Maximum installation size?

[tialho]

I'm wondering whether, even with improvements to MSTS such as TrainStore, BIN and improved memory management, there is an 'ultimate' limit on the size of MSTS installation. I have noticed recently that I have started experiencing performance issues (crashes/ failure to load) on some of the more demanding routes that had previously not been seen since installation of the V1.6 (and later) BIN patch, and wonder whether this is down to the total size of the MSTS installation (in my case approx 150 routes). As an experiment, I tried transferring the GR Emsland route from the main MSTS installation to a mini-route, since when it seems to be performing significantly better (no crashes experienced to date); is this the way to go for the more demanding routes?

Tim

[jbilton]

Hi Tim
I've been running mini-routes for quite a while.
Well that is to say I run separate installations for areas and/or eras.
A basic MSTS takes up little space, compared with routes and stock etc.
Cheers
Jon

[thenudehamster]

Assuming you're using Trainstore, then the overall size of your MSTS installation is not going to affect things too badly as most of the items just take up disk space; MSTS only loads what TS tells it it needs in terms of Routes, Stock and Activities. Global addons like FineScale, X-Tracks, NewRoads all get loaded as needed but compared to rolling-stock and routes, they're comparatively small. The only way the overall size might slow things down is if your hard disk is becoming seriously full or seriously fragmented.

[geezertronic]

The only way the overall size might slow things down is if your hard disk is becoming seriously full or seriously fragmented.

Or if your hard disk is developing a fault causing I/O issues?