Trainz Simulator 12: A Guide for Beginners
If you are a fan of trains, railroads, and simulation games, you might want to check out Trainz Simulator 12, a game that lets you build and operate your own railroad with your friends. Trainz Simulator 12 is a realistic and immersive train simulator that offers you a variety of modes, features, and content to enjoy. Whether you want to drive steam, diesel, or electric trains, design and customize your own routes, or manage a working rail line, Trainz Simulator 12 has something for you. In this article, we will show you how to download, install, and play Trainz Simulator 12, as well as some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of the game. We will also share some features and reviews of the game that might interest you.
How to Download and Install Trainz Simulator 12
Downloading the Game
One of the easiest ways to get Trainz Simulator 12 is to buy it from Steam, an online platform that sells digital games. You can find Trainz Simulator 12 on Steam by searching for it on the store page or by clicking here. The game costs $9.99 USD as of June 2023. You will need a Steam account and a Steam client installed on your PC to download and play the game. You can create a free Steam account here and download the Steam client here.
If you prefer other sources, you can also buy Trainz Simulator 12 from other online retailers such as Amazon, GameStop, or N3V Games, the official developer of the game. You can also find some free or discounted copies of the game on websites such as GameTrex or Ocean of Games, but be careful of potential viruses or malware that might harm your PC.
Installing the Game
Once you have downloaded Trainz Simulator 12, you
need to install the game on your PC and what are the system requirements. According to the official website of the game, you will need the following specifications to run Trainz Simulator 12 on your PC:
- Operating system: Windows XP SP3 / Vista / Windows 7
- Processor: Pentium D 3.4GHz (or equivalent)
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Hard disk space: 16 GB of hard drive space
- Video: nVidia GeForce 7200/128MB or equivalent
To install the game, you will need to follow these steps:
- Launch the Steam client and log in to your account.
- Go to your library and find Trainz Simulator 12 in your list of games.
- Click on the Install button and wait for the download to finish.
- Once the download is complete, click on the Play button and enjoy the game.
How to Play Trainz Simulator 12
Choosing a Mode
Trainz Simulator 12 offers you three different modes to play: single-player, multiplayer, and surveyor. You can choose between these modes from the main menu of the game.
In single-player mode, you can select from a variety of routes and scenarios that are included in the game or downloaded from the Trainz Download Station. You can also create your own scenarios using the surveyor tool. In single-player mode, you can drive trains, operate railroads, or just explore the world at your own pace.
In multiplayer mode, you can join or host a session with other players from all over the world. You can cooperate with other players to run a working rail line, or compete with them in various challenges. You can also chat with other players using the in-game chat system. In multiplayer mode, you can drive trains, operate railroads, or just have fun with your friends.
In surveyor mode, you can create your own routes and scenarios using a powerful and easy-to-use tool. You can access hundreds of thousands of assets from the Trainz Download Station, or import your own custom content. You can also edit the terrain, place objects, add signals, set up industries, and more. In surveyor mode, you can unleash your creativity and build your own railroad.
Driving Trains
One of the main attractions of Trainz Simulator 12 is driving trains. You can choose from a wide range of locomotives, from steam to diesel to electric, and from different countries and eras. You can also drive other vehicles such as trams, boats, and cars.
To drive a train, you will need to use the driver interface that shows you various controls and indicators. You can also switch between different camera views, such as cab view, external view, or free camera. You will need to follow the signals and speed limits on the track, as well as obey the rules of the scenario you are playing.
To control a locomotive, you will need to use the following keys:
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| W/S | Increase/decrease throttle |
| A/D | Increase/decrease brake |
| E/Q | Increase/decrease reverser |
| B | Toggle dynamic brake |
| H | Blow horn/whistle |
| T/Y | Bell on/off (steam only) |
| R/F | Sander on/off (steam only) |
| G/V | Cylinder cocks on/off (steam only) |
| C/X/Z | Coupler front/middle/rear (multiple units only) |
| N/M/,/./;/’ | Lights front/middle/rear (multiple units only) |
| PgUp/PgDn | Switch between multiple units (multiple units only) |
| J/K/L/I/O/U/8/9/0/-/= | Custom controls (depends on locomotive) |
| F1/F2/F3/F4/F5/F6/F7/F8/F9/F10/F11/F12 | Camera views (cab/external/free/s pecial/trackside/trackside free/trackside fixed/trackside follow/trackside rotate/satellite) |
| 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 | Camera zoom in/out/reset (free camera only) |
| Mouse | Camera movement (free camera only) |
You can also use the mouse to click on the controls in the cab view, or use the HUD buttons to access more options and features.
Building Railroads
Another fun aspect of Trainz Simulator 12 is building railroads. You can use the surveyor tool to create your own routes and scenarios, or edit the existing ones. You can access the surveyor tool from the main menu, or by pressing F2 in any mode.
In the surveyor tool, you can use the following tools and features:
- Terrain tool: This tool allows you to modify the terrain by raising, lowering, smoothing, or painting it. You can also use different brushes and textures to create different landscapes.
- Track tool: This tool allows you to lay tracks on the terrain by clicking and dragging. You can also adjust the curvature, gradient, and direction of the tracks. You can choose from different types of tracks, such as standard gauge, narrow gauge, tramway, or monorail.
- Object tool: This tool allows you to place objects on the terrain by clicking and dragging. You can choose from different categories of objects, such as buildings, vehicles, scenery, signals, junctions, industries, and more. You can also rotate, scale, or delete the objects.
- Rule tool: This tool allows you to add rules to your scenario by clicking and dragging. Rules are conditions or events that affect the gameplay, such as objectives, triggers, timers, messages, weather, traffic, and more. You can also edit or delete the rules.
- Session tool: This tool allows you to set up your scenario by choosing the starting time, location, train, and driver. You can also add or remove other trains or drivers from your scenario.
- Menu tool: This tool allows you to access the menu options by clicking on the icons. You can save, load, test, or exit your route or scenario. You can also access the settings, help, or content manager.
Operating Railroads
The final aspect of Trainz Simulator 12 is operating railroads. You can manage a working rail line by transporting passengers, goods, or materials between different stations and industries. You can also schedule trains, switch tracks, and signal other trains.
To operate a railroad, you will need to use the following features:
- Schedule: This feature shows you the timetable of your trains and their destinations. You can also create or edit your own schedule by clicking on the icons.
- Map: This feature shows you the map of your route and the location of your trains. You can also zoom in or out, or click on any train or station to view more details.
- Switch: This feature allows you to switch tracks by clicking on the junctions. You can also use the keyboard shortcuts 1-9 to switch tracks quickly.
- Signal: This feature allows you to signal other trains by clicking on the signals. You can also use the keyboard shortcuts F1-F12 to signal quickly.
- Industry: This feature shows you the status of your industries and their production and consumption rates. You can also click on any industry to view more details or interact with it.
- Passenger: This feature shows you the status of your passengers and their satisfaction and demand levels. You can also click on any station or train to view more details or interact with them.
Features of Trainz Simulator 12
Multiplayer Mode
One of the most exciting features of Trainz Simulator 12 is multiplayer mode. In multiplayer mode, you can join or host a session with other players from all over the world. You can cooperate with other players to run a working rail line, or compete with them in various challenges. You can also chat with other players using the in-game chat system.
To join a multiplayer session, you will need to follow these steps:
- Launch Trainz Simulator 12 and select Multiplayer from the main menu.
- Select Join Session from the multiplayer menu.
- Browse through the list of available sessions and choose one that suits your preference.
- Click on Join Session and wait for the host to accept your request.
- Once you are in the session, you can choose your role and train, and start playing with other players.
To host a multiplayer session, you will need to follow these steps:
- Launch Trainz Simulator 12 and select Multiplayer from the main menu.
- Select Host Session from the multiplayer menu.
- Choose a route and a scenario that you want to host.
- Set up the session options, such as name, password, description, and max players.
- Click on Host Session and wait for other players to join your session.
- Once you have enough players, you can start the session and play with other players.
Satellite View
Another cool feature of Trainz Simulator 12 is satellite view. In satellite view, you can zoom out and view your railroad from above. You can also see the terrain, objects, and trains in high resolution. Satellite view is useful for planning your routes, checking your progress, or just admiring the scenery.
To access satellite view, you will need to follow these steps:
- Launch Trainz Simulator 12 and select any mode from the main menu.
- Press F9 on your keyboard to switch to satellite view.
- Use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out, or click and drag to move around.
- Press F9 again to switch back to normal view.
SpeedTree Assets
A feature that enhances the realism of Trainz Simulator 12 is SpeedTree assets. SpeedTree assets are high-quality trees and foliage that react to the wind and lighting. SpeedTree assets make your routes look more natural and alive. You can find SpeedTree assets in the object tool or the content manager.
To use SpeedTree assets, you will need to follow these steps:
- Launch Trainz Simulator 12 and select Surveyor from the main menu.
- Select a route that you want to edit or create a new one.
- Click on the object tool and choose Scenery from the category list.
- Scroll down and find SpeedTree in the subcategory list.
- Click on any SpeedTree asset that you want to place on your route.
- Click and drag on the terrain to place the asset.
- You can also rotate, scale, or delete the asset using the object tool options.
New Routes and Content
A feature that adds more variety and fun to Trainz Simulator 12 is new routes and content. New routes and content are additional scenarios, trains, objects, and environments that you can download from the Trainz Download Station or other sources. New routes and content allow you to explore new places, drive new trains, and create new scenarios.
To access new routes and content, you will need to follow these steps:
- Launch Trainz Simulator 12 and select Content Manager from the main menu.
- Select Download Station from the left panel.
- Browse through the list of available content and choose one that suits your preference.
- Click on Download Content and wait for the download to finish.
- Once the download is complete, click on Install Content and wait for the installation to finish.
- You can now find the new content in your library or in the game modes.
Downloadable Content System
A feature that enhances the flexibility of Trainz Simulator 12 is downloadable content system. Downloadable content system is a system that allows you to access both payware and freeware content from the Trainz Download Station or other sources. Payware content is content that requires payment to download or use, while freeware content is content that is free to download or use. Downloadable content system allows you to choose which content you want to use in your game without affecting your performance or compatibility.
To use downloadable content system, you will need to follow these steps:
- Launch Trainz Simulator 12 and select Content Manager from the main menu.
- Select Settings from the top menu bar.
- Select Downloadable Content from the settings list.
- Select which type of content you want to enable or disable: payware only, freeware only, or both.
- Click on Apply Changes and exit Content Manager.
- You can now access only the type of content that you have enabled in your game modes.
Reviews of Trainz Simulator 12
Positive Reviews
Trainz Simulator and checking for updates, or by downloading the latest patch from the official website of the game. You can also enable automatic updates in Steam or in the game settings.
A: You can add custom content to Trainz Simulator 12 by downloading it from the Trainz Download Station or other sources, and installing it using the Content Manager. You can also create your own custom content using the surveyor tool or other external tools.
A: You can fix Trainz Simulator 12 errors or crashes by following these steps:
- Make sure your PC meets the system requirements of the game.
- Update your graphics card drivers and DirectX.
- Verify the integrity of the game files in Steam or in the Content Manager.
- Delete or disable any incompatible or corrupted content in the Content Manager.
- Run the game as administrator or in compatibility mode.
- Contact the technical support of the game if the problem persists.
A: You can mod Trainz Simulator 12 by using various tools and resources that are available online. Some of the popular tools and resources are:
- TrainzDev: A community-driven project that aims to improve and extend the Trainz engine and features.
- Trainz Forge: A website that offers high-quality locomotives, rolling stock, and scenery for Trainz.
- Trainz Commuter Rail: A website that focuses on modern commuter and passenger rail content for Trainz.
- Trainz Classics: A website that showcases classic and historical rail content for Trainz.
A: You can uninstall Trainz Simulator 12 by following these steps:
- Launch Steam and go to your library.
- Right-click on Trainz Simulator 12 and select Uninstall.
- Wait for the uninstallation to finish and confirm your choice.
- Delete any remaining files or folders of the game from your PC.
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