Inside your main MSTS folder, look for the ROUTES folder. Each route lives in its own subfolder.
While MSTS itself is a relic, its routes are immortal. Open Rails can read MSTS routes natively, correcting many of the original game's flaws (such as the infamous "shape load error" crashes). In fact, most new route development today is done using tools like TSRE, which is designed for Open Rails but keeps the MSTS file structure.
If you discover a new route labeled "for MSTS" on a forum today, the creator likely expects you to run it in Open Rails.
This section outlines the three primary approaches to routing information across multiple time series sources.
In technical terms, an MSTS route is a collection of files and folders that define a specific railway line within the game. This includes:
A route can be as short as a few miles of industrial switching or as long as several hundred miles of mainline running. The most famous default routes included the Settle to Carlisle (UK), Marias Pass (USA), and Odawara Line (Japan). msts routes
In complex systems (e.g., traffic networks), sources have inherent spatial relationships. Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) are increasingly used for MSTS routing. Here, the "routing" is defined by the adjacency matrix.
MSTS routes are the digital tracks, landscapes, and railway networks designed for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS)
, the landmark railroad simulation game released by Microsoft in 2001. Even decades after the game's release, the creation, modification, and driving of these routes remain the beating heart of a dedicated global community.
Whether you are a seasoned virtual engineer or a newcomer looking to understand how these digital railroads function, this guide covers everything you need to know about MSTS routes. 🗺️ The Default Routes When MSTS was originally released, it shipped with six default routes spanning four countries: Marias Pass
A 152-mile BNSF route through the breathtaking, rugged mountains of Montana. Northeast Corridor Inside your main MSTS folder, look for the ROUTES folder
The high-speed Amtrak passenger line running from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. Settle & Carlisle Line A highly scenic, historic British route set in the 1920s. (Austria):
A beautiful, mountainous pass traversing the Alps, also set in the 1920s.
A bustling, modern commuter and intercity route on the Odakyu Electric Railway. Hisatsu Line
A scenic route through Kyushu featuring challenging switchbacks and mountain passes. 🛠️ Custom and Freeware Routes The true longevity of MSTS lies in its open architecture
. Microsoft included a Route Editor tool that allowed players to build their own layouts from scratch. Over the years, thousands of custom routes have been created by the community and made available on simulator file libraries like TrainSim.com U.K. TrainSim India Rail Info These custom routes generally fall into two categories: Prototypical Routes: MTS: Windows 7 and Office 2010
Highly accurate recreations of real-world rail lines. Creators use real-world Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data to ensure the mountains, valleys, and track gradients are exactly like their real-world counterparts. Fictional Routes:
Entirely made-up networks designed purely for fun gameplay. A famous example is the Full Bucket Line
, a legendary, highly detailed fictional desert route that became immensely popular among players. 🔌 The Open Rails Evolution
MSTS routes offer a vast playground for enthusiasts, from high-speed electric operations on the NEC to the heavy freight challenges on the Alta Sierra. Whether you're drawn to the historical significance, the scenic beauty, or the operational challenges, there's an MSTS route out there for everyone. If you're new to MSTS or looking to expand your route collection, these iconic routes are an excellent place to start or add to your adventures. Happy simulating!