Question before buying:

[leofric]

Hello,

I'm thinking of buying MST since its so cheap now and it seems like the amount of mods/add ons for it has exploded since I tried it last (the year it came out), however I've noticed references to add-on's purchased on CD. Basically my question is, how necessary are these purchasable add-ons in order to improve MST as well as to use the various files available via the download database of this site? Are they 'essential' or just nice to have or somewhere in between?

I'm also curious as to how much of a pain it really is to get to run on XP, I've had a read through some tutorials and it seems quite complex but then most tutorials can make 15minutes fiddling seem like hours of work .

Thanks.

[Lad491]

Most routes require more than the basic msts to run, so you will find that you have to install a range of extra software or utilities to get them to work. These are all freely available here though (and from other locations too) and are pretty straightforward to install. (X tracks, UKFine Scale,Magnetic Platofrms, New Roads, Msts Bin are just some which come to mind - there may be others)

The Community CD's are just a quick and cheap way of getting routes, rolling stock and activities all in once nice easy install, rather than having to spend time downloading all you need. An experienced user shouldnt have much trouble with the downloads as long as you go slow and read all the supporting documentation, but for a beginner its often the quickest way to get started. You can still download extra locos / stock / activities.

Msts runs fine on all versions of Windows (except Windows 95 i think) but does need some tweaking if running on Vista and Windows 7, because of the way those packages handle Windows security. It should run on XP fine without such tweaks.

Welcome back. There is a ton of great stuff to try and lots more in the pipeline.

[casperdog]

Hi, MSTS runs fine on XP but from experience may be reluctant. i had W98 in the uk and ran fine but a new computer with Xp and a new language . Kept getting error messages but eventually worked out i needed to run in compatability mode.
When the mega routes i'm getting finally make my computer melt into oblivion here comes Windows7? Might take up golf
Cheers, clive

[jbilton]

Hi
This tutorial should guide you through and have you up and running MSTS 09 within a couple of hours.

http://steam4me.railpage.org.au/trainsi ... _msts.html

I have not got Vista/Win 7..... but reading the forums it would seem the simplest way is just to install it away from the 'Program Files' folder.
To avoid permissions conflicts.

Cheers
Jon

[douglee]

Hi leofric???
Welcome to the forums. Sorry I missed your name.

Basically my question is, how necessary are these purchasable add-ons in order to improve MST as well as to use the various files available via the download database of this site? Are they 'essential' or just nice to have or somewhere in between?

Essentials?
TrainStore. To speed up MSTS in all areas.
MSTSBin Patch. For many Newer Add ons to work correctly, Cab Swapping Lights etc..
Nice to Have?
RouteRiter. Enables adjustments tweaks changes to be made to suit your preferences. (Which you will not know untill you have used MSTS.)
Oh and all these are freely available. Although they allow you to say 'Thank You' to the author via a Donate Button.

Activity Analysis. Allows easy swapping of stock items you do not have for ones you do have. (RouteRiter will do this) But this one is dedicated. This one costs 10Euros (last timeI looked) one off to unlock the program. From then on it is yours.

MSTS runs far better on XP without hassel than it does on Vista and Windows7. Although to be fair it can be made to run on these as well.

If you have specific queries. Ask and we will do our best to answer.

Good luck
Doug