How do I create and play Train Simulator Classic scenarios?
To create a scenario in Train Simulator Classic, open Build, select the route, create a new scenario, choose its type and start location, then place a consist, mark it as the player train, and add instructions. Save and test it, then play it from the matching scenario category under Drive.
Which Train Simulator Classic scenario type should I choose?
Standard is the best choice for most custom scenarios because it supports a player service, ordered tasks, destinations and AI traffic.
| Scenario type | Use it for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Passenger runs, freight workings, shunting and other objective-based activities | Every required movement must have a valid path and instruction order |
| Free Roam | Placing several trains and letting the player choose what to drive | No normal sequence of objectives or completion conditions |
| Timetabled, if offered | Services built around stricter timings and dispatcher behaviour | More difficult to debug than a Standard scenario |
Career scenarios add scoring, while Quick Drive generates a service from route and consist data. Neither is the best starting point for a first custom activity. Our explanation of scenario modes, task lists and the route map provides useful background; its interface screenshots predate the Train Simulator Classic name, but the core concepts still apply.
How do I create a scenario?
Create it through the Scenario section of Build, not by editing the route itself. A mistake we see constantly is opening the World Editor when the user only needs to place trains and write instructions.
- Select the route. Open Build, choose the Scenario section, select the route and use the option to create a new scenario. If modifying a supplied scenario, clone it first and give the copy a distinct name; updates can replace edits made directly to original content.
- Choose the type and starting location. Use Standard for a structured run or Free Roam for an open session. Starting locations come from named points already defined on the route, so select the nearest suitable one and reposition the camera in the editor if necessary.
- Set the scenario conditions. Enter the description and configure the start time, season, weather and expected duration where those fields are available. These values affect visibility and adhesion as well as what the player sees in the menu.
- Place the player consist. Select the locomotive and rolling stock from the stock browser and place the complete consist on connected track. Check its orientation, coupling order, overall length and traction type; an electric locomotive will not work on track without compatible electrification.
- Assign the player service. Attach a Driver icon to the appropriate locomotive and mark that service as the player train. Free Roam scenarios normally let the player select an available drivable locomotive instead.
- Add instructions. Open the timetable or instruction panel for the player service. Add route markers in the required order using tasks such as passenger stops, stopping points, Go Via instructions, coupling moves and a final destination. The dispatcher follows these instructions literally and will not invent a sensible reversing or run-round move.
- Add AI traffic carefully. Each AI consist needs its own driver, start time and viable destination. Begin with one AI service, confirm that it runs correctly, then add the others; this makes signal conflicts and deadlocks much easier to isolate.
- Save and test from the beginning. Use the editor's play or test control after saving. Run the opening minutes, every crossing with AI traffic, each coupling operation and the final objective rather than assuming that a valid initial path guarantees the whole scenario will work.
How do I play a saved scenario?
Play a saved scenario from the category under Drive that matches the type selected in the editor.
- Open Drive. Select Standard or Free Roam as appropriate. Locally created activities normally appear under their scenario type rather than Career or Quick Drive.
- Choose the route and scenario. Use the route, locomotive or text filters to find it, then check the description, duration and required train before starting.
- Follow the task list. In a Standard scenario, use the task display and route map to confirm the next platform, siding, waypoint or coupling instruction. Passing a required marker on the wrong track can prevent completion.
- Select a train in Free Roam. Take control of a drivable locomotive and set junctions manually where the route permits. There may be no final success message because Free Roam is not built around a fixed objective chain.
The editor's test control is faster while building, but a final run from Drive is essential: it confirms that the scenario is listed correctly and starts without editor state carrying over.
Why is my scenario missing or not working?
Most scenario failures come from the wrong menu category, missing rolling stock, an unassigned player service or a path that the dispatcher cannot resolve.
| Symptom | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Scenario is absent from Drive | Check that it was saved and look under its actual type and route. Confirm that it still appears under Build, remove active filters, then restart Train Simulator Classic. Use the cache-clearing option in Settings only if the normal menu refresh fails. |
| Scenario loads without control of the train | The locomotive may have no Driver icon, or its service was not marked as the player train. Reopen the scenario and correct the driver assignment. |
| Dispatcher cannot find a path | A destination may be behind the train, on incompatible directional track or beyond an unavailable junction. Check the marker order, split complex movements into clear waypoints and reversing moves, and test a shorter path first. |
| AI trains stop or deadlock | Two services are competing for the same signal block, junction or platform. Stagger their start times, use a passing loop or change one path rather than compressing the timetable. |
| Rolling stock is missing | The scenario references a locomotive, wagon or reskin that is not installed. Replace it with available stock or follow our instructions for installing Train Simulator Classic add-ons and all their stated dependencies. |
| The player train will not move | Confirm the player assignment, brake release, reverser, power mode, safety systems and route electrification. If the scenario itself is sound, use our guide to driving and basic train controls. |
| Edits disappear after an update | A supplied scenario was probably edited directly. Clone official or add-on scenarios before changing consists, timings or instructions. |
When sharing a scenario, remember that its package normally stores instructions and references rather than copies of every required asset. List the exact route and rolling-stock dependencies, favour stock supplied with the route where practical, and never bundle commercial assets with the scenario.