I am really enjoying the posts to this forum. I bought MSTS when it came out years ago. I played with it for a while and it was complicated enough that I lost interest. I downloaded Trainz for my Android phone the other day and am still going through the tutorials. I've spent about an hour doing that and it seems fun so far. I don't see any way to change to a Frisco locomotive or aything though. I would like to know about operations on the PC version of Trainz. I've watched their videos but a lot of questions are unanswered. The thing about MSTS that I didn't like was that it was hard to just relax and enjoy running a train. You had to mess with it too much. It's like the difference between model railroading where you just kick back and enjoy watching your train run versus a lot of complex switching, etc. I prefer the relaxation of just watching a train run and that's what I'm looking for in the trainsim world. Are the things that have been posted in this forum available for everyone? Charlie
I finished all the tutorials for the diesels but I got the steam package and I can't get the heavy train up the steep hill "Moving Heavy Loads Tutorial". I end up stopped on the grade and its all I can do to keep it from slipping back down. I get wheel slip so bad I slide backwards! Then I have to shut the throttle down and apply all brakes. I still haven't mastered the steam cut off lever. It is still very fun.
Charlie Dix remarked, "I prefer the relaxation of just watching a train run and that's what I'm looking for in the trainsim world." As one who runs Trainz on a PC, I can tell you it is possible to do that. There are four views. One is the one from the cab. If the locomotive is designed well, you can push the levers to release the brakes, set the reverse, open the throttle, sound the horn, etc. (or, if you prefer, release the brakes, adjust the cutoff, open the throttle, open the firebox, etc). Three other views are available for just watching the train as it runs. One is a chase view that follows a specific location on the train. A second watches the train from a specific location (you must have set a "camera" to get this) and the third is a free-flying camera that goes all over your virtual layout. You still have control of the train through keyboard keys as you watch. I frequently get a passenger train running, then advance the time past dark, sit back and watch the lights on the locomotive and in the cars go by the stationary lighted buildings in the scenery. George Nelson
Jim James lamented, "I can't get the heavy train up the steep hill..." You, Jim, are a better man than I am. I have been slowly increasing the size of my virtual trains, especially with steam, and have not yet reached the state of heavy trains. I did try it once and got dumped out with a broken knuckle. George
Ha ha. I hear ya. My main thang is wheel slippage. I think I'm too heavy handed on the throttle. It's hard for me to juggle the coaling lever, water injector, cut off lever, throttle and brakes (both train and locomotive) all at once. I have new respect for engineers. Even the diesel locomotive's dynamic brakes are hard for me to get used to. It's great for an iPhone app and it gives me new insight on operating my Zalma Branch. They're weirdly connected for me.
