The official “stable” release version of Open Rails has advanced to version 1.2. There were a number of development breakthroughs that happened not long after version 1.1 was released, and these have been refined and are now part of the stable release. This includes the ability to have working turntables, and a host of other improvements.
Author Archives: EFConrad
RailDriver Review
The RailDriver desktop cab controller from PI Engineering has been available for quite some time now. Although it’s been reviewed before, most of those reviews are older or are focused on using it with Trainz or Train Simulator 20xx (formerly Railworks). I finally purchased one for use with Open Rails, and thought I’d share my impressions and add a newer review to the mix.
i7 PC Build: Tech Notes
Every new custom PC build is a bit of an experiment. You may know all the specs of the components, but once it’s all assembled, it’s time to find out if your expectations were correct, or if there are any hidden issues to work out. The PC I built in the earlier accompanying article began by running completely within my expectations, then quickly exceeded them, and all at a rather reasonable cost for a high-performance computer.
I’ve assembled some more details on the components and choices surrounding them in another article.
Intel Z170 “Skylake” I7-6700K PC Build
Late last year, I finally built a new custom PC for sims and gaming based on the latest Intel Z170 chipset and the Intel “Skylake” series I7 processor. The new machine is intended to be cutting-edge now, and should remain upgradeable and provide excellent performance for the next five years or more. There’s been a lot going on with it — not only was I creating a custom build based on some very new parts, but Windows 10 was also new on the scene, so there was much to do in the way of “dialing in” the new system. What follows is the full-step-by step of the hardware assembly. If you’ve never built a custom PC, or if you have and are just curious, have a read in the Tech section.
Fifteen Years of MSTS
Microsoft Train Simulator is turning 15 years old, and it’s still going strong. Not bad for software that’s officially listed by Microsoft as “unsupported” by Windows Vista and later versions. But it’s still possible to run it in Windows 10 on its own, and Open Rails will keep MSTS content alive for the foreseeable future.
How far have we come? Well, just for fun, here are a couple of screenshots. (Click the images to see the full versions.)
The first is the original MSTS Marias Pass route, from the cab of the default Dash 9.
Next is the same spot on Marias Pass 5 (A more modern re-worked version of the Marias Pass route) from a modern cabview of the Dash 9, and taken in Open Rails.
Quite an improvement!
Elvas Tower Clarification…
Aside
Elvas Tower Clarification…
There’s been some confusion with respect to availability of the Elvas Tower forums, as that’s where a large portion of discussion of Open Rails goes on.
The Elvas Tower forums are currently open and readable to anyone; you do not have to be logged on with an account.
Registration for new accounts is currently not open.
Disclaimer: I have no connection to the operation or administration of Elvas Tower. I simply report the current state of affairs around the MSTS / OR community.
Open Rails 1.1 Released
A new Stable version of Open Rails (v1.1) is now available at the Open Rails website. The download link is here on this page.
This version adds several MSTS compatibility features, such as refilling steam locomotive tenders from water troughs between the rails, support for speed limits in temporary restricted speed zones in activities, better brake functionality, improved sound handling, better handling of cab lighting in tunnels (night mode switching), and more.
There are also numerous improvements and additions to features specific to Open Rails, many persistent bugs fixed, and overall underlying improvements to the application code to allow for future development.
If you haven’t tried Open Rails, or if v1.0 wasn’t quite close enough to an MSTS replacement for running trains, it’s well worth trying out this latest version.
Note: Currently, there is an alternative route editor in independent development, but there is no replacement for the Activity Editor or other MSTS built-in editors yet. Open Rails provides an vastly improved environment to operate trains in. Creating and editing MSTS content still requires the original MSTS toolset or other third-party tools.
A New PC Build
Not long ago, I detailed a way to fix a broken power switch connector on a Mac Mini. That fix got the computer I’ve been running MSTS and Open Rails on for years back to work, but it was clearly time to replace it. I had actually planned a replacement computer build nearly two years ago but it just never got to the top of the priority list in the budget. With the old computer on its last legs, it was time to move ahead. Continue Reading…
New “Tech” Section Added
I’ve added a new section and item in the menu above. “Tech” will focus on various computer-related items that aren’t strictly limited to Open Rails, MSTS or train simulators in general.
The first article is linked from the entry below. You can click the “Tech” item in the menu strip any time to be taken to a directory of the tech articles.
Fix a Broken Power Switch Connector On a Mac Mini (Original Style Case)
I’ve used a Mac Mini that runs Windows with Apple’s “BootCamp” dual-boot solution for years. In fact, this particular “Late 2009” edition Mini has run Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10. It runs MSTS and Open Rails, even Flight Simulator 9 and Flight Simulator X. While it’s not the fastest thing on the planet, it’s been surprisingly good. MSTS can run with all settings maxed-out, and Open Rails and the flight simulators give decent performance at moderate settings.
The older original design Mac Mini has a known flaw where the connector for the power switch may separate from the motherboard, rendering the computer useless. The standard (and expensive — around $300 US!) is to replace the motherboard. Not a good investment on an old computer. But here’s how to perform a simple fix to get the Mini back in action, more appropriate for an old machine that’s probably not going to be kept around forever.