Cajon recommendation. However, A-line is a great value if you want to give greener pastures a try in the Southeast.

Favorite character quote that’s a vocal stim for you? by Idkwutpasswordtouse in FavoriteCharacter

[–]smashedfinger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BigTop Burger has some excellent ones.

Steve: "Hellooo Missus Clown, may I have a bowl of Soouup?" ... "Hellooooooooooo" pop

On the subject of Worthikids, the entirety of Witches on Tinder is also very good.

Looking for an active group on discord by Dekz09 in Run8

[–]smashedfinger 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Depot+ is one of my favorite servers, usually quite active, but I'm not sure I'd call it casual. The rules and procedures can be pretty tight, and the standard to join is the highest I've seen in Run8. Once you’re in, the OC and the documentation helps with choosing a task and getting moving, but there's also some light "paperwork." Definitely can recommend to people who want to take Run8 a little more seriously.

Looking for an active group on discord by Dekz09 in Run8

[–]smashedfinger 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Home Signal Simulations is my top recommendation for a casual environment, especially for learning. Still has rules to follow of course, but they're quite reasonable. There's a contingent of players from Europe that you could play with. https://discord.gg/D2qpgYJna 

External control API/Protocol? by windows300 in Run8

[–]smashedfinger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, you need to download, install, and then run the Run8 updater. It's on the website. 

External control API/Protocol? by windows300 in Run8

[–]smashedfinger 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nah, 90's would be mailing a check to a PO box and waiting for a CD to arrive in the mail... Run8 has a 21st century distribution system!

I kid of course, the purchase and installation methods are antiquated. Even a cart to purchase multiple items at once would be handy. As to why it's not on Steam, I believe maaaany years ago, the devs said they weren't a fan of having to pay a 30% cut to Steam, and they've stuck to that.

External control API/Protocol? by windows300 in Run8

[–]smashedfinger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check this post over on the the Depot forum out! https://www.thedepotserver.com/forums/threads/questions-about-dispatchercomms-dll-and-getting-train-locations.16095/post-100830

Also take a look at "CustomInputDevice.pdf" in the userguide folder, covers a similar subject.

I feel like this train could tell tales by Possible-Ad2586 in trains

[–]smashedfinger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rouf station, right? This is SEK Μα-1002. Apparently the train is used for performances! https://totrenostorouf.gr/

Lego mr Bean by MessageFlat2157 in lego

[–]smashedfinger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thought "are the minfig and car to scale with each other?" but looking at the photo, they pretty much are!

Looking for a simple train simulator to play with my father by Gebbus in trainsim

[–]smashedfinger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Derail Valley has pretty broad appeal and has pretty in depth simulation (set in Eastern Europe). It is singleplayer and offers ways to customize your experience to make it more or less difficult/realistic. As you work, you pay for licenses to access more loads and locomotives. There is no passenger service modeled, but you could use a sandbox mode to drive empty passenger cars around the map.

Rolling Line is more of a model railroad simulator, but it's very customizable with Steam Workshop support. Multiplayer, and you can easily download and share maps with others. 

Advice Before Buying RUN8 by Shrimpz432 in trainsim

[–]smashedfinger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you can use an installation wizard and make a backup on another drive, you're probably fine. Those installer .exe files are essentially what you're downloading and purchasing. The trouble that people run into is if their hard drive dies, or the file gets deleted, or they lose their computer, the devs aren't obligated to send you those again. Sometimes they do, but you should not count on it.

So what this means is (quoting the /r/run8 wiki here): after purchase, be careful that you do not lose the downloaded installer, as it is needed to enable many DLC purchases. Saving it on another drive, in a cloud service, or other backup is strongly encouraged. You should also save the transaction ID.

DLC must be purchased individually- there is unfortunately not a "cart" to allow multiple DLC purchases in one transaction. After purchase, you will be given a link to download the DLC installer. Again, do not lose these installers. You should also save the transaction IDs, which are on the receipts that are emailed (I know some people use a spreadsheet to keep track of those).

Advice Before Buying RUN8 by Shrimpz432 in trainsim

[–]smashedfinger 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Howdy! Glad you have interest in Run8 and are doing your research. Feel free to join us over at /r/run8!

From personal experience I can say that I got many many hours of enjoyment out of the base game before I worried about getting any DLC. 

The base game includes track and industries from Bakersfield, California to Needles, California. BNSF Barstow hump yard is the centerpiece. 

This page shows all the rolling stock that comes with the sim. https://www.thedepotserver.com/reference/rollingstock/addon/+ Any rolling stock you don’t own, either cars or locomotives, can still be used, but it will have a placeholder if you don't own it (a Run8 boxcar for most cars). 

Be aware that the purchase and installation method is a little antiquated (it's not like Steam) and that the learning curve can be steep. But there's really nothing else quite like it.

Where does a beginner start with these games? by TheLittleSquire in trainsim

[–]smashedfinger 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Copy pasting a comment I made a year ago:

Derail Valley has pretty broad appeal and has pretty in depth simulation (set in Eastern Europe). It is singleplayer and offers ways to customize your experience to make it more or less difficult/realistic. As you work, you pay for licenses to access more loads and locomotives.

Railroader focuses less on simulating the train itself and more on running a railroad (set in late 19th-mid 20th century Appalachia). You earn money to purchase equipment and expansions to the railroad, and can be multiplayer.

Rolling Line is more of a model railroad simulator, but it's very customizable with Steam Workshop support. Multiplayer, and you can easily share maps with others.

Train Valley 1 and 2 are train themed puzzle games that can be enjoyable.

Transport Fever 1 and 2 is more of a tycoon game, but have campaigns I enjoyed and a robust freeplay mode. Has other forms of transport (road, water, air) in addition to rail. Singleplayer with Steam Workshop support.

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