That looks great in a lot of ways. I love SigSim, I think it's brilliant and having something like that, or integrating that in to a train sim would be the Vatsim of the train world. Especially if you could invoke real world failures such as point failures.

 

Having a Vatsim of the trainsim world, like SigSim would be excellent. However, as this video details, it's not my biggest issue with TS2015. It's the basic cabs. Not even the door control buttons work in the trains in TS2015. A feature which you HAVE to use. Why? The only buttons available are cab lights, reverse, break, and throttle, sander, aws reset, horn, and lights. Yet, it models ALL of the buttons. The London - Faversham route is great for that; the high speed train has so much in the cab and other then what I've listed, all that's usable is for pan up/shoes down, which is part of the change of track at Ebbsfleet.

 

A lot of modern trains have these screens which do nothing, nor can be clicked and are only for show...why? Maybe I am comparing a PMDG/A2A with an FSX default plane. And there could be truth in that. I didn't pay close to what I would pay for an A2A when I buy a train in TS2015, and that is true. It would just be nice. I am little spoiled in the flight sim world though, it's a lot more mature

If you delve into Run 8, prepare for a DCS-like experience as far as complexity. I don't have it, but as usual, I've been keeping very close track, just in case I get the whim. 

 

In this day and age when time is so precious, you have to really have the bug, to dig fully into something like this and get the most out of it.

They might be being quiet because of people like me, who have already stopped all new purchases. (unless it's an absolutely irresistible steam sale)

 

I think there's little doubt that Dovetail have given no further info about the new train sim for this very reason. As they have confirmed it will not be backwards compatible it would be sheer madness to give any warning of its release....or else everyone will simply stop buying DLC.

If you already have the old Microsoft Train Simulator, then you should try Openrails it's free, and brings graphics up to today's standards among other features. You can get it here!

 

http://www.openrails.org/

 

For urban transit I like OpenBVE (also a free sim) I like the NYCT routes, Graphics aren't as good, but uses accurate physics, and track layouts (Unfortunately they are fixed routes, so you can't switch to other tracks) as well as accurate signalling including timed signals used on NYC subway system. , realistic sounds, including station announcements.  You can get it here

 

http://www.bvestation.com/

 

If you already have the old Microsoft Train Simulator, then you should try Openrails it's free, and brings graphics up to today's standards among other features. You can get it here!

According to the information there, OR does not "require" that one have MST at all, but...

 

...some of the sound files, and other assets will be missing.

Do I need Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) installed to use OR?

 

You do not need MSTS installed in order to use Open Rails.

 

When MSTS is installed, then Open Rails can safely make use of all the MSTS content as it does not change any MSTS files.

 

Most non-MSTS routes, activities and rolling stock make use of some MSTS content, usually sound files, textures and cab interiors. If products designed for MSTS are used on a PC with OR but not MSTS, then they are likely to work but some sounds and textures will be missing. Such files will be listed with warnings in the OR log file.

Correct, but as you quoted, without it you'll be missing content from most routes (Mostly freeware).

The only thing about trainsim 2015 though, is that the new one, TS2016, will not be compatible, and you will have to start all over again.

thats not good news for me, i spent over 300.00 in the ts 2015 summer sale,i wish i would have spent it all on trainz content from jointed rails. one thing i have a problem with trainz is, you have to install dependencies for locos and rolling stock for 3rd party purchases, trainz 12 content doesnt work in trainz a new era.the performance in trainz is much to be desired at the moment, even on high end pc's, but with it being 64 bit, i am sure the sim will mature over time. developers are starting to notice 64 bit is needed.another game i play called theme park studio, which is a beta going through phases, they are implementing 64 bit now.i can only hope p3d will follow this along with dovetales new flight sim.i have taken a break from flying and using the realistic mode in trainz.it is fun to drive a 30 min, with the physics feeling so real to load flat bed cars with wood stacks and deliver it an hour further away going up and down the mountains.if you drive all the sessions, you can play sandbox mode or create your own sessions and upload them to the download station for others to play.as far as what can be loaded in cars/wagons,you name it, its out there to be used, anything from logs, to gasoline,diesel,propane,passengers,containers, the list goes on and on.

thats not good news for me, i spent over 300.00 in the ts 2015 summer sale,i wish i would have spent it all on trainz content from jointed rails. .

 

As stated earlier, that is not true. You're add-ons will be compatible with TS2016

thank you for confirming this.

while Im here why do the grass textures in TS2015 always look like snow even in the summer?

 

I know Openrails has its fans, but the graphics are just........  :(

 

Its like being suddenly forced to use windows 98

 

I do like some of the World of Subways editions, though, but the latest one....... they should have just stuck with the trains. The graphics of the office and the people in it are just cringe-worthy. On the other hand, the train and station graphics, as well as the outside world are pretty state of the art. (At about the 8 minute mark, the train goes outside, which is cool)

 

 

 

I know Openrails has its fans, but the graphics are just........ :(

Its like being suddenly forced to use windows 98

 

I wouldn't go that far, and it does have the advantage of being FREE, so can't really complain!

Yes, at free it is hard to complain

Yes, at free it is hard to complain

 

Good point........ 

 

By the way, heres a real collectors item! 

 

could someone please have a look at my grass-field whitely patch textures I posted at 5 entries above  and tell me if this is indeed normal for summer textures TS2015?