As a modeller, Model Railway Builder and computer user, I would like to put forward my opinion about three train simulators on the market - BVE, Microsoft Train Simulator (or MSTS), Trainz and Trainz 2004.  I own all four and can definitely see differences between them.

 

BVE (Boso View Express)

            This program came out a few years before MSTS and Trainz.  Starting with a basic 2d tram/train model, this program has evolved to a brilliant 3D effects 'out of the cab' simulator.  There are no special 'around or outside the cab' views, but does do well in the graphics.

            There are plenty of add-ons from steam to electric, places from around the globe and second party editors and objects.  Based on Japanese railways as the major default, this has not stopped people from constructing other places - Australia, USA, England + France to name a few.  Original installation was in Japanese, but the latest versions have English.  Knowing how to edit tracks for your own railway can be a challenging thing, but following various tutorials on various websites helps.

            One of it's major attractions is the price.  Whereas Trainz and MSTS you have to purchase, BVE is a FREE download and does not ask anytime for adds or money.  The old adage of "you don't get something for nothing" is so wrong here.  This is also designed for 'lower end' computers of 300mhz or better, but faster machines will do a better job.

            OK, so you don't get the outside views to see your loco or the ability to switch tracks yet, but for free it sure offers a lot in the driving of a train!

My view -    Price - 10/10        Graphics - 7/10        Ease Of Use - 9/10

 

Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS)

            This is a nice program.  It took a while from concept to distribution, but was worth the wait.  This program is based entirely for true railroad operation.  As for using this to design model railways, I would say forget it.  It's too complicated for the track work.

Aimed at the real world side of railroading, the idea is a good one.  All signals and points are operational from a popup box on the screen and an all round view from the back or front of the train is available. Pity that the outside viewer does not let you see any specific carriage in your consist unless you have the latest update.  One poor thing is the inside view - it only lets you see the inside of the cab facing forward, looking out the side or out the side windows looking back at your train or sweep forward.  You can not move around the cab inside at all.

            The consist editor is easy to use, however you do have to start MSTS to do this.  This requires stopping MSTS and starting the editor separately, as they will not run together.  There are other sites which will do the consists easier and quicker.

            Thousands of good add-ons enhance this program, and it could end up taking hours + hours sifting through the ones you like.  Most are self executing files which make adding on easy.  You can find this in the stores going cheap at the moment.  There has also been confirmation that Electronic Arts and Kujo have teamed up without Microsoft to create a new train simulator.

My view -    Price - 7/10        Graphics - 9/10        Ease Of Use - 7/10

 

Trainz By Auran

            The original Trainz program was a mix between a real simulator and a model railway simulator, but has evolved to Trainz 2004 and has a lot of extra features included.  Trainz 2004 now looks more like a 'real' railway.  In both versions, is is easy to use and the graphics interface does not complicate things at all.

            In the beginning, you are presented with 4 options - My collection (your train library), Driver (drive train), Surveyor (make/modify maps) and Activities.  With My Collection, all trains on your computer for Trainz can be viewed, rotated or zoomed in or out.  Activities are scenarios which have been made to drive by instructions. 

            Driver takes you to another page where you can chose consists of whatever is in your collection.  Then pick a map or layout of your choice (and where you want the consists to start) and options.  Click go and your simulation will start.  You also have the choice of DCC control or cab control. Views all around are available, including anywhere in any consist or everywhere in the cab.

            Surveyor is the track and scenery laying section.  This is just so easy to use, with tutorials on the disk for any building you want to do.  I watched the tutorials and within 2 hours I had my home layout finished with buildings, bridges, scenery and everything!  Almost every item is a click and drag.  For example, placing water is a matter of clicking the icon, grab the water and drag down.  The water conforms to the valley you are putting it into.

            There are thousands of downloads on the Auran site for loco's, wagons, scenery, objects, etc.

My view -    Price -9/10        Graphics - 9/10        Ease Of Use - 10/10

 

Trainz 2004 By Auran

            Trainz 2004 has developed from the above original Trainz and boasts plenty of upgraded features.  Some of these features are:

Plus many more enhancements.  This is the current ideal train simulator!