Where can you find Microsoft Train Simulator add-ons?

You can find free Microsoft Train Simulator add-ons in our MSTS download library, with routes, diesel locomotives, rolling stock, scenery and utilities. Download the archive, read its included instructions, and check required dependencies before copying files into MSTS or using compatible content in Open Rails.

What Microsoft Train Simulator add-ons are available?

MSTS add-ons usually fall into five groups: routes, locomotives and carriages, consists, activities, and supporting scenery or utilities. Start with the main library, or browse the MSTS diesel locomotive category when looking specifically for new motive power.

Individual downloads explain what is included; this Genesis locomotive package is one example of the train add-ons available. Check that every download explicitly names Microsoft Train Simulator or MSTS. Add-ons made for Train Simulator Classic, formerly RailWorks, are not interchangeable with MSTS content.

How do you install an MSTS add-on?

Install each MSTS add-on according to its readme because package layouts and dependency requirements differ. The MSTS root is the folder containing the game executable alongside folders such as ROUTES, TRAINS and GLOBAL.

1. Confirm the simulator. Make sure the package is for Microsoft Train Simulator, not Train Simulator Classic or another train simulator.
2. Read the documentation first. Look for required routes, rolling stock, cab views, sounds and any stated installation order.
3. Extract to a temporary folder. Inspect the archive rather than unpacking it blindly into the MSTS root. This prevents duplicated folder levels and accidental overwrites.
4. Back up affected files. This is especially important when a package changes GLOBAL, consists or an existing route.
5. Copy the supplied folders without flattening them. A locomotive’s internal sound, cab and texture folders must remain where its configuration files expect them. Route packages may include an installer or an InstallMe.bat file; run it only as the supplied instructions direct.
6. Test one addition at a time. Launch MSTS and verify the route or train before adding another package. That makes the source of an error much easier to identify.

Why does an MSTS add-on report missing files?

Missing-file errors almost always mean a dependency is absent, the archive was copied to the wrong level, or a configuration file points to shared sounds or cab files that are not installed. Activities are particularly dependency-heavy because they can reference several consists and numerous items of AI rolling stock.

• Check for doubled folders. A common mistake is ending up with TRAINSET\PackageName\PackageName instead of placing the actual locomotive folder directly under TRAINSET.
• Read the exact missing filename. It often identifies whether the problem is a vehicle, sound, cab view, shape or texture dependency.
• Preserve aliases. Do not rename stock folders unless you also understand and update every configuration reference that uses them.
• Treat GLOBAL carefully. Files such as tsection.dat can affect multiple routes. Do not blindly overwrite an existing version merely because an older package includes one.
• Check route preparation steps. Some routes copy shared assets from the original MSTS routes through an included batch file; skipping that step leaves scenery or track shapes missing.

Can MSTS add-ons be used in Open Rails?

Many MSTS routes, activities and trains can also run through Open Rails, but they still need the correct folder structure and all dependencies. Compatibility is broad rather than absolute, so an old activity or specialised feature may behave differently. Our Open Rails installation and usage guide explains how to configure the simulator for compatible MSTS content.