Checking out RS

[kbr]

I happened across a copy of Rail Simulator yesterday while doing my monthly shopping in town. The price was less than a lot of single routes for MSTS are and knowing that the update just came out I thought I'd give it a go. At least getting it at a local store, I could take it back if it wouldn't run, which is something I was a bit concerned about.

It installed and runs alright on my computer. Even with detail up nearly all the way, there was little if any sign of it taxing my computer. I was pleased to see it ran just as good as the demo.

I was disapointed to find out that the update does not mean I can use my Raildriver as I had thought, but I still need to wait for PI to release the needed drivers, so RS probably won't get a whole lot of use by me until this is out.

I enjoy UK routes from time to time, (they appeal to the passenger run fan side of me,) so I decided to do some passenger runs on the Reading route for a while today.

I have to admit that there is a lot here I like. There was no slowdown with the detail set to a level that would have brought Trainz to a crawl on my system. I also like the way passengers are dynamic in that you can see them walking about the stations as well as getting on and off the trains.



















As things stand now, I will probably spend more time in MSTS than in RS, but the sim has potential. It could really be turned into something exceptional if the 3rd Party Designers pick it up.

[bhk]

There is no question that it looks good.
Kevin - and others who may be interested - there is a utility created by (Aussie) Mike Simpson (he of "Route Riter" fame) that makes for an easier job of setting up weather, route, consist or whatever.
It is available at Mike's site. Just scroll down the page to "RS Kickstart".
members.optusnet.com.au/virtualtrains/downloads.html

I haven't used it - I don't have RS installed - but from what I've read elsewhere, it seems to be a boon to this sim.

Regards,
Bruce

[kbr]

Thanks for the HU on that, Bruce. I'll check it out.

[kbr]

Now that I've explored it for a while, I've pretty much have put Rail Simulator on hold until PI gets those Raildriver drivers out.

KRS did however get my interest in doing passenger runs on English routes going again, so I decided to install an English route (London to Peterborough) that I have to enjoy some passenger runs in MSTS.

Here are some pictures in the form of a fun comparison between the two sims.

(This is just a fun comparison in that it is not meant to be taken as any attempt to prove one sim over the other. I just thought it would be interesting to see how they look side by side.)