Would like to try OR but do not have MSTS

[bs rr co]

I would like to try Open Rails but do not have MSTS, nor am i planning on getting it since i have so much invested in Railworks. Are you able to run OR without MSTS?

[Viper53]

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.


From Open Rails FAQ!

[longiron]

I would like to try Open Rails but do not have MSTS, nor am i planning on getting it since i have so much invested in Railworks. Are you able to run OR without MSTS?

To be perfectly clear, you must have routes, trainsets and a few other folders that contain MSTS compatible content to run Open Rails. Many are free to download from the major train sim sites. Unlike RW, there is no independent content for Open Rails at the present time.

Is this worth a OR wiki article?

[bs rr co]

Ok i bit, installed OR & got it running. So i went digging & found a route i would like to try & run "MSTS Route--Alameda Belt Line v2.0".

Now, how do i go about setting up the correct folder structure to get it to work. What folders do i need, names, locations, etc. As i mentioned i am starting with a zero MSTS machine.

[eric]

I'd think you can install to any folder you want, and use the new "Add folder" function....

The default installation path is "C:\program files\microsoft games\train simulator\" but many of us use different paths because of Win7 and/or Vista permissions.

Then there are a couple of folders in the program's root path that may have to exist:

\GLOBAL
\GLOBAL\SHAPES
\GLOBAL\TEXTURES
\ROUTES
\SOUND
\TRAINS\TRAINSET
\TRAINS\CONSISTS


If you install XTracks, Scalerail, or whatever track program was used, chances are you can get the route operable.

Not entirely certain if the guys who built those track systems ever included replacement default track pieces.

The MS license allows redistribution of default content modified using the included editors:

Personal Use: Subject to the following, you may use the Editors to modify the Train Simulator Content provided that your use of the Train Simulator Content is limited to personal, non-commercial use on your home computer. You may share the modified Train Simulator Content with family or friends but you may not sell or otherwise distribute the modified Train Simulator Content in exchange for monetary or other value or in any commercial manner.

There is nothing preventing content in the Global paths from being modified and included as a distribution, so maybe that's my project for next week....

[GoGoran]

If you want to install OR without MSTS, the best way is to just do it and then get a freeware route, which does not rely on MSTS content: I did that test recently on a PC without MSTS, and installed OR plus the German standalone route Ruebelandbahn, and it worked great ! Only a very few textures were missing in some places, but for the most part, it looked brilliant !

[longiron]

There's a great community project started over at UKTS to create upgraded replacement shapes for the default MSTS content. Should help cut the ties, too

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=324&t=111495

[eric]

I've got around 50 default shapes left in my current route... maybe it's time to pull them out and make the route OR friendly...