Find Open Rails routes and trains in our MSTS library, then install them correctly and fix missing stock, consists, assets and route dependencies.
You can download Open Rails routes and trains from our collection of MSTS-compatible routes, locomotives and rolling stock. Open Rails reads much of the same MSTS route, locomotive and rolling-stock content, so downloads are often labelled “MSTS” rather than “Open Rails”. Check each package’s dependencies and install it into a configured content root.
Why are Open Rails downloads usually labelled MSTS?
Open Rails was designed to run content created for Microsoft Train Simulator, including its route, consist, locomotive and wagon formats. Many compatible downloads therefore predate Open Rails or retain the MSTS label.
Compatibility is not automatic. A route may require original MSTS scenery or shared track assets, while a locomotive may borrow its cab and sounds from another train. Activities are especially dependency-sensitive because they reference exact consists, vehicles, paths, services and traffic files.
Can every MSTS download run in Open Rails?
No. Most conventional MSTS content is a good candidate, but old installers, undocumented dependencies and non-standard scripts can cause trouble. An add-on requiring original MSTS assets does not become self-contained merely because Open Rails can launch it; our MSTS compatibility guide for modern Windows explains that relationship in more detail.
Which files should I download?
Choose a complete route package when starting from scratch; download individual locomotives and coaches when you already have suitable routes and consists. You can also browse our diesel locomotive downloads for individual engines and repaints.
| Download type | Usual location | Common dependency |
|---|---|---|
| Route | ROUTES\RouteName | Shared track assets, default MSTS scenery or required rolling stock |
| Locomotive or wagon | TRAINS\TRAINSET\StockName | Cabview, sound or texture files borrowed from another train |
| Consist | TRAINS\CONSISTS | The exact locomotive and wagon folders referenced by its .con file |
| Activity | The route’s activity folders | Specified consists, paths, services and traffic |
A locomotive folder alone may not produce a selectable train. Open Rails normally needs a valid consist containing that locomotive and any attached rolling stock. To see the traditional folder arrangement in practice, inspect this GP38 package and its Trainset instructions.
How do I install MSTS content in Open Rails?
- Read the included instructions first. Identify required routes, stock, cabviews, sounds and shared track packages before copying anything.
- Choose the correct content root. Open Rails should be pointed at the folder containing
GLOBAL,ROUTESandTRAINS, not at theROUTESfolder itself. - Back up existing content. This is particularly sensible before a package replaces files in
GLOBALor an established train folder. - Preserve the archive’s folder structure. If the archive begins with
ROUTESandTRAINS, extract it into the content root. If it contains only a named route folder, place that folder insideROUTES. - Install prerequisites in the same content root. Dependencies placed under a different Open Rails content profile will not satisfy the route or train that needs them.
- Restart or refresh Open Rails. Confirm that the route appears, then select a valid consist. A route folder should contain its route definition file rather than another duplicated route folder.
Do not place downloaded routes or trains in the Open Rails program directory unless that directory is also your deliberately configured content root. Keeping the simulator application and add-on content separate makes updates and fault-finding safer.
Why does a downloaded route or train not appear?
- The folders are nested one level too deep: paths such as
ROUTES\ROUTES\RouteNameorTRAINSET\TRAINSET\StockNamewill not be found correctly. - The wrong content profile is selected: Open Rails may be reading a different MSTS or standalone content root from the one you modified.
- The locomotive has no consist: install the supplied
.confile or create a consist that references the locomotive. - A dependency is missing: cab, sound, shape, texture, locomotive and wagon references must match the expected files and folders.
- An old installer chose the wrong destination: some self-installing MSTS packages expect a registered MSTS installation rather than your Open Rails content folder.
When content loads with errors, check the Open Rails log for the first missing .s, .ace, .wav, .eng or .wag reference. Repair that dependency instead of copying unrelated files between train folders, which often creates further broken references.
Do I need Microsoft Train Simulator installed?
You do not need MSTS for a genuinely self-contained Open Rails package. You do need legally obtained MSTS files when a legacy route or train depends on the original simulator’s default routes, scenery, cabviews, sounds or shared assets. Open Rails supplies the simulation engine, not the commercial content referenced by those add-ons.