Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) has remained a cornerstone of the rail simulation community since its release in 2001, largely due to its massive library of over 30,000 community-created mods and routes. Whether you are a veteran or a newcomer using Open Rails to keep the sim alive, The Iconic Default Routes
The original MSTS disc came with six routes that laid the foundation for the hobby: Marias Pass
(USA): A challenging BNSF freight route through the Rocky Mountains. Northeast Corridor
(USA): High-speed passenger rail between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.. Settle & Carlisle
(UK): A scenic highland route featuring the famous Flying Scotsman.
The Orient Express (Europe): A 1920s historic route between Paris and Vienna. Hisatsu Lines (Japan): Detailed commuter and mountain routes in Japan. Top-Rated Community & Payware Routes
The community has significantly improved upon the defaults, adding more realistic gradients and detailed scenery.
Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) routes, the most significant "feature" modern users look for is compatibility with Open Rails (OR)
, an open-source simulator that drastically enhances the capabilities of original MSTS route files. openrails.org Key Features of MSTS Routes in Open Rails
While original MSTS routes are static, running them through Open Rails unlocks several advanced features: Operating Turntables & Transfertables
: In the original MSTS, these are static objects. Open Rails adds the ability to actually rotate locomotives on turntables and move trainsets across transfertables. Extended Viewing Distances
: MSTS is limited to a 2km viewing distance. Open Rails allows you to extend this to the horizon (e.g., 10km or more), making old routes look far more realistic. Dynamic Track & Overhead Wires
: Open Rails fully supports the track database (.tdb) and route files (.trk) to render level crossings and overhead wires accurately. Improved Graphics & Substitution
: If an old MSTS route is missing a texture, Open Rails will substitute a neutral gray or high-vis magenta texture instead of crashing, allowing the simulation to continue. Realistic Physics Overhauls
: Modern mods provide "physics replacements" for classic MSTS routes (like Mullan Pass), updating locomotives and rolling stock to use highly detailed, modern physics engines without overwriting original files. Open Rails Manual Route Structure
A standard MSTS route folder typically contains these critical sub-folders to function: Core Route Data Activity Files Activities , which define the actual gameplay scenarios. Content Management 4. Use of MSTS Files by Open Rails
Exploring the Best of MSTS: A Guide to Iconic Routes
Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) has been a favorite among train enthusiasts and simulation gamers for years. One of the key features that make MSTS so engaging is its vast array of routes, each offering a unique experience and challenges. In this post, we'll take a journey through some of the most iconic and beloved MSTS routes, highlighting what makes them special and why they remain popular among the community.
2. Problem Formulation
Let us define a standard multi-source time series setup. We have a set of $N$ source time series denoted as $S = X^(1), X^(2), ..., X^(N)$ and a target series $Y$. Each source $X^(i) \in \mathbbR^T \times D_i$ may have different dimensions $D_i$ and temporal resolutions.
The forecasting goal is to map the historical window of all sources to a future window of the target: $$ \hatYt+1:t+H = f\theta(S_t-L:t) $$
In the MSTS Routing paradigm, the function $f_\theta$ is decomposed into three sub-processes:
- Source Encoding: Individual encoders extract features from each source $X^(i)$.
- Routing Policy: A mechanism $\pi$ assigns weights or attention scores to the encoded representations.
- Fusion: A combination function aggregates the routed information.
What Exactly Are MSTS Routes?
In the simplest terms, an "MSTS route" is a digital recreation of a real-world (or fictional) railway line. Unlike the six default routes included with the original game (such as the Northeast Corridor or Settle to Carlisle), community-created routes offer hyper-detailed landscapes, accurate station placements, and realistic speed limits.
A complete route includes several critical components:
- Track & Road Databases: The literal path your train follows.
- Terrtex (Terrain Textures): The ground cover—grass, snow, desert sand.
- Shape Files: 3D objects like bridges, tunnels, signal gantries, and buildings.
- Activities: Pre-made scenarios where you must pick up passengers, haul freight, or meet AI trains.
The "Big Three" Classic MSTS Routes You Must Play
If you are new to the scene, you should start with these legendary routes. They have been downloaded millions of times and represent the peak of the MSTS era.
Part 2: The "Must-Have" Default MSTS Routes
Before diving into custom content, let’s review the six routes that shipped with the original game. These are perfect for beginners learning the controls.
MTS: Microsoft Server
- MTS: Windows Server 2008
- Requirements: Pass three exams (e.g., Windows Server 2008, Active Directory, and networking)
- Skills: Windows server operating systems, infrastructure, and network management
- MTS: Windows Server 2012
- Requirements: Pass three exams (e.g., Windows Server 2012, Active Directory, and networking)
- Skills: Windows server operating systems, infrastructure, and network management
Why switch to Open Rails for routes?
- No more crashes: You can run the 500-mile PRR Eastern Region route without a memory overflow.
- Distant Mountains: MSTS default only renders 2km of terrain. Open Rails renders to the horizon.
- Better Signals: Complex MSTS routes with obscure signalling (British TDM or German H/V) actually work in Open Rails.
Recommended route for Open Rails: "PRR Eastern Region v2" by Vince Cockeram. This route is too large for stock MSTS (over 4GB of textures), but runs flawlessly in Open Rails. It recreates Philadelphia to Pittsburgh with every interlocking tower and branch line.
