[cjakeman]

I just came across a 12 minute video on Youtube created by AmtrakGuy365. Don't think it's been mentioned on Elvas Tower, but I may have missed it.

It contains information about Microsoft's attempts at a new Train Simulator that's new to me. Watch out for the container crane and the animated passengers.

He writes:
"21 years ago today in 2001, Microsoft Train Simulator, commonly known as MSTS, released for Windows PC. MSTS is one of the oldest contemporary train simulators that still maintains an online presence. While a bit archaic today, it laid the foundation for the modern train simulators we have today like Trainz Railroad Simulator, Train Simulator, and Train Sim World. MSTS was the first train simulator to make use of a free roaming playstyle offering activities for players ranging from picking up and dropping off freight and passengers along with switching operations.

However, did you know there was a sequel planned for MSTS? Simply known as Train Simulator 2, TS2 was set to improve upon what MSTS started and provide a modernized and high detail train simulation experience. The question remains though, why did Microsoft's Train Simulator 2 never release?"

[ebnertra000]

I saw that video a while back, and remember a little bit about it at the time. I don't think it's been mentioned much since the mid-2000s when it was cancelled because...there was no more to be said, I guess

[Aldarion]

I remember it very welll both MSTS 2 and MSTS X. at both times a sent a strong e-mail to MS about the cancelation

[Genma Saotome]

IIRC Microsoft had hit a down draft about then and was looking to cut expenses. Someone thought games were a marginal business and so the axe came out. It did not take too many years to pass before they got back into that business and for whatever reason they did not bring back MSTS 2.

I knew the project lead -- a railfan, not a programmer. I made his acquaintance hanging out at the Hobby Shop where he worked.

As for the possible product, they were talking about using information in Google Maps to create the paths for the rail routes. Fine for modern stuff, very spotty at best for older things. IIRC there was never any indication that any content from MSTS would transfer into the new product.

[Railroad Librarian]

I remember finding these teaser shots back when and being very excited...alas.

Attached thumbnail(s)

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[Railroad Librarian]

few more just for nostalgia's sake...

Attached thumbnail(s)

• 
• 

[Railroad Librarian]

If this didn't get one excited...well... ;)

Attached thumbnail(s)

• 

[Weter]

I might mess things, but I've most likely have seen it, thought it was performed by Nick Ozorak.
Exactly that text, which Chris have quoted.

[Jonatan]

I remember it. I also remember the discussions about Train Artisan apparently doing the steam era content for it.

[joe_star]

I think it was the same video where it credited OR as the spiritual successor of msts 2 :)