Official Open Rails FAQ
Open Rails & MSTS Questions
What is Open Rails?
Open Rails is an open source train simulator project.
Is Open Rails freeware?
Yes.
Is Open Rails just an improved version of, or a big patch to MSTS?
Open Rails is not an improvement to MSTS, but a complete new game platform that can read MSTS routes, activities, consists, and train sets. It currently uses the MSTS entries in the Windows registry to locate where your MSTS files are on your computer to read them into the Open Rails game engine. Open Rails does not utilize or change any original MSTS 1 code. Open Rails will eventually be a completely stand alone sim, once suitable utilities have been developed for it.
Is there a downloadable version available?
The Open Rails software will be available at www.openrails.org/coders.html starting on May 27, 2010 at 9 a.m United Kingdom time which is 4 a.m EST in the United States.
Can I use my collection of MSTS locomotives and rolling stock with Open Rails?
The short answer is 'yes', but with some limitations due to the early nature of the development program.
Can I use my collection of MSTS routes with Open Rails?
The short answer is 'yes', but with some limitations due to the early nature of the development program.
Can I use my collection of MSTS activities with Open Rails?
The answer is “yes,” though to a limited degree for the time being. Open Rails can currently read certain elements from the original MSTS activity such as the location of where the activity begins, the time of day, the scheduling of AI traffic, and placement of consists.
Does Open Rails use MSTS Bin?
You do not need MSTS Bin, nor are any of the executables from the MSTS software required.
Does Open Rails improve the performance of MSTS?
No, Open Rails has no affect whatsoever on the performance of MSTS. Open Rails is a completely new game engine.
If I install Open Rails, will it change my MSTS files?
No, presently Open Rails does not modify any MSTS files. However, because Open Rails is work-in-progress software we suggest you always have a backup of your MSTS installation, just in case.
Does the Open Rails team have access to the MSTS source code?
No. The Open Rails team is not attempting to duplicate the efforts that resulted in the BIN patch to MSTS. The Open Rails software is a platform built from the ground up using 100% new code.
If I were to install Open Rails on my computer that has NO MSTS folders or files, with no MSTS engine installed, will Open Rails work (within its limits)?
Yes. However, Open Rail will have limited capabilities because the program relies on MSTS content for the time being.
Will Open Rails improve my frame rates; decrease stuttering; or make my MSTS content look better; improve the lighting compared to MSTS?
The point of Open Rails is not just better frame rates or display colors, but those may be side effects. Open Rails is more about the future!
Will Open Rails make my MSTS routes and trains look better?
MSTS displays textures as 16-bit color even though most are stored as 24 or 32-bit ACE files. Therefore, the foundation is there. Open Rails could provide better lighting effects and texture effects to give a better view of the current MSTS models. Nevertheless, Open Rails will not magically make everything look much better.
Open Rails Technical Questions
What computer specs do I need to run Open Rails?
Right now, Open Rails requires the exact same hardware specification as MSTS. Community members have gotten Open Rails to run on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.
Are the better FPS achieved through Open Rails because the graphics card is doing more of the work in rendering the graphics?
Yes, Open Rails basically places less demands on the CPU for processing information and rendering the graphics. The GPU and CPU now share these functions.
Why doesn't my train operate realistically in Open Rails?
For the time being, Open Rails has a basic set of controls for operating trains. All that is present is a very basic power curve, basic braking, and basic resistance, and some basic steam locomotive physics.
Why don’t I see distant mountains?
Open Rails does not currently feature distant mountains; however, the development team is currently working on ways to implement this feature.
How do I change my view?
You can move about in the route and locomotive in Open Rails with several camera views. Pressing the 1-key will give you a basic view of the cab of the locomotive. Pressing the 2-key will give a basic heads out from the front of the locomotive. Pressing the 3-key will give you a view of the back of the train. Pressing the 5-key will give a passenger view from inside the train. Pressing the 6-key will give a brakeman’s vantage. In the view, pressing the home key will take you to the front of the train whereas pressing the end key will take you to the back of the train. Pressing the 8-key allows you to move freely about the route. Check out the ReadMe file as key assignments may change from time to time.
I encounter an error message “Index was out of range and less then the size of the collection.” Is this a problem?
No, for the casual user, the errors should not be of major concern. As one person wrote, think of these error messages as an “opportunity” to learn about some of the problems with existing routes, locomotives, and rolling stock with MSTS.
What should I do if I get “Index out of range” effort message?
Go to the MSTS Options tab and move all of the sliders to the highest levels – 10 and 8.
I was able to open up a MSTS route in Open Rails; however, I see gaps in the track. Can I still drive the train over these sections?
Yes, you can still run operate trains over these gaps. The spaces exist because the route builder used Dynamic track in these sections. We are currently working on a way to display the Dynamic track.
I do not see any signals when I opened up a route in Open Rails. Where did the MSTS signals go?
The Open Rails team is currently discussing how best to implement a signaling system for the program.
What should I do if I find problems, issues, or stuff not working with Open Rails?
The Open Rails is a constantly evolving project that runs on volunteer participation. Please feel free to post questions and comments about Open Rails at the Open Rails forums at UKTrainSim.com, TrainSim.com, and Elvas Tower.com. The Open Rails team will be periodically monitoring these forums. If the train simulator community wants to ensure the Open Rails team gets their feedback, please use the feedback form on the Open Rails website at www.openrails.org. Your feedback helps the team to gauge how well we are doing and /or what additional features you are most interested in us developing. The team will release a summary of the feedback to the train simulator community once we have closed downloads.
What’s the graphic engine in Open Rails?
Open Rails currently uses Microsoft XNA technology to display its environment. The XNA technology was developed by Microsoft specifically for computer gaming.
What about a route editor for Open Rails?
A new route editor is a long way out on the road map. Community members should plan on using the MSTS route editor for some time to come.
Open Rails & Other Train Simulators
Will Open Rails incorporate all the features from MSTS, KRS, RW, and Trainz?
No, but the Open Rails team’s objective is to provide best features from all of them.
Does Open Rails support the use of KRS, RW or Trainz content?
No.
How will we find out more information about Open Rails?
The official Open Rails web page is at http://www.openrails.org/
In due time the FAQ will include links to other Open Rails resources.
Will I be able to contribute my skills to the development of the Open Rails Project?
The Open Rails team is in need of volunteers to help with developing the Open Rails project, an open source train simulator. We are particularly looking for programmers, who are knowledgeable in C# and have experience working in this language, to join the team and contribute code to the project. Key areas of the project that need volunteer contributions include physics, environmental features, AI, Signaling, and other aspects. If you are interested in joining the Open Rails project, please visit www.openrails.org/coders.html
Will there be other help available?
Yes, as time goes by Open Rails users will build on their knowledge base, which we hope will be freely shared and discussed.
If I want to model for Open Rails, what should I do?
Continue to build as you would for MSTS 1, if it works in MSTS 1 it should work okay in Open Rails. You can use better textures, more about that later. Your documentation should make it clear the model is for Open Rails.
What is Open Rails?
Open Rails is an open source train simulator project.
Is Open Rails freeware?
Yes.
Is Open Rails just an improved version of, or a big patch to MSTS?
Open Rails is not an improvement to MSTS, but a complete new game platform that can read MSTS routes, activities, consists, and train sets. It currently uses the MSTS entries in the Windows registry to locate where your MSTS files are on your computer to read them into the Open Rails game engine. Open Rails does not utilize or change any original MSTS 1 code. Open Rails will eventually be a completely stand alone sim, once suitable utilities have been developed for it.
Is there a downloadable version available?
The Open Rails software will be available at www.openrails.org/coders.html starting on May 27, 2010 at 9 a.m United Kingdom time which is 4 a.m EST in the United States.
Can I use my collection of MSTS locomotives and rolling stock with Open Rails?
The short answer is 'yes', but with some limitations due to the early nature of the development program.
Can I use my collection of MSTS routes with Open Rails?
The short answer is 'yes', but with some limitations due to the early nature of the development program.
Can I use my collection of MSTS activities with Open Rails?
The answer is “yes,” though to a limited degree for the time being. Open Rails can currently read certain elements from the original MSTS activity such as the location of where the activity begins, the time of day, the scheduling of AI traffic, and placement of consists.
Does Open Rails use MSTS Bin?
You do not need MSTS Bin, nor are any of the executables from the MSTS software required.
Does Open Rails improve the performance of MSTS?
No, Open Rails has no affect whatsoever on the performance of MSTS. Open Rails is a completely new game engine.
If I install Open Rails, will it change my MSTS files?
No, presently Open Rails does not modify any MSTS files. However, because Open Rails is work-in-progress software we suggest you always have a backup of your MSTS installation, just in case.
Does the Open Rails team have access to the MSTS source code?
No. The Open Rails team is not attempting to duplicate the efforts that resulted in the BIN patch to MSTS. The Open Rails software is a platform built from the ground up using 100% new code.
If I were to install Open Rails on my computer that has NO MSTS folders or files, with no MSTS engine installed, will Open Rails work (within its limits)?
Yes. However, Open Rail will have limited capabilities because the program relies on MSTS content for the time being.
Will Open Rails improve my frame rates; decrease stuttering; or make my MSTS content look better; improve the lighting compared to MSTS?
The point of Open Rails is not just better frame rates or display colors, but those may be side effects. Open Rails is more about the future!
Will Open Rails make my MSTS routes and trains look better?
MSTS displays textures as 16-bit color even though most are stored as 24 or 32-bit ACE files. Therefore, the foundation is there. Open Rails could provide better lighting effects and texture effects to give a better view of the current MSTS models. Nevertheless, Open Rails will not magically make everything look much better.
Open Rails Technical Questions
What computer specs do I need to run Open Rails?
Right now, Open Rails requires the exact same hardware specification as MSTS. Community members have gotten Open Rails to run on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.
Are the better FPS achieved through Open Rails because the graphics card is doing more of the work in rendering the graphics?
Yes, Open Rails basically places less demands on the CPU for processing information and rendering the graphics. The GPU and CPU now share these functions.
Why doesn't my train operate realistically in Open Rails?
For the time being, Open Rails has a basic set of controls for operating trains. All that is present is a very basic power curve, basic braking, and basic resistance, and some basic steam locomotive physics.
Why don’t I see distant mountains?
Open Rails does not currently feature distant mountains; however, the development team is currently working on ways to implement this feature.
How do I change my view?
You can move about in the route and locomotive in Open Rails with several camera views. Pressing the 1-key will give you a basic view of the cab of the locomotive. Pressing the 2-key will give a basic heads out from the front of the locomotive. Pressing the 3-key will give you a view of the back of the train. Pressing the 5-key will give a passenger view from inside the train. Pressing the 6-key will give a brakeman’s vantage. In the view, pressing the home key will take you to the front of the train whereas pressing the end key will take you to the back of the train. Pressing the 8-key allows you to move freely about the route. Check out the ReadMe file as key assignments may change from time to time.
I encounter an error message “Index was out of range and less then the size of the collection.” Is this a problem?
No, for the casual user, the errors should not be of major concern. As one person wrote, think of these error messages as an “opportunity” to learn about some of the problems with existing routes, locomotives, and rolling stock with MSTS.
What should I do if I get “Index out of range” effort message?
Go to the MSTS Options tab and move all of the sliders to the highest levels – 10 and 8.
I was able to open up a MSTS route in Open Rails; however, I see gaps in the track. Can I still drive the train over these sections?
Yes, you can still run operate trains over these gaps. The spaces exist because the route builder used Dynamic track in these sections. We are currently working on a way to display the Dynamic track.
I do not see any signals when I opened up a route in Open Rails. Where did the MSTS signals go?
The Open Rails team is currently discussing how best to implement a signaling system for the program.
What should I do if I find problems, issues, or stuff not working with Open Rails?
The Open Rails is a constantly evolving project that runs on volunteer participation. Please feel free to post questions and comments about Open Rails at the Open Rails forums at UKTrainSim.com, TrainSim.com, and Elvas Tower.com. The Open Rails team will be periodically monitoring these forums. If the train simulator community wants to ensure the Open Rails team gets their feedback, please use the feedback form on the Open Rails website at www.openrails.org. Your feedback helps the team to gauge how well we are doing and /or what additional features you are most interested in us developing. The team will release a summary of the feedback to the train simulator community once we have closed downloads.
What’s the graphic engine in Open Rails?
Open Rails currently uses Microsoft XNA technology to display its environment. The XNA technology was developed by Microsoft specifically for computer gaming.
What about a route editor for Open Rails?
A new route editor is a long way out on the road map. Community members should plan on using the MSTS route editor for some time to come.
Open Rails & Other Train Simulators
Will Open Rails incorporate all the features from MSTS, KRS, RW, and Trainz?
No, but the Open Rails team’s objective is to provide best features from all of them.
Does Open Rails support the use of KRS, RW or Trainz content?
No.
How will we find out more information about Open Rails?
The official Open Rails web page is at http://www.openrails.org/
In due time the FAQ will include links to other Open Rails resources.
Will I be able to contribute my skills to the development of the Open Rails Project?
The Open Rails team is in need of volunteers to help with developing the Open Rails project, an open source train simulator. We are particularly looking for programmers, who are knowledgeable in C# and have experience working in this language, to join the team and contribute code to the project. Key areas of the project that need volunteer contributions include physics, environmental features, AI, Signaling, and other aspects. If you are interested in joining the Open Rails project, please visit www.openrails.org/coders.html
Will there be other help available?
Yes, as time goes by Open Rails users will build on their knowledge base, which we hope will be freely shared and discussed.
If I want to model for Open Rails, what should I do?
Continue to build as you would for MSTS 1, if it works in MSTS 1 it should work okay in Open Rails. You can use better textures, more about that later. Your documentation should make it clear the model is for Open Rails.
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