If this is old news, I appologize, but I just picked up MSTS today( first time buyer) and at another store I picked up MSTS Regional Add-On Pack. I just wanted to be sure everyone knew it was available. Mike
Thanks for the info. I have been out of the MSTS loop for a while and did not know about it. Tell us more. What all ones do they have. Also, welcome aboard.
You've got me curious too, as I just checked the official MS website and there is no add on pack listed Harold
Thanks for that info! It does not say what new routes there are but I will order one anyway. It would be great if they had Horshoe curve. BTW - I have been trying to make my own route for the LIRR but I find the construction interface a bore to work with. Somebody should design a program that is as easy to construct things as say SimCity. That would be cool! Russ
rush2ny, I was interested in different routes myself when I first got MSTS. So I bought the "Build your own Route" manual and went at it. Not easy at first......learn as you go. It took me about two-three months to build the "Horseshoe Curve" route. Goes from Altoona yards, up past the 'Brick' yard, through the 'Glitizin' tunnels, around the 'Horseshoe Curve' and then on to Pittsburgh. Found a way to get a 'GP-9' on the Curve grounds. Would like to rebuild ... learned more by the time I finished and I know I could do better. Have double headed Mikado's (PRR livery) pulling 14 loaded hoppers plus a N5c caboose. Takes all the Mikado's will give (sander on all the way) to get up the mountain. Here are a few screen pics: .....Eddie
Okay guys, this is what I know so far: The Regional Add-on Pack ($18.95 where I bought it) is made by Strategy First Inc. Div of Auran. It features the following locos, each in various road names: GP38, SD40, SW7, -9, FA2, FPA4, F7A&B, and RDC1. Now for the bad news -- I installed this and it installed fine -- in the MSTS program file where the installer said it would install (I did find it). But I can't figure out how to access it. I have an e-mail into Strategy First and as soon as I get a reply (hopefully first part of next week) I'll let everybody know what I find out. Once I get into it, I'll know if other routes are included & what else it might include. As soon as I know you all will know.
Well, I found my brain! Went into MSTS and found that the add-on just lets you choose one of several locos on each route. The add-on is just a variety of locos -- that's all -- but a pretty cool feature I think. No new routes. Hey, Eddie, where did you order your "build your own route" manual? I'd really like to have one of those. Mike
Mike, The site for Train Sim manuals is: http://www.abacuspub.com/ee/ Once ordered, they give you a Serial # to activate the download, via E-mail. It's a large size file to download (10 woo woo woo).... ? It's a complete manual, 196 pages, in PDF (Adobe) format. Can print or read with Adobe reader. I think the price was a little high? ... trying to remember what it was? $15 - $25 or so. The old memory starts to go once you reach my age. But I got, and still getting my money's worth in enjoyment of building routes. I even started looking into 3-D software to build and modify the '.ace and .sd' files. It turned out to be very expensive and involved. ....Eddie [ 09 March 2002, 03:30: Message edited by: eddelozier ]
Are the add-on packs going to be available at stores like best buy and all the others? Or do I have to order the game from the website? Thanks, Dave [ 11 March 2002, 03:28: Message edited by: NSBrakeman ]
Hi Dave, I really don't know where this Add-on pack is available. I just happened to find this one in the Base Exchange on the AFB at Minot, N. D. (I can do that only because I'm retired AF). But I hadn't seen it anywhere else. Try this. I e-mailed these guys and they got back to me the next day. I think if you e-mailed them they might be able to tell you some of the major chain stores where this program is available. In fact, I'll give you all the contact info in the sleeve. It's made by STRATEGY FIRST. Phone# (514)844-2433, Mon-Fri. 10AM-5PM Eastern Time. Fax# (514) 844-4337, Attn: Support. Internet e-mail: support@strategyfirst.com Strategy First Web Site: http://www.strategyfirst.com Sorry I don't have more info for you, but I hope this helps you find out where you can pick up this Add-On Pack. They also might help you to get the best price on it by directing you to several sources. Good Luck. Mike
