Learn what Open Rails is, how to install it on Windows, add MSTS or standalone content, start driving, and fix missing routes or trains.
Open Rails is a free, open-source Windows train simulator that can run compatible Microsoft Train Simulator routes, rolling stock and activities, plus content made specifically for Open Rails. Install the simulator, create a content profile pointing at a valid content folder, then select a route and activity—or Explore mode—from the launcher.
Open Rails is a separate simulator, not a patch for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS). It does not require the old MSTS executable to run, but most installations need separately obtained routes and trains before there is much to drive.
What content does Open Rails need?
Open Rails needs a valid content folder containing a route and its required rolling stock, track files, sounds and other dependencies.
| Content source | When to choose it | What Open Rails uses |
|---|---|---|
| Existing MSTS installation | You already own MSTS and want to run its routes and activities. | The MSTS root folder containing directories such as ROUTES, TRAINS, GLOBAL and SOUND. |
| Standalone Open Rails package | You have a complete route package designed to work without a full MSTS installation. | The package's own content root and included dependencies. |
| Individual community add-ons | You are expanding an existing content collection. | The route, stock, consists and every dependency named by the author. |
Use only legally obtained content. Open Rails compatibility does not make commercial MSTS files free to redistribute. Our guide to finding compatible Open Rails routes and rolling stock explains what to check before downloading a package.
If you own MSTS, Open Rails can usually read its content without launching the older simulator. Legacy installers may still expect the original MSTS folder structure; our advice on using Microsoft Train Simulator content on modern Windows covers those compatibility complications.
How do I install Open Rails on Windows?
Install the stable Open Rails release separately from MSTS, then point its launcher at your content rather than copying routes into the Open Rails program folder.
- Obtain the official stable installer. Use the Open Rails project's official distribution rather than a third-party repack. Development or testing builds are better reserved for content that explicitly requires one.
- Run the installer. Keep Open Rails in its own installation directory; do not install it over Microsoft Train Simulator.
- Prepare a content root. For MSTS content, this is the folder directly containing
ROUTES,TRAINSandGLOBAL. Rolling stock normally sits belowTRAINS\TRAINSET, while consists are belowTRAINS\CONSISTS. - Open the launcher and add an installation profile. Select the content or profile control, give the profile a recognisable name, and browse to the content root. Labels can differ slightly between Open Rails builds.
- Check that routes populate the launcher. If the route list remains empty, the selected folder is usually one level too high or too low.
- Review display, sound and control options. Start with conservative graphics settings and confirm the assigned driving controls before loading a demanding route.
Keep community content in a writable folder if you expect to modify it. A common mistake is extracting a package into the Open Rails application directory; the launcher reads content through profiles, so this merely mixes program and route files.
Separate profiles are also useful when two route collections require different GLOBAL files or track databases. Merging every route into one large MSTS tree can make a working route fail after another package replaces a shared file.
How do I start driving in Open Rails?
Select a profile and route, then load an activity, timetable or Explore session supported by that route.
- Choose the content profile and route. The remaining choices are populated from that route's installed files.
- Select a driving mode. An activity supplies a train, path, traffic and instructions. Explore mode is useful when no activity is available, but you may need to choose the locomotive, consist, path and starting point yourself.
- Load the session and read any instructions. Activities may include station stops, coupling work, speed restrictions or waiting points.
- Prepare the locomotive. Set the direction, release the appropriate brakes and apply power gradually. Advanced stock may also require a master key, engine start or raised pantograph; follow the stock's documentation.
- Use the driving displays. The cab instruments, track monitor and heads-up information help with signals, gradients, permitted speed and braking.
Controls and braking behaviour vary between diesel, electric and steam locomotives, and scripted Open Rails stock may not behave like basic MSTS stock. The preparation and signalling principles in our beginner train-driving guidance transfer directly to Open Rails.
Why does Open Rails show no routes or trains?
Missing routes or rolling stock almost always indicate an incorrect profile path, an incomplete archive or an unresolved dependency.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No routes appear | The profile points at the wrong folder or the archive created an extra nested directory. | Select the root that directly contains ROUTES, TRAINS and GLOBAL. |
| Route appears but no activities do | The route contains no activities, or they were installed into the wrong route folder. | Try Explore mode and recheck the package structure. |
| An activity reports missing stock | Its consist references an absent locomotive, wagon, cab or sound folder. | Install every dependency listed by the activity author; installing the route alone is not enough. |
| Track or scenery is missing | The route depends on shared shapes, textures or a particular track database. | Restore the package's required shared files or isolate the route in its own content profile. |
| The train will not move | The reverser is neutral, brakes remain applied, or the locomotive has a startup procedure. | Check direction, brake pressures, power supply and the rolling stock instructions. |
When loading fails without a clear on-screen explanation, inspect the run log produced by Open Rails. Search from the end for the first missing file or failed path rather than treating every later warning as a separate fault.
Does Open Rails fully replace Microsoft Train Simulator?
Open Rails can replace the MSTS program for much everyday driving, but it does not guarantee perfect compatibility with every MSTS route, activity or locomotive.
Standard MSTS content often works well, while old custom installers, undocumented shared files and stock using unusual scripting can require manual correction. Keep an untouched backup of working content before adding routes or replacing shared files.