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.
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Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) routes, the most significant "feature" modern users look for is compatibility with Open Rails (OR)
, an open-source simulator that drastically enhances the capabilities of original MSTS route files. openrails.org Key Features of MSTS Routes in Open Rails
While original MSTS routes are static, running them through Open Rails unlocks several advanced features: Operating Turntables & Transfertables
: In the original MSTS, these are static objects. Open Rails adds the ability to actually rotate locomotives on turntables and move trainsets across transfertables. Extended Viewing Distances
: MSTS is limited to a 2km viewing distance. Open Rails allows you to extend this to the horizon (e.g., 10km or more), making old routes look far more realistic. Dynamic Track & Overhead Wires
: Open Rails fully supports the track database (.tdb) and route files (.trk) to render level crossings and overhead wires accurately. Improved Graphics & Substitution
: If an old MSTS route is missing a texture, Open Rails will substitute a neutral gray or high-vis magenta texture instead of crashing, allowing the simulation to continue. Realistic Physics Overhauls
: Modern mods provide "physics replacements" for classic MSTS routes (like Mullan Pass), updating locomotives and rolling stock to use highly detailed, modern physics engines without overwriting original files. Open Rails Manual Route Structure msts routes
A standard MSTS route folder typically contains these critical sub-folders to function: Core Route Data Activity Files Activities , which define the actual gameplay scenarios. Content Management 4. Use of MSTS Files by Open Rails
The world of MSTS routes is vast, passionate, and surprisingly active for a game released in 2001. From climbing Marias Pass with a 10,000-ton coal drag to threading the Acela through Philadelphia’s underground tunnels, there is no shortage of adventures.
Start with the default routes to learn the fundamentals. Then, visit Trainsim.com, download the Monon or Kicking Horse Pass, and apply the 4GB patch. For the best experience, run everything through Open Rails. You will discover that MSTS routes are not just digital tracks—they are time machines to railway history, built by fans, for fans.
Have a favorite MSTS route we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Keywords used: MSTS routes, Microsoft Train Simulator routes, install MSTS routes, best MSTS routes, MSTS route errors, Open Rails MSTS.
Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS), released in 2001, remains a cornerstone of the train simulation hobby thanks to a massive library of community-created routes. While the original game is outdated, most players now use these routes in Open Rails, a free, modern, open-source engine that improves performance and graphics. Popular and Highly-Rated MSTS Routes
The community has developed thousands of miles of track ranging from realistic historical recreations to creative fictional landscapes.
Marias Pass 3.1 A heavily improved community version of the original default route, widely considered one of the best for non-buggy performance and scenic mountainous terrain.
Monon Route (Monon-2) An expansive project covering the Monon Railroad in Indiana. Version 17 is frequently cited as a massive, high-detail achievement for the simulator. Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) routes are user-created or
Conrail Indy Line A popular route focused on Conrail operations, known for its busy freight traffic and realistic Midwestern landscape.
Rio Grande Southern (RGS) A classic narrow-gauge route (v3) that is a favorite for fans of historic steam operations in the rugged Colorado terrain. How to Find and Install Routes
Finding these routes often requires visiting long-standing simulation hubs. MSTS Route MONON-2 Download
Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) routes are the virtual environments where players operate trains. These routes consist of track systems, terrain, scenery objects, and operational signals designed to replicate real-world or fictional rail lines. 1. Default vs. Add-on Routes
MSTS was originally released with six default routes spanning the US, UK, Japan, and Austria. However, the community has significantly expanded this through thousands of third-party "add-on" routes.
Default Routes: Included the Northeast Corridor (US), Marias Pass (US), Settle and Carlisle (UK), and others.
Add-on Routes: Created by enthusiasts and commercial developers. Many freeware add-ons require the original six routes to be installed because they "borrow" scenery textures and sound files from them to save space. 2. Notable Community Routes
Community-developed routes are often more detailed than the originals. Popular examples include:
Indian Railways: A massive category including the Konkan Railway (210 km of scenic coastal track), SRGT (Chennai to Vijayawada), and the Sealdah South Section. The world of MSTS routes is vast, passionate,
Western/European: High-quality routes like Marias Pass 3.1 (a community fix of the original), Pacific Surfliner, and the Monon Route.
Eastern European: Highly detailed fictional and semi-real routes from Russia and Ukraine, such as Lesnogorsk and Stepanki. 3. Technical Structure & Installation
MSTS routes are stored in unique folders within the C:\MSTS\Routes directory. A typical route folder contains: MSTS-IR Newbie - Copy of Route Collection - Google
Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) routes remain the backbone of the train simulation hobby. While the original 2001 game is technically obsolete, its vast library of community-created routes is kept alive by Open Rails
, a modern, open-source simulator that is fully backward-compatible with MSTS files. The Original "Default" Routes
The base MSTS game included six routes that served as the foundation for the community's early efforts. Many of these have since been remastered by fans as high-detail freeware. Northeast Corridor (USA): Philadelphia Washington, D.C. Marias Pass (USA): BNSF's route over the Continental Divide in Montana. Settle-Carlisle (UK): A scenic 72-mile stretch of the Midland Railway. Innsbruck–St. Anton (Austria): A mountain crossing via the Arlberg Pass. Hisatsu Line (Japan): A challenging mountainous route on Kyushu island. Tokyo–Hakone
(Japan): High-speed commuter operations between Tokyo and Odawara. Top-Rated Community & Payware Routes
The MSTS route library has grown to thousands of entries. In 2026, many enthusiasts use these high-quality additions, often optimized for Open Rails. Open Rails - Download - Softonic
Because MSTS was released in 2001, many original hosting sites are gone. However, the community has preserved the archives. Do not download routes from random file-sharing sites; use these trusted repositories:
Installing MSTS routes is not as simple as dragging a folder. Because MSTS was built for Windows XP, modern systems (Windows 10/11) require careful steps.