Hello MSTS Friends:

With the announcement of MSTS 2, and the attendant talk and attention it is receiving, there is a marked trend that has been noticed here at VSC and its afiliates, and, I suspect, with other commercial MSTS vendors. The trend indicates to me (either rightly or wrongly) there has been a significant loss of interest in the current sim platform we have, as well as interest in the commercial products available for it, or are being developed.

Basically, since the MSTS 2 announcement, all VSC sales have come to a screeching halt. Email correspondance with Gaetan Belanger of BLW (an affiliate) indicates essentially the same malady has affected his sales as well.

Fortunately, I have a primary vocation. VSC income is a needed supplement, but not a neccesity. However, some of my fellow developers DEPEND on MSTS sales to pay their bills and put food on the table. (In which category Gaetan resides.)

At VSC, there are several things in the pipeline that are headed your way, some you know about, some you don't.

As for the products you know about: Regardless of market conditions, it is still my intention to try to finish up and release (as soon as practical) the Ozark Northern route, as well as the Steam Sound Pack. However, any effort expended may be for naught in regards to commercial endeavor. I understand and accept that.

As for products you don't know about...

Well, I am not at liberty to reveal all, but I can tell you about one, which I will now do:

Gaetan and I are collaborating on a huge Mega Pack project that was to be headed your way. Not only is the pack itself quite an endeavor, but plans for commercial use of the pack were quite extensive. Though the upcoming pack is of intense personal interest to me, sales of such packs are vital to BLW's existance. Simply put: If sales are no longer there, then some developers will be forced to find other non-MSTS means of family support.

Below you will find a few pictures of the project that Gaetan and I have recently undertaken. Currently the F series (F7's in particular) are being developed. There was also to be Alco's (FA1/FB1, RS2, RS1, S2), EMD GP7's, Baldwin VO1000's, as well as a comprehensive SLSF rolling stock pack w/cabooses to be developed. This was to be the largest, most comprehensive equipment pack line to ever be tackled by any content creator, period. Essentially, purchasers of the complete line of packs would have ALL the freight equipment (engines and rolling stock) needed to support operations in the 1965-1970 time frame of the target railroad. In addition, there were other plans for the equipment's use. However, none of this is practical if the commercial MSTS market has died on account of the bulk of the community having given themselves over to counting eggs before they're hatched. (i.e. speculation on MSTS 2, KRS, etc, in conjunction with suspended MSTS interest/support.) MSTS 2 is at least 1 1/2 years away. More likely 2. KRS is at least 1 year away, maybe more. However, MSTS you have now.

Therefore, I am turning to you, my friends, customers, and the potential buying public that frequent here, and ask you straight up: Are you still interested in supporting commercial MSTS content?

How you respond, or how you don't respond, could very well determine the fate of future product to be developed.

Now... here's a glimpse of what had been going behind the scenes...

More from the F's in this series of packs...

Still more...

Another...

Last picture for now. Keep in mind this is only the F7 black and yellow paint scheme series. Representations of all F's and schemes was planned. (As would be the case for all Frisco engines modeled.)

Those are some beautiful works of art there. If I were even the slightest fan of the Frisco I'd pick those up.

As for me, there are several things which have kept me from buying any new MSTS add-ons, but the main one is the season. Christmas is over, and I've got several new toys to keep me busy for the next few months. I have been thinking of picking up the EL pack and/or the B&O pack, however, and probably will at some point in the future.

I would also hope that nobody believes we're going to see any MSTS X any time before 2008, if not 2009. Add to that the high probability that routes will not be backwards compatable, and I think most people will be running, and buying add-ons for, MSTS for many years to come.

Finally, everyone's all distracted reading and speculating about MSTS X. Once they tire of no news there in a week or two then the crowds will come back to seeing what IS new on the add on front.

I for one am still very interested in MSTS as it stands now. I do not have Flight Sim X because of the hardware requirements but still enjoy Century of Flight.

I'm sure I will buy MSTS 2 when it comes out but I suspect it will take a while for other routes and equipment to be developed for it. I will still run the existing MSTS even after that. I enjoy StL&NA and A&O a lot and the work of everyone that makes them possible. I will be interested in a Megapack and the ON too, very much so.

I am really enjoying the CM equipment, though I have not operated all the engines yet.

So, count me in for what you guys have coming down the pike!

Thank you,

Mark Nerren

I'm still buying. Count me in until something better comes along!

I am also still buying things that interest me. Plus when I have my copy of this new Train Sim in my hand, then I'll believe it's true.


Mike

Andre, Gaetan and the 3dtrains staff as well: You have my vote.

As a customer of the aforementioned's fine work, I will continue to support the current MSTS platform with future purchases

And as previously stated, it could be a while between the release of the new software and useful 3rd party additions, so who knows how long it'll really be before the new sim(s) become viable replacements to MSTS 1.x. And what if, after all this panting and anticipation, it's similar to Trainz? I have TRS 2004 and 06 and I still think MSTS is far superior so until we see and actually test drive the future, it's all just marketing.

I will probably continue to buy MSTS add-ons as long as I can run MSTS. I will definitely buy the ON and the steam sound pack. I don't know much about the Frisco, so I might not buy that pack.

Doug

I'll still be running MSTS 1 for a long time, as I can't afford to buy a new computer - which I suspect that MSTS X will require to get the best out of it. So I'll still be buying addons, especially yours because of the quality.

Andre:

I suspect that while there may be some drop in sales, most of us will continue along the same lines as before until we reach such a point that there is more certainty. It may take a bit to come back to some steadiness, but I suspect that we'll fall back into our old habits once the newness of the annoucement wears off. When (and if) we approach an actual release date, people will stop buying new items unless it's clear that there will be good compatibility. But with respect to MSTS we're not creatures of need as much as creatures of desire, and it's tough to keep that desire unfilled for so long.

That's especially true when the workmanship is at such an excellent level. Those F units are outstanding!

I'm not a Frisco fan,though you can still count on my support with a forthcoming purchase.

I have been hoping for a Frisco anything for a long time. I have a number of older Frisco models, including some by A. Ming, but state of the art locos and rolling stock such as you have shown here will definitely be on my shopping list. I don't have all of GB's packs, but I do have most, and they are quickly replacing many of the older freeware items which simply don't measure up. Besides, I prefer older equipment, which is why I also have many of the 3dTrains sets.

As for MSTS X, as someone else has said, when it is in my hands, then maybe, just maybe, I'll consider reducing my involvement in the current version. I said reducing, not ending. Frankly, I am surprised at how much hot air is blowing about regarding MSTS X. Fellows, we have a bird in the hand -- let's release the air, notch it up, and get on with it! There are loads to pick up!

The operas not over til the fat lady sings

A chance to run some grungy F's and Geeps with a few Alco's and Baldwins tossed in is to much for me to resist, count me in

When you turn the page, so shall we Andre and thanks for the carrot

In the past two months, I believe I have purchased more than I did for the previous 11 months. For 2006 I received "Goodies from SLI/Diesels West/3DTrains/BLW/VScale/NBRM/GNR and probably more. Upgraded my rig a bit more and purchased a new LCD monitor. What with George's Bin and all the great freeware stuff available; I'm quite happy with MSTS and will stay with same if the predicted new sim is a start from scratch project.

Ron K of Rockford

As a footnote, I (and probably a few others) would like to see some CNW, Rock Island and Milwaukee Road packs; to name a few. Am I right Kevin & Sean???
Ron K of Rockford

P.S Hey Kev, where'd ya get the neat CNW Heritage shot; as if I didn't know!

Andre and Gaetan:

I can understand your concern over pushing ahead with add-on routes and packs that MSTS 2 may not support. I, for one, am ignoring all the hype and hoopla over MSTS 2. It's not been that long ago that MSTS abandoned their plans of another MSTS 2 and frankly, I have not forgotten that. I will believe MSTS 2 is being released when I'm shoving a CD into my PC to load it!

Until then, I will continue to buy and support add-on packs and routes that are of interest to me. Gaetan's Frisco F-units are awesome (as is everything he makes) but the problem is I don't have a route to run them on. I tend to buy add-on packs that I can use in a route and/or that I can justify having on a route. I had the Fort Smith Sub route on my old computer and never reloaded it on my new computer because I wasn't very pleased with the way the track was laid out; especially some of the curves. If there was a really nice Frisco route out there, I would snatch up the Frisco mega pack in a heartbeat. This doesn't mean I won't buy the Frisco mega pack, but I will not be making any commitments to purchase until I see what it all contains and how much it costs.

Speaking of costs, how much will the mega pack(s) cost? Maybe that hasn't been decided yet, but I'm afraid if they're too pricey, people are going to be more relunctant to purchase them unless they really LIKE and WANT the content. Others who are not big into the Frisco might be hesitant to shell out $25-30 for a pack that doesn't really interest them. Up to this point, the products from both VSC and BLW have been very reasonably priced and of high quality. This is a winning combination and because of this, I have purchased many products from both. So, in a nutshell, be careful with the mega packs and how much they cost. I'm not a tightwad, but I'm also not a complusive buyer, either. I carefully consider each purchase I make no matter what it is. Fortunately, everyone is not like me, but there are many who are.

I can imagine the biggest challenge you guys face is producing something that will appeal to a large audience. How many people will buy the new Frisco mega pack? Lord only knows, but if it has a lot of neat stuff and it is reasonably priced, I will probably buy it and so will a lot of other folks. If Gaetan was offering a Monon mega pack and it cost $30, I would probably buy it without giving it a second thought because I like the Monon freeware route and it's a fallen flag that runs through my hometown. (How's that for a HINT, Gaetan?)

Like many have already stated, I will continue to $upport you guys until something better comes along; when and IF that ever happens! Until then, I say keep going with your awesome routes and packs. You guys may not get rich, but I believe there are still a lot of people who will buy them regardless of the announcement of MSTS 2 or whatever Kuju is working on. I believe both are a long ways off if they ever get released at all. In the meantime, there's a bunch of us that still enjoy the challenge and beauty of the A&O Sub or running Gaetan's add-on B&O engines and cabeese down Sandpatch grade to Cumberland...

Did someone mention CNW and Milwaukee Road???? Oh yeah can't forget Rock Island in that group of hopefuls.

I am still in. While new purchases have been slow lately, its for a completely different reason -- my HD is full. But I'll be fixing that soon.

Not to worry Andre, I think we're all still dancing with who brung us, The new girl looks awfully purty, but she may have two left feet .

Oh yes, about the O.N. -- that is at the very top of my must have list.

Hi Andre,

MSTS will be staying on my computer! Your work, along with Gaetan, Tim Muir, Wayne Campbell,

Mark Nelson and others, is not something I am willing to give up. I am worried that you guys

would stop producing excellent models and routes in light of the "new" sim. I can't wait for the

ON and Steam sounds to be released. I will be buying if you will be making!!!

Bob

I'll second what Bob said above . . .

I'm running the routes and equipment I'm running because it's what I like and the quality is there.

When (and if) MSTS-2, or MSTS-3, or TSX, or whatever they call it is released, I doubt that it will
be compatible with any routes, or equipment, or tools we have now. So I won't be able to run what
I like for awhile, if ever.

So . . I'm still in the market and will continue to be.
Got the CM Pack, and looking forward to the Sound Pack and the ON.

MSTS-2 is obviously years away, and I'll believe it when I actually see the product.

Kinda brings to mind the saga of "the route that shall never be mentioned here"

I said it when TMTS was announced and I'll say it now with TSX: I'm into MSTS1 for the long haul. I have years of modeling and thousands of miles of routes that I'm not about to give up for some shiny graphics.

Don't get me wrong, if this thing flies, and I hope it will, I will be there with the dollars out. But I plan to have TSX and MSTS sharing space on my hard drive until such time as I can have what I have now in MSTS in the new format. I like my Santa Fe Routes. I like my Ozark mountain routes. I like my narrow gauge routes. I have no intention of dropping them or slowing down on my downloads and purchases.

The medium is not the message. It's that trains! At the moment I have considerable investment in the medium of MSTS. If TSX works and takes it's place, fine. But I'm not ready to scrap my current equipment or routes for anything. I want to be able to run Marc Nelson's F's and Tim Muir's cars, and Jon Davis's link and pin TOC steamers and Gaetan's ALCOs and Barry Munro's C-16's. I'm sticking with whatever medium will do that.

Bin finally has MSTS where I've wanted it. I'm having fun.

Oh, and I just bought the CM set. Thanks Rod for the photos that got me excited!

As long as MSTS 2 has not been released, I will be interested in MSTS "1" payware content (if the price is reasonable).

I have purchased almost all VSC/BLW products and will continue to do so. So, please count me in.

uli

I sort of remember something like this when there was all the hype over TMTS. With the frustrations built into MSTS and the PR/Gaming mentality that we just have to have the latest and greatest it seems like the moment someone even just mentions a new Train Sim, like Microsoft has done, (no details, no anything at this time), the vast majority go crazy wanting it on their machines. Remember everyone, these products have one purpose, and one purpose only as far as the makers are concerned, to make money!!!!! So, which is going to make them more money, allowing everything from some former sim to be converted or require you to buy all new? I think the answer is obvious.

Now, as for me, I personally intend to stick around with MSTS-O ("O" for original) for quite some time to come. I have bought everything that Gaetan has released (except for the present offering - which is on the planned list as soon as extra funds become available - and most of what Andre has released to date - all his routes for sure - as well as quite a bit from a number of others and I intend to continue to do so as long as things of interest to me are available.

To me this is not a "game", this is my form of model railroading - a house in Florida with precious little extra room, not to mention sharing it with an aged mother-in-law with dementia, don't leave any room for anything else. Besides, I can't create scenes like this on a conventional model railroad














who has the room? No one I know of!

The project I am working on at present will put quite a bit of Gaetan's eastern content to work and hopefully there will be some Reading in that future content, and is an outgrowth of Andre's aborted L&NE route. All of Gaetan's L&NE equipment has happily found a home on a protolanced route a few miles farther east from Pen Argyl.

So, I personally see a long and very enjoyable period of time with Andre's, Gaetan's, Rich's, Wayne's, Marc's and other's products for many years to come, come a new sim or not. For me MSTS is here to stay and I don't believe there has to be only one sim any more than in conventional model railroading there is just one scale.

All the hype about new Railroad Simulators reminds me of Samuel Beckett's absurdist play "Waiting for Godot" where two characters sit under a tree waiting for someone named "Godot" to come. At the end of each day, a servant for Godot comes and announces that "Mr. Godot could not come today but promises he will come tomorrow."
Thank goodness Microsoft hasn't figured out how to make the announcement of new software cause the older versions to quit working!

Bill Hobbs

I think it's worthwhile reminding folks that Microsoft promised us an MSTS version 2 a long while ago, and then pulled the plug after a year or more of promise.

Hopefully that won't happen again, but why give up on the routes and packs that we have now, and are under development. If folks stop buying now, then we may not have anyone around to develop or convert routes and packs for the new MSTS when (or if) it becomes available.

Barry

Thanks to all that have contributed thus far to this thread. I must say that it has been enlightening, to say the least!

It would appear that MSTS has indeed carved out a hobby-niche that is unique: Not quite "gamers", but not quite "model railroaders" either.

To me, changing sims will be like changing scales in model railroading: The gains are going to offset by the work ahead (to build and aquire, tune, etc, the new items for the new "scale".)

I've changed scales in model railroading before, and the work is tremendous. I see it being no different for changing to a new sim. I foresee having both on my system. Frankly, I seriously doubt backwards compatibility. However, enough of me talking about the vaporware "new" sim. Let's talk about the sim we now have and what VSC is wanting to do...

The Frisco Mega Pack:

In email exchanges with Gaetan, he is also encouraged. We hope that the effort will be well received.

As for marketing the pack(s), we're going to try something different. That is, instead of offering one huge mega pack at a upscale price point, we are going to break it down into "modules" and let the buyer decide what he'd like to purchase. This will let the buyer purchase a module containing his favorite engines (etc) at a lower price and take them for a "test spin". If the buyer likes what is seen, then they can return to buy more at their leisure. At this point, three "modules" are being discussed: Frisco Alco Power, Frisco EMD Power, Frisco Rolling Stock. In one of the packs will be the Baldwin Switcher. (Haven't really figured out where that critter needs to be.)

Someone mentioned the need for a route for the Frisco Series. As also mentioned, there is currently a version of the Ft. Smith Sub in the freeware sector, but the poster indicated some issues with it.

Well, after I finish up and release the Ozark Northern, I am going to tackle my first love: The Frisco's Ft. Smith Subdivision. It is a project that is for me. I am going to treat building it like a hobby. However, I am going to try to be systematic with it and build it in segments. And you can be assured, when a segment is finished, I will be sharing it with any that would like to purchase. (Now you see why I've been twisting Geatan's arm to do some Frisco stuff!! )

However, that is "next", right now I have a priority, the Ozark Northern, so let's talk about it next.

The Ozark Northern:

I have just finished building the next to last structure. (The Turners Bend depot for the connecting railroad, the Arkansas River & Northern.) I only have ONE more structure remaining: The joint depot to be located at Esna. Esna is the railroad town created on account of the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas arriving from the north to interchange and connect with the Ozark Northern. I'm about out of fresh textures, so I may need to make a texture foray before I can finish that last structure... but I'm SO close to having all the structures built and placed. Scenic detail is nearly finished as well. I make periodic "flyovers" and when I see any remaining "holes", I fill it.

After all the last structure is built, I need to do some terrtex work and then return to address the temporary track texture.

Once that is done, it's time for Track Objects, then Activities.

The equipment Jon has built for the ON is amazing. The Shay is outstanding. There will be great selection of rolling stock and a full roster of steam engines to keep freight moving along the Ozark Northern.

Well, all for now, again thanks to all that have shared input so far, please feel free to continue contributing!

OH... one last parting shot: Below you will find a pic of the Arkansas River & Northern's Turners Bend depot... only ONE more to build!!

Andre,

While I am not over keen about TOC railroading, liking a bit more contemporary, at least by comparison 60's thru 80's railroading, I am going to have to buy the route for that station alone!!

Paul

Thanks Paul.

As is often the case, after looking at the "finished" product, I see things that I'd like to add... sooooo... here's the new "finished" AR&N Turners Bend depot:

Quite honestly, I don't foresee anything in the way of possibilities for MSTS 2 that will lessen my interest in the current platform. Over the past several years, I have made a rather large investment in terms of time, energy, and resources into accumulating and modifying to my liking a huge array of locos and rolling stock, both freeware and payware. Would I wish to start again from square one? Not likely...

Like most, I'll certainly be intrigued by the new offering when it arrives, but until it's on the shelves, I have no interest whatsoever in idle speculation. We have been down that path a couple of times already...

The plan for the release of the Frisco set in multiple packs sounds like a winner, as it's often easier to find a spare $10 or $15 than $25 or $30. I certainly would welcome more freight packs that were done to Gaetan's standards. There is also a need for more high quality 2, 3, and 4 bay ACF hoppers, especially for fallen flags.

Mid-January is when the holiday hangover hits, and the holiday shopping bills arrive, often accompanied by tax bills, higher home heating costs, and other expenses.

If you build it, they will spend...

Well, in my case, the culprit for less spending on payware products is my 6yr old daughter. She helped my wife pick out my Christmas present which was an HO 2-10-2 presidents choice train set. This is my first real trainset and I had a great time setting it up and running it. I'm sure you know the rest. Down to the local hobby shop to check out add-ons and get ideas for a layout. So far I've only bought magazines and "how-to" books but I can see spending a whole lot more rather quickly. Might not be as cost effective as my MSTS hobby but my daughters will be able to help me with it so I'm looking forward to that aspect.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll find some spare cash to resume buying ad-ons but will probably be more selective then I've been in the past. As others have said, it's kind of pointless banking on any future train simulators after what we've seen the last few years. I still see lot's of life left in this one.

Rob

I agree with Ed Sand's comments above. As for sales with ConBuilder I have notice no drop since the announcement. While not as good as when the Christmas Special was in affect, sales have not dropped off.

As for the Frisco locos. Tag some with Frisco's QA&P please. But I will be buying anyway.

Tim, that goes for me too - I have held back from commenting, mainly because I saw my thoughts as perhaps being a bit negative. But I have spent a lot of time and money on the sim, my setup is not as good as I would like it (I lack the knowledge that you guys have, being your side of the pond), but I know a load more than I did 4 years ago, and it is certainly a more enjoyable setup. Multiple mini installs, dedicated to areas or periods, taking up a total of 90Gig of hard drive space - plus downloads and backups taking up a further 70GB and numerous CD Roms with routes. That is all a very heavy committment, and one that I would not give up lightly, particularly if my machine couldn't run the new sim too well.

I can see it being a separate install that would get used, but I would hope there was some backward compatability, though I suspect the graphics on some things would quickly show their age.

So, on the theme of the thread, sales are bound to slow after Christmas, but good stock will get around. I suspect there will always be slow movement on a lot of the fallen flags, particularly if there is no mind grabbing route to run them on - The Fort Smith Sub at the same time as a Frisco set would have been a match to fire the imagination - ah well...

Rod

Again, it's refreshing to see there is still a goodly amount of interest in ol' MSTS 1.

As for timing a release of a Frisco route segment as the Frisco pack modules begin to hit the market... no way! Gaetan is a whirling dervish! That boy gets after it and can get more done in TSM in shorter time than I've ever seen!

Yes, t'would be great if I could get a segment of the Frisco's FS Sub finished in time for the Pack release... but like I said... me slow, Gaetan not. However, fret not, I'll be building this one because of my passion for the Frisco. After all, my nickname isn't "Coonskin" for nuttin', ya' know!

It will be cool to be able to recreate and animate some of my memories, as well as experience the visual again... even if virtually.

A QA&P geep? Hmmm... it could happen.

Andre

Greetings from the Philippines - Count me in! I am slow to try new things and I am just now getting "all fired up" with the activity creaters from Skyline along with the new equipment and routes, especially Gaetans and Andre's. Even if MSTS 2 hits the market, I thhnk it will still be a while before there is enough feedback on the product to see if people want to add the new sim and "start over" with their simming. Just my 2 pesos worth.

Jim in the PI

And how about some sd and gp 7's and 9's high hood for the B&O and PA's and F's for the UP ?

UP PAs & FAs were bonuses with the EL Pack from VSC/BLW.

Can we have the opportunity to purchase the O.N. as soon as the route editor work is done, and wait on the activities for later ? I would like to get my paws on it ASAP.

As for the Frisco, I think your idea of releasing it in segments ( as canton was released ) is a win/win situation for everyone.

Just as you are glad to receive encouragement from potential consumers, I am glad to here there is still interest in developing new products for MSTS-1.

I only got the FA's in my bonus pack!

"UP PAs & FAs were bonuses with the EL Pack from VSC/BLW."

Whoa there! I didn't know that. Guess I know what I'll be spending my pennies on here in a couple of days.

Now all I need is a nice UP route to run them on.

Sorry Guys but the PA UP is not complete but near finish

About FA UP just need to update for fit with the EL update coming soon, back to you Friday or Saturday

Gaetan

As with many others out there i have invested to much time and money in the current sim, couple that with MSTS bin and i do not forsee me dumping MSTS1 in favour of MSTS2, I may put the new one on alongside when it has matured but i am here for the long haul with the current king, i do not think however good that the new version is (if it ever hits the shelves) that it can make many of the recent offereings from the various payware companies look any better than they already do, after all realistic has only one definition.

The only reason i have not purchased Gaetan's last couple of packs is because there are no prototypical routes to run them on, Frisco well thats different, that is a Road that has been largely ignored by the payware boys along with the DRGW outside of Marcs F units ad a couple from DW.

So i see no reason from reading these posts to pronounce MSTS dead, hell its not even middle aged yet

Couldn't agree with you more Ron, not to mention Andres soft spot for the Rock one can only hope

I think I messed up my reply, well here it is.

I have resorted to buying German routes, only because there weren't enough new North American routes to keep me busy! I typically run each activity one time and then I am done with it. Andre, your routes have always come with pleny of activities so I feel the value for me is outstanding. I look forward to more. (oh and the price is reasonable so it makes the purchase a 'gimmie'.)

On equipment packs, I have purchased very few. I would be more interested in them if they came with a stack of activities. Sure I have swapped out equipment and run some activites, but that is really a relatively rare event. I therefore don't get the same 'value' out of a straight equipment pack that I do out of an activity pack or a new route. Now, if you would include some activities with the equipment packs, it would be hard for me to pass up. I DO NOT like to make activities. I have only made one. ever. (not including switch list generator, which I love, but believe it or not have not used very extensively either).

Bottom line for me. If the routes are there, I will buy them for MSTS 1. If equipment packs help me get more out of a route by including activities, I will buy them. In fact, I would be happy to buy activity packs alone.

As to the vaporware products, well they are of no value to me now are they? When they first come out, they will most certainly be above my price point, so I don't even expect to start using them until they have been around for a year anyway to pay what I am willing to pay. (cheap old crumudgeon that I am). If there were a new sim today, I would continue to buy all the routes for MSTS 1 that I could to keep me busy until the price on the new sim becomes reasonable. There are plenty of routes available from europe that I don't have yet, so maybe even 2 years! and that assumes not one more MSTS 1 route is made from today forward.

well to start with I still run Athrean "fat hood" GP9s and GP35s on my HO layout because I
like them

I stick with what I like

I like MSTS

"IF" MSTS-X should actually hit the rails I will use it in addition to MSTS not instead of it

I plan to buy more routes and locos as soon as christmas is paid for


my two cents worth
westswitch