Open Rails is a train simulator project compatible with Microsoft's Train Simulator product.
Yes. A variety of downloads are available here.
Open Rails is not an improvement to Microsoft Train Simulator, but a complete new simulator that can use Microsoft Train Simulator routes, activities, consists and train sets. At installation, Open Rails looks for Microsoft Train Simulator entries in the Windows registry to locate any Microsoft Train Simulator files on your computer. It will offer to use them in the simulation.
The Open Rails simulator operates train services independently of Microsoft Train Simulator and without running any Microsoft Train Simulator code. Currently, to build your own routes, you must use Goku's modern editor TSRE5 or even the original Microsoft Train Simulator Route Editor, but we plan to develop our own Route Editor.
The short answer is 'yes'.
The short answer is 'yes'.
The answer is "Yes", though the signaling in Open Rails and performance of AI (computer-driven) trains is more rigorous and some activities may need adjusting.
Some older content relies on the presence of files from MSTS, such as sound files and cab interiors. This is usually the case for free content downloaded from forums, so installing this content can be tricky.
Content which has no such dependence (typically labelled as "stand-alone" or "mini-route") is easy to install. All the content in the Content Browser is currently stand-alone.
Although Open Rails will run any routes made for MSTS, many features and refinements are only available in content made specially for Open Rails. Here are some examples.
The Spanish websites Viajeros al Tren and Spain Trainz Rutas are some of the first to offer Open Rails-specific products.
Deko Games offer SD60M and SD40-2 locos with 3D cabs exclusively for Open Rails.
Some Australian routes (New South Wales) have been packaged by Peter Newell to work just with Open Rails:
See our Trade page for links to commercial vendors.
The latest system and software requirements are shown below.
Yes, these have been supported for a while alongside the older 2D cabs.
The Open Rails team has implemented a comprehensive and robust signal system which is detailed in the manual.
Yes, timetables provide multiple trains running at the same time, with complex operations such as splitting and joining trains as described in the manual. You can choose which train to drive and the other trains in the timetable will run automatically.
Yes, you can share your session with as many remote friends as your computer can cope with, all working together driving individual trains to deliver a service.
Open Rails currently uses Monogame technology to display its environment. This makes good use of modern graphics cards and is also compatible with the ReShade graphics post-processor. Installation advice can be found here at Elvas Tower.
An Open Rails route editor is a key element of the project and is identified in our project roadmap.
Open Rails is a constantly evolving project that runs on volunteer participation. Please feel free to post questions and comments about Open Rails on the forums. The Open Rails team monitors these forums daily.
Open Rails works well on Windows PCs from Windows 7* onwards (including Windows 11). It does not work on Windows XBox, Windows Phone or non-Windows platforms.
* Windows 7 requires Service Pack 1 (SP1).
Open Rails is an "AnyCPU" program which will run as a 32-bit program on 32-bit Windows and as a 64-bit program on 64-bit Windows.
Programs compiled for 32-bit Windows are always limited to using a maximum of 2GB of memory.
You do not need Microsoft Train Simulator installed in order to use Open Rails.
If Microsoft Train Simulator is installed, then Open Rails can safely make use of all the Microsoft Train Simulator content as it does not change any Microsoft Train Simulator files.
Most non-Microsoft Train Simulator routes, activities and rolling stock make use of some Microsoft Train Simulator content, usually sound files, textures and cab interiors. If products designed for Microsoft Train Simulator are used on a PC with Open Rails but not Microsoft Train Simulator, then they are likely to work but some sounds and textures will be missing. Such files will be listed with warnings in the Open Rails log file.
Add-ons designed for Microsoft Train Simulator may rely on files from the Microsoft Train Simulator product. For instance:
No, Open Rails does not modify any Microsoft Train Simulator files.
Yes; this cab controller from P.I.Engineering is suitable for Open Rails and support for it is built in to the simulator. Installation instructions are included in the installation download (and also from this webpage).
Eric Conrad has posted a detailed review on his (archived) MSTS Roundhouse blog which provides valuable advice for using this product.
Not at the moment. Data on how Open Rails is used will be very helpful for the project but, if we wish to collect usage data, we will inform you beforehand and you will always be able to opt out.
On first use, Open Rails reports the version that has been installed. You can configure subsequent reports using Options > Update - see the Operating Manual.