Drive your own train simulator at home

We recently wrote about the NS simulator visiting different stations during a staffing tour. This is a simulation of staff training, and it was shown to the public at Utrecht Central Station last Friday. They were also able to drive a little, for example, the brand new ICNG. But it is also possible to drive an ICNG at home.

In this report we explain how to install your own train simulator on your PC. We confirm that you have to invest money in TrainSimulator Classic and possibly NS Trains that you have to buy from ChrisTrains. In total about 40 euros and it is already a nice simple simulator with the well-known Koploper train (ICM).

Game simulation vs. Training simulator

First of all, we would like to emphasize that this is a simulation game that is not intended for training or training. Although the end result looks quite realistic, the game has many limitations and actions that you have to perform are simple. How will you finally leave the game with your train in less than half a minute, in fact, it often takes five to ten minutes to get the train ready. This depends on whether it has already started (in technical jargon this is called “built-in”) or whether it still needs to be fully prepared by running everything.

Although it is a simulation, it feels like a realistic experience for the non-train connoisseur. Only standard controls work, simple operation of ATB security system and ETCS signaling system are also integrated into the game. With ICNG there is also a simple operation of the settings screen on the right in the booth from which you can operate the copier. You can switch this from 1.5 kV to 25 kV, which is a different voltage than an HSL line. You can also turn on the lighting in the coupe, and you can also use the Travel Information System (OBIS) that shows destinations on the displays.

Come in and you’re ready to go…

Installations

Anyway, before we can get in we need at least the Train Simulator Classic you have steam It can be purchased for 24.99 euros. Steam is a download site where you can buy various games and game expansions online. Often times even at great prices. The game was previously called Train Simulator 2021 and had previous volumes. Subscribing to Steam is also free, but buying everything from their very extensive library will of course cost money.

After that we still have to buy ICNG. This passes Christrins Who also made the digital train, its cost there is 19 euros. Unfortunately, payment there is not done via iDeal, which is commonly used in the Netherlands, but there are also other partner sites such as Railways That supports this for a small additional cost. The more you order there, the more discount points you can get. So this can be a little cheaper if you buy multiple products. Additionally, ChrisTrains has an almost complete selection of Dutch trains for sale. So if you think a hobby should cost money, you can also buy the rest.

Purchasing a brand new ICNG NS train is of course not necessary, but you only rely on a small selection of British and German trains and routes that are standard in the game. Then the Dutch experience will be lost.

requirements

To play this game, it is highly recommended that you have a graphics card in your computer. In some cases, the game also works fine on an integrated graphics card on the motherboard, but this is not recommended. In some cases, the game will not work at all.

The requirements offered by Steam are as follows:

• Operating System: 32 or 64-bit Windows 7 Service Pack 1, 8.1, 10 or 11
• Processor: Intel Core-i5 4690 3.50 GHz quad-core or AMD Ryzen 7 1700 3.80 GHz quad-core or higher..
• Memory: 4 GB of RAM (maximum possible with 32-bit Windows) or 16 GB or more with 64-bit.
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 480 with 4GB or more dedicated video memory
• DirectX: 9.0c
• Internet: necessary
• Disk space: 40 GB or more, an additional add-on costs more space. Preferably on the SSD.

Laptop, notebook, notebook, or low-power versions of the above specifications (including Intel or integrated graphics) may work, but are not supported. Updates to chipset, graphics, and audio hardware drivers may be required. For information on the recommended specifications for Train Simulator 64-bit, a reference is made to the Train Simulator Classic User’s Guide.

In other words, the more expensive your computer is, the more likely it will be successful.

Simulator train installation

Driving for the first time
Finally, if you have both Steam and ChrisTrains ICNG installed, you’ll have the opportunity to read our 72-page train guide. It is a quick read and contains many practical matters. We can say that the real directory used within the NS is several times larger. But this is a simulation, which we mentioned earlier.

Driving through the Netherlands
We mentioned earlier that the game is installed by default with only German and English tracks. Although it is not a problem to drive an ICNG in Germany in Quick Drive, it is realistic to drive through the Netherlands. We know from experience that roads in Germany do not always work properly in terms of opening passenger doors. We noticed that this varies from station to station.

Unfortunately, standard Dutch trail packages are not delivered using Dutch Routes, but a large group of enthusiasts have built trails that you have to install manually. We won’t go into too much detail, but the bottom line is that these paths are hand-built using objects (think houses, trees, and everything you see in the area) from other paid packages, also called DLC. These are required to be installed by then. here Summary With the DLCs you need for Dutch roads. You will find an overview of the available Dutch routes over here.

Dutch sites Dutch And the simtogether Offers a comprehensive download page and community. Also on the Discord channel I’m going to goThey offer support in case of any problems, but of course it is also useful to browse the DutchSims or Simtogether sites in their articles and forums to see if your problem is already known. Often the problem is that you are missing certain objects due to the fact that the game image settings are not fully adjusted or you need to clear the game cache. As you can see, the game requires a lot but you will also enjoy a lot with it.

To get in the mood for Dutch roads, you can also find daily live streams on different channels:

We wish you a lot of fun playing Train Simulator Classic.