Routes | Msts

MSTS routes

Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) routes are user-created or official route files for the Microsoft Train Simulator platform (released 2001). A route defines the geographic layout, track geometry, scenery, timetable, rolling stock assignments, and scripting needed to create playable train operations. Below is a concise overview of their components, creation workflow, file types, and tips for building or using them.

The Eternal Tracks: A Deep Dive into MSTS Routes In the world of rail simulation, few names carry as much weight as Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) msts routes

  • Track assets and rolling stock

    Beyond the Defaults: A Proper Look into MSTS Routes

    When Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) roared onto PCs in 2001, it did more than just simulate locomotive controls. It introduced a modular world built around routes. Nearly 25 years later, the concept of an MSTS route remains the bedrock of train simulation for a dedicated community that has refused to let the platform die. MSTS routes Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) routes are

    Types of User Routes

    • Prototypical (Real-World) Routes: Exact recreations of real lines, often using topographic maps and satellite data. Examples: Cajon Pass (USA), Lehigh Valley (USA), PRR Eastern Region (USA), West Highland Line (UK).
    • Modern vs. Historical: Many routes are set in a specific era—e.g., the "Steam Era" 1950s, or the modern "PTC/AC-traction" era—affecting the types of signals, tracks, and scenery used.
    • Fictional or Freelance Routes: Completely imagined railroads, built purely for operational fun. Often they combine interesting features like steep grades, large yards, and varied industries.
    • Mini-Routes: Small switching or branch-line routes focused on local freight or passenger operations, great for short play sessions.