Light sources in Open Rails

[sankara]

Yes, I too agree, because this aspect is what drives people towards DTG Train Simulator/ Train Sim World

[sankara]

Also, is a new stable release of OR in the works? It has been about 1.5 years since the last stable release.

[cjakeman]

In Open Rails there are only two sources of light, namely the Sun and the headlights of the locomotive. Thus in the night, the train appears pitch dark even when it is on a platform which “has night textures”. To improve the realism I feel there should be “light sources” which would illuminate the surrounding surfaces (so that the side of train facing the platform is adequately lit as how it should be in real life.

I would like to know what steps are being taken by the Open Rails team to ensure the same.

The next version of Open Rails v1.4 will use MonoGame rather than XNA. XNA has not been developed for a while and restricts the graphics to DirectX v9. MonoGame takes us initially to DirectX v11 so much more can be done.

I can't give you a date for v1.4 yet, but you can try the MonoGame version already.

[sankara]

The next version of Open Rails v1.4 will use MonoGame rather than XNA. XNA has not been developed for a while and restricts the graphics to DirectX v9. MonoGame takes us initially to DirectX v11 so much more can be done.

I can't give you a date for v1.4 yet, but you can try the MonoGame version already.

Sir can I install DirectX v12 and still run it?
Also I have a new Windows 10 laptop, would DirectX v11 or v12 already be included?

[cjakeman]

Sir can I install DirectX v12 and still run it?
Also I have a new Windows 10 laptop, would DirectX v11 or v12 already be included?

When you run the installer for Open Rails Stable version (currently v1.3.1), it installs XNA v3.1 Redistributable which brings with it the DirectX v9.

I think the trial version of Open Rails (MonoGame) still uses DirectX v9. MonoGame gives us the potential to use DirectX v11 and I'm sure we will take advantage of that, perhaps in v1.5.

DirectX v12 is pre-installed on Windows 10 PCs. You will need DirectX v9 as well to run Open Rails.

[sankara]

When you run the installer for Open Rails Stable version (currently v1.3.1), it installs XNA v3.1 Redistributable which brings with it the DirectX v9.

I think the trial version of Open Rails (MonoGame) still uses DirectX v9. MonoGame gives us the potential to use DirectX v11 and I'm sure we will take advantage of that, perhaps in v1.5.

DirectX v12 is pre-installed on Windows 10 PCs. You will need DirectX v9 as well to run Open Rails.

OK, so what all should I install for best performance with the monogame version?

[rdayt]

I don't remember any thing out of the ordinary needed for ORMG to work.
If there is anything missing OR will certainly let you know.
Installing ORMG and getting it to run ain't rocket surgery.

Randy