North American routes that DON'T need anything from MSTS?

[stlsf4003]

I'm slowly getting back into OR and I need to know what North American routes in the file Library I can run in OR without needing anything from MSTS to look and run right.

In other words, routes without an installme.batch.

[derekmorton]

Starter route from Trainsimulations

https://www.trainsimulations.net/

[stlsf4003]

Starter route from Trainsimulations

https://www.trainsimulations.net/

I've already have that route installed. I'm more interested in what routes were available here on Trainsim that meet the criteria of not needing anything from MSTS, specifically some of the later msts routes posted here from the early to mid 2010's.

[BrandonS261]

Welcome back! I can not think of any off of the top of my head but I do know for any route you will most likely need either XTracks or Scale Rail for any route to work. Them saying you do not need anything from MSTS is not exactly true! You still need some of the folders from MSTS to run Open Rails but it is very minimal. The only folders I have from the original MSTS stuff is DEFULT, GLOBAL, TRAINS, ROUTES, SOUNDS, and the GUI Folders.

This is from my PC and what I have to run Open Rails correctly.

I hope this helps you out a little bit in getting you back up and running once again!

Brandon

[R. Steele]

Out of curiosity, what's the purpose of having the MSTS GUI folder?

[eric]

Welcome Back.

I'd like to think that most of the routes from the last ten years haven't used a batch installer to grab 2001 era default assets.

Pretty certain Surfliner 2.2/2.3 doesn't require default assets. Almost certain the Monon-2 doesn't.

[rdayt]

Lots of routes available for download that don't require the default routes for assets but still need the Global and Sound folders to run. Even in OpenRails.
I'm not sure whether Xtracks includes all of the default track shapes or not.
The Trainsimulations route isn't backwards compatible with most (all) other routes and can't be intermixed.
The Monson and the London and Port Stanley both include a complete Global and Sound folder that can be used for an MSTS free install and both are great standalone routes. Both need to be sequestered in their own installs and have unique Tsection.dats that work only for that route so you'll have to replace it with one from the library here to use for a generic MSTS install.

Randy

[geepster775]

Many people do not realize that Open Rails has a 'turn-key solution' for new users and returning users who want a simplified installation experience. And by simplified, I mean no reason for MSTS-era utilities like Route Riter and other paleolithic nonsense. Right now, only one vendor sells new routes that are built for Open Rails exclusively and are designed around new physics and file formats of the future. You can get the Open Rails executables, and (as of today) new users can purchase 4 routes that encompass about 40 activities. Everything is installable with a single click of the mouse (routes, rolling stock, track and road systems, activities) and this new content is placed in a isolated installation much removed from MSTS legacy content because of the differences in physics and file formats going forward.

Second best option is installing MSTS grade payware that does not rely upon MSTS disk assets. One just needs to remember to install these routes in a separate OR instillation that does not co-exist with the newer OR content. Aside from activities that might not work the same under OR given the new activity features possible in OR, these MSTS payware route installations are the second-best approach for simplicity and freedom from MSTS disk assets.

The least best option is crowdsourced routes from file libraries. These often rely upon original MSTS disk content applied using batch files. Yes, they offer geographic choices unavailable from payware, but the quality control can vary based on creator proclivities.

It boggles my mind that so many new and returning users often reach the most complicated and LEAST BEST option FIRST. It is like they simply don't know that better, simplified options exist. Or they are afraid of having to rely on a credit card as the best source for new, current content.

[ftldave]

It boggles my mind that so many new and returning users often reach the most complicated and LEAST BEST option FIRST. ... Or they are afraid of having to rely on a credit card as the best source for new, current content.

A human trait old as civilization. It's called the "Zero Price Effect" by psychologists and advertisers.

"Free things are considered to have a higher value because the risk of dissatisfaction and value for money is eliminated."

Of course, the wonderful "crowdsourced" routes in the file library are only free if you consider your time to be of no value. Many free routes are outstanding, well worth the effort.

[eric]

I eventually came to the conclusion that the time I spent making the free stuff work was costing me more than just buying the payware.

[jdgremsjr]

I'm slowly getting back into OR and I need to know what North American routes in the file Library I can run in OR without needing anything from MSTS to look and run right.

In other words, routes without an installme.batch.

I believe that the UP's Cima Sub doesn't take any MSTS content and The same with the new Surfliner routes as well.

[Vince]

PRR East NO ADDON CONTENT NEEDED

PRR-East v2 comes with everything needed to run including all rolling stock.

Read instructions carefully! Especially where to install!

There are Batch Files provided to turn the overhead catenary wires on and off to facilitate the realism experience in Steam/Diesel territory west of Harrisburg.
These two batch files are NOT used during the installation process.

vince