About
TrainSimulations is a dedicated provider of premium North American content for Open Rails, a free and open-source train simulation platform. The company focuses on authentically recreating the experience of operating iconic North American locomotives and freight equipment, offering a growing library of meticulously crafted add-ons including engine packs, trainsets, rolling stock packs, and full route expansions. For those new to the hobby, TrainSimulations offers a free Starter Route based on the BNSF Scenic Subdivision in the Pacific Northwest, featuring over 100 miles of track, locomotives, rolling stock, and interactive activities — making it an accessible entry point into the simulation world. Their product catalog includes regularly released content such as the EMD SD40T-2 Engine Pack, Canadian Cylindrical Hoppers, New England GP38 Engine Pack, and various boxcar and rolling stock collections. Each product is crafted to meet high realism standards expected by simulation enthusiasts. TrainSimulations serves hobbyists, rail enthusiasts, and simulation fans who want to expand their Open Rails experience with authentic, detailed North American railroad content. The platform operates on a freemium model — offering free foundational content while selling specialized packs and routes for dedicated users looking to deepen their simulation library.
Key Features
- Authentic North American Locomotive Packs: Detailed engine packs featuring iconic North American locomotives such as the EMD SD40T-2 and GP38, modeled for realism on the Open Rails platform.
- Full Route Add-ons: Expansive route content including the BNSF Scenic Subdivision Starter Route, offering 100+ miles of track with locomotives, rolling stock, and activities.
- Rolling Stock Collections: A variety of freight car packs including boxcars, cylindrical hoppers, and themed collections representing real North American railroad equipment.
- Free Starter Route: A no-cost entry point for newcomers to Open Rails, bundling a complete route, locomotives, and activities to get started immediately.
- Regular New Releases: Consistently updated catalog with new engine packs, routes, and rolling stock released throughout the year to keep the simulation experience fresh.
Use Cases
- Train simulation hobbyists looking to expand their Open Rails library with authentic North American locomotive and rolling stock content.
- Newcomers to train simulation who want a free, fully-featured route to learn the Open Rails platform.
- Rail enthusiasts seeking detailed recreations of iconic North American railroads such as BNSF, SP, and Canadian lines.
- Educators or students using train simulation as an interactive tool for learning about railroad history and operations.
- Community modders and content creators looking for high-quality reference models within the Open Rails ecosystem.
Pros
- Free Entry Point: The free Starter Route lowers the barrier to entry, allowing new users to experience the platform before purchasing additional content.
- High Realism and Detail: Content is crafted with authenticity in mind, appealing to serious rail hobbyists who want accurate North American railroad representations.
- Built on a Free, Open-Source Platform: Open Rails is freely available and open source, meaning users only pay for premium add-on content rather than a base subscription or license.
Cons
- Platform-Specific Content: All content is exclusively for Open Rails, limiting its use to users of that particular simulation platform.
- Narrow Geographic Focus: The catalog is focused on North American railroads, which may not appeal to enthusiasts interested in European or other regional rail content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Open Rails?
Open Rails is a free, open-source train simulation platform. TrainSimulations creates add-on content — such as locomotive packs, routes, and rolling stock — that runs on this platform.
Is any content available for free?
Yes. TrainSimulations offers a free Starter Route based on the BNSF Scenic Subdivision, which includes over 100 miles of track, locomotives, rolling stock, and activities.
What types of products does TrainSimulations sell?
They sell engine packs, trainsets, rolling stock packs, and full route expansions, all focused on authentic North American railroad content for Open Rails.
How do I stay updated on new releases?
You can subscribe to the TrainSimulations mailing list via their website, or follow their social media channels to be notified of new product releases.
What platforms does Open Rails run on?
Open Rails runs on Windows as a desktop application, and TrainSimulations content is designed to be used within that environment.
