About Train Store

This free MSTS tool by Tony Formoso is available for download in Version 3.2 from the Train-sim.com library as trnstr32.zip (4.9Mb, 14-Jun-05). As well, there are language packs available in separate downloads.

Train Store's function is to speed up the loading of MSTS. It achieves this by enabling us to assign just one route and its activities, or just one activity (with its route), to be available to MSTS while other routes are placed in store. With just one route to load, MSTS doesn't have as many files to check through before it loads. On web•TrainSim's set up, MSTS loads Marias Pass 3.1 (only half a dozen activities) in about ten seconds after the splash screen. Times will vary for different routes, mainly depending on how many activities in the route and the number of consists involved, but MSTS has far less work to do by loading just one route.

Version 3.2 now includes Paul Gausden's Shape Viewer so you can easily view any piece of rolling stock or consist by simply clicking on its icon, whether or not the items are stored or unstored.

As well, the user can have multiple lists of consists, stock and paths within one route. They can be named according to your preference and enabled/disabled as required.

Another useful feature is that ConBuilder can be called up to edit a consist, whether the particular consist is stored or unstored, by right-clicking on the consist name in any of the Maintenance Mode list editors.

As well there is a Maintenance Mode in which those who want to use the MSTS Editors (Activity Editor and Route Editor) can ensure that whatever consists and rolling stock they might want to use is available in the editors.

Note there are no changes to MSTS files or folders when you install Train Store. It takes just a few minutes to install for your MSTS installation; after that, simply select the route you wish to be in use. However, you are advised to read the Getting Started document which is in the archive before installation. This advice particularly applies to those who are using the multi-installation method to speed up MSTS load times.

Installing

After extracting the setup EXE from the zip file, run it to install the application and help manual (in PDF format). To upgrade from an earlier version, simply run the installer for version 3.2 and all your storage settings will be kept.

During installation Train Store will detect the folder where MSTS is installed on your hard drive. If you have multi-installations of MSTS (this technique has been used up to now in order to speed up loading; for example, Alan's method), you need to refer to the manual which has a special section devoted to this situation.

Setting up

On first running Train Store, you'll be asked for a folder which will hold your routes in store. By default it's called Train Store and has to be on drive C:. This folder is created read only and, as noted in the manual, should only be used by Train Store itself. On web•TrainSim's system, it occupied 50Mb of disk space.

Now you're ready to put all your routes in store and then choose the one you want to be in use for the moment. Depending on how many routes you have, this task may take a few minutes.

Now you're ready to enjoy MSTS!

Using MSTS editors

The manual contains information about using the Prepare feature when you want to use the Route Editor or Activity Editor.

The Whatsnew.txt file has information about Maintenance Mode Path Lists (when using the Partial Route facility), and Maintenace Mode Consist Lists as well as being able to unstore all rolling stock with the Maintenance Mode All Stock option.

Installing new routes

Read the install instructions for the new route and if the route's installer requires the six default MSTS routes to be present, you'll need to bring these from in store to in use. On the Maintenance tab, tick the + Def. Routes box.

When deleting a route, remember to bring it into use. For example, you might be installing Seaview 3 and before doing so, want to delete Seaview 2. Normally the method to delete a route is to delete its folder.

Now, if like web•TrainSim, you don't remember to unstore a route before deleting its folder, Train Store won't get upset. However, when you remember that you should have unstored the route using Train Store, bring the route out of store and then look in Windows Explorer - you'll find the folder back there with only one file in it, namely, a file with extension trk. Now delete the route's folder and it will be really gone. So re-start Train Store, check the old route is no longer there, and get ready to install the new route, e.g. Seaview 3, by bringing the six default MSTS routes out of store.

Installing new activities

If the route for the activity is in store, bring it into use otherwise the activity unpacker won't find the route and will give you an error.

Most activities install new consists and want to over-write existing ones. Some or all of these existing consists may not be associated with the route you've brought into use. So next time you use Train Store to bring a route into use, Train Store will find these consists and let you know if you want to over-write the old ones with the "new" ones. Just keep an eye out for any you've changed yourself for variety's sake or another reason.

To avoid any problems with consists when installing a new activity, you could use maintenace mode to bring all consists into use.