Operations Manual - Open Rails

MSTS File Format Compatibility
Open Rails software supports the MSTS file formats detailed below. The software uses a file
parser to read the MSTS file information for use by the Open Rails software. Testing of the
parser software indicates that it will locate many errors or malformation in these files that are not
highlighted by the MSTS train sim software or by other utilities. In most cases, the Open Rails
software will ignore the error in the file and run properly. Open Rails software logs these errors
in a log file on the user’s desktop. This log file may be used to correct problems identified by the
Open Rails software.
Trainset:
The software currently supports Shape (.s); Shape Definition (.sd); Sound (.sms); and texture
Ace (.ace) files; including displaying the correct LOD, alpha and transparency attributes. The
software does NOT fully support the following file types: Engine (ENG); Wagon (WAG); it
substitutes MSTS-style physics to enable the user to operate trains.
Consists:
Open Rails software reads and displays Consist files (.con) used for Player Train, AI Train, and
Loose Consists in activities. The development team is aware that some consists may be flipped
compared to how MSTS displays them.
Services:
Open Rails software supports MSTS Service files (.svc) for the creation of both Player and AI
services.
Paths:
Open Rails software supports MSTS Path files (.pat) for determining the path of both Player and
AI Trains.
Routes:
Open Rails software supports the following MSTS Route files with the limitations noted.
• Route Database file (.rdb) - CarSpawner is supported.
• Reference File (.ref) – Open Rails does not provide a Route Editor in the current release.
• Track Database file (.tdb) –
• Route File (.trk) – Level Crossings are supported. Overhead wire is not supported.
• Sigcfg (.dat) file – About 80% of signal & scripting capabilities are supported.
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