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Trainz Versions

Fundamentals for Trainz Trainees Versions and Their Respective Build Numbers

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Glossary

HKeys-CM

HKeys-DVR

HKeys-SUR

HKeys-WIN

Mouse use

Notations

Example of an TS2010 built-in route asset showing a vertices alignment and end-caps bounds problem with the new mesh-stitching technology introduced in TS09 and TS10. Modeled software misbehaving under the run time GUI's is one type of problem fixed by hotfixes or service packs.

Trainz Versions Overview

Trainz software releases or equivalently Trainz Retail releases or Trainz retail versions follow the common software industry practices of assigning releases version numbers paired to 'Marketing Names' as Major Releases of Retail base packages (to draw a parallel case, consider another more familiar family of software: {each of Microsoft Windows Operating system Retail Releases: Windows 1.0, Windows 2.0, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, ..., Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 & Windows 10}), any one of which per industry practices, might also then have applicable bug fix 'Hot fixes' and other less urgent change patches (generally adding capabilities and/or also making operational tweaks or fixing additional lesser serious bugs and those providing additional user feedback generated 'new' features) called Service Packs. To manage a series of such software & dependent (supporting) data files collections, programmers use a serial number system, in Trainz called the code build number, build number, or Code Version number. Note that both each element in a software system (DLL, EXE, supporting data files such as images, scripts) each have some sort of serialization, or their own code build numbers, and the resulting overall distributed collection, a 'build', is given an overall code build identifier for the entire mix.

All the changes to these products' retail releases (retail versions) collectively are known as software upgrades' and it is a side of computing with which the average lay computer user has little experience, sheltered as most are in a business environment by an IT department or an IT consultant. These days, internet based or enabled software often are written expecting to be updated periodically, numbing our sensitivity and inuring the computer user community to such instabilities in software. Home computer packages—including virtually all download obtained software these days, with massive distribution numbers, often have built-in update coding within to check for updates and either update automatically, or when well designed, alert the user, and update when commanded. Auran Holdings, the holding company with all the Trainz rights and their partner N3V Games, currently managing the development and marketing of the properties, has only recently in 'Trainz-version timespans' (2011, finally debugged in TS2009 SP3 and TS2010-SP2) mastered the later techniques.

Versions terminology and meanings

Each named product release (retail version) as well as each successive upgrade level (Hot fixes and other patches generally have to be added in order of release) has a multi-digit 'build' number that is definitively unique to the build as defined by the software publisher. In Trainz, these are known formally as the code build numbers or Trainz build versions, and as their own IT department, 'Trainzers' have to keep these things straight, for not all can be done automatically, and every new retail release requires a new Installation step.

File:TS2009 Launcher screen.jpg

N3V Games Windows releases Launcher Screens all look pretty much the same as this TS2009 example, and is similar (excepting color) to TRS2004's, TRS2006's and all its spin-offs like the TC's...
 • Since TS2009-SP2 V3.1 and TS2010, N3V has been putting the code build onto the Launcher Screen and the trainz-build version number onto the title bar of CM.

File:TS2004 Launcher screen.jpg

v2.0--v2.4 Launcher Screens have mostly the same choices and a different style.

File:TS2006 Launcher screen.jpg

V2.5 and up Launcher Screens look prettier since TRS2006 and all its spin-offs like the TC's, and TRS2009–TS2012's, but since they use the same layouts for the same buttons all look pretty much the same.

 

In Trainz, until one understands the contextual meaning it seems the word 'version' becomes a bit over used:

1. First, there is the Trainz version (slang: meaning Trainz Retail Version),
   
2. Secondly, the 'code version' and 'Trainz asset version' numbers, formally known as a '"Trainz-build tag" values or Trainz-build version numbers
   
3. which like the code build number or 'Trainz_build_versions' or sometimes 'code build version' has an exact technical meaning— a final compiler run against a version controlled make file and subsequently released by Quality Control as the next official 'code set' advance.
    • If you have problems with a installation, this code build number is the one N3V customer support want reported. In TS2009-SP4 and later releases it appears in both the bottom right corner of the Launcher Menu and the Main Menu. In prior releases, it appeared only on the Trainz 'Launcher' screen, and was easy to overlook in some.
    • Each of the other types of versions derive from this stable set of software source code; a plateau in the change cycle signifying stability and reliability insofar as such things can be tested.
   
4. When QA testing fails, N3V issues a software upgrade of three sorts:
   

A. patches for really bad bugs or an adjustment to features, usually come out fast after a release event, once the complaint storm hits the help desk and forums.

B. Hotfixes for bugs and adjustments of several things, not usually to make the whole work, but instead to make the whole work better after an interval of additional testing and while the programmer's are fixing one or more other minor bugs or adding an extended feature. Some of these, such as TS12-SP1+hf4 should have incremented the trainz-build or technology version. Auran & N3V's management has seemingly been inconsistent in their rationales and actions. Basically, a new trainz-build represents a technology plateau, wherein some heretofore unavailable capability has been added.
 • Some of this is within the programmer's experiences—the internal changes within the run time packages; others, mainly involving asset capability, features, scripts, or interactivity are obvious to the community and to content creators, inasmuch as new tags, practices and containers in config.txt files or asset source folder grouped data elements (asset parts) are affected.
 • Trainz is a highly cooperative joint development COMMUNITY at its heart. Content Creators often drive software development with requests for a capability. The programmers and/or N3V management approve the notion, prioritize it, and the programmers thence define parameters (data types); at that juncture, the likely first software modifications are to the error testing screening software which vetts uploaded assets before allowing them onto the DLS—and to a TBV step release enabling its software to not burp on the heretofore unfamiliar new data elements. Content Creators behind the features then provide assets with the theoretical capability, the programmers work on getting it into a future package of software updates and eventually — everybody gets to see whether the data and software have the desired effects... or whether alterations in data definitions or the run time software implementation need adjusted. This all takes a lot of people working together.

C. Service packs —these are more extensive and larger changes for bug fixing, feature or behavior upgrades, and involved changes to eliminate some source of complaint.

Each code build number (2 to 5 digits) maps onto a corresponding Trainz trainz build version number (a 'TB' or 'TBV' decimal like 2.9: once generally indicating a technological threshold or capability level). The trainz-build 'steps' or plateaus correspond thusly to a targeted set of capabilities, whereas several iterations of debugging and 'code build releases' (Smaller Hot Fixes and Larger] Service Pack(s) releases map into the same trainz-build thresholds. Hence the new user will notice a predominance of certain TBV values, so called major releases or major versions, in asset lists in the Content Manager searches— {1.3, 1.5, 2.2 & 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 2.9-3.3, 3.5&3.7, 4.0& 4.3 &4.5} generally following directly the longevity of a software system. This formerly only reflected the simple relationship between the length of time a stable software suite release existed before the next retail (new) product release was launched with new technological abilities. Formerly, Content Creators deliberately formed new assets with the lowest possible TBV so the asset would be usable by the widest groups of Trainzers, many who remain faithful to an older Trainz release (and even form clubs with thousands of members, s.a. Trainz Pro Routes et. al.) — in short, if the new tech was using a tag or ability such an asset could care less about and didn't need, making a new bridge, building, business, or traincar that would please the most people makes emminent sense... Hence the wide number of V1.3, V2.6, V3.0, V3.5 assets still in very wide use. Also, since asset features and those bits of code that can manipulate effects-instructions can be embedded inside the run time software suites are written to comply with or satisfy the particular conceived technological capability, there is a long lag time between request for a capability, and the time it shows up in an release that can exploit it. Example: Basic traincar data structures and configuration were laid out by the end of Trainz UTC. Someone desired ability to have realistic traincar ID numbers vary automatically, submitted the idea to Auran, and the programmers implemented a set of data elements to control the effects. Which leaves most rolling stock unchanged, yet allows a technology not available in previous code releases. A similar transition occurred for signalling capabilities regarding realism in yard crossing tracks, sometimes called 'Template:TBN' —a real common need to match prototype places (train yards).  • Generally in the past, Data conventions increasingly enforced since TS2009 were designed and in place in the lengthy TRS2004-TRS2006 era (and JET II game engine) — yet most asset types were perfectly fine using the older simpler Trainz 1.0 era data structures which are unitary tag based in the main, and don't involve any aggregate data structures Trainz's Containers in the config.txt control files. In 2009 N3V decided to add severe filtering enforcing the newer data structures in subsequent releases. They also added installation software testing, filters, to vett and bless DLS uploads—this is updated as time and versions pass, forcing higher and higher TBV values be submitted—even when an implemented asset has nothing significantly different from the earlier 1.3 or 2.5 era assets, save a more detailed less rough sub-assembly component part (A Trainz 'dependency, like a new bogey, sound, or perhaps a traincar modified to have interactive cargo and doors that animate{{efn,Many older assets used a mix of tech tags and containers to program their manifestation in game, so adding the containers and tags to a config.txt that enabled a box or flat car to handle interactive cargoes (introduced in TRS2004, a Trainz strength) required a mere cut and paste alteration. However, script and mesh dependent capabilities such as animated doors, really do warrant a version change, being far more complicated. }. This has been controversial and caused many aggregate assets (Routes and Sessions) to be short compatible assets. So until TS2009, older and looser data conventions were tolerated in newly altered and new assets—allowing new assets produced to a lesser capable standard.  • The Trainz Version number exactly matches the asset (technology 'level' identifying) Trainz-build tag number.  • There can be many code build numbers for a trainz-build code (or technology level); some are for a different group of languages as translations become available, and ...  • Each of those also has possible Hot fixes and Service Pack patches—some of which change the trainz-build, and others do not. Hot fixes do not usually cause a change in version numbers, while Service Packs usually cause an increment of +0.1 to the "Trainz-build" tags and colloquial terms thrown around as the 'Version Number!}} Managing these improvements in the corporate world is the task of an IT department, but since Trainz is a personal software suite, the task of updating a Trainz release devolves onto private users. This aspect of Trainz is further complicated by Trainz nature, it is at the heart, a data base manager and a huge data base (the greater size in files) with satellite tools programs (especially for example, the GUI run time modules Surveyor, Driver, Railyard, and some others behind the scenes like TrainzUtils.exe) each of which may need patched or replaced with a service pack release or Hot fix. Further, and the most problematic part as it takes some time when a user has a lot of downloaded content, a new update may also scan each item in the database, and where necessary, patch those to compliance with the 'new technology level' being introduced by the patch and corresponding to a new asset build tag number. Trainz version numbers, the product 'technology level' increments by tenths, with Trainz 1.0 being version 1.0, TRS2009 being version 2.9, so TRS2009 + four service packs reaches Version 3.3, but so is the last Service Pack for TS2010—which was co-developed along side TS2009 as a transitional technology from 32 bit game engine to a 64 bit processing environment—so the two overlap and co-join most technology. The first 'only runs' as a 64 bit release, Trainz Railroad Simulator 2012 (TS2012, no Service Packs) is Version/Build-tag level 3.5, during which in the time it was being developed, N3V decided its old game engine needed totally re-written, spawning the crowd funding financing of Trainz: A New Era with much improved graphics and its added plateaus of both video improvements, and various asset capabilities. Hence, TANE or T:ANE spans six iterative stages of capability as it stabilized TBV 4.0–4.5, with TRS19—Trainz Railroad Simulator 2019 (released Dec 18th, 2018 currently topping the list of TBVs at 4.6 Trainz releases are further complicated by servicing an international user base; from the start the product was produced to service different international languages groups and their translation needs. In the later practices, the plethora of internationally different releases was managed down to around four initial     Legacy (unsupported) Versions The balance of this page is presented in ordinary calendar order, first out, first listed. The first group are the giants of history upon whose shoulders newer versions of today stand. Trainz in all versions and releases was supported for over a decade by Auran, then later by N3V Games — until the adoption and announcement of the unpopular Trainz Life Cycle policy in 2010. In the policy, an arbitrary four years has generally been added to the original retail versions release date, after which the release is magically 'called obsolete' and N3V withdraws support. Once in a while, it's nice to take a look back and see just how far we've come! LOL - ed. Trainz Life Cycle policy has its largest negative impact now on asset updates through the creeping rise-in-threshold-difficulty of acceptance-testing-software by the DLS software, and those requirement changes have adversely affected the reliability of the Trainz-build numbers as a tell-tale of the tech level actually needed within any given asset. The whole system now is introducing a upward version creep in assets updated or added into the DLS collection, and requires authors' to donate their time making a lot of unnecessary 'updates' to the data structures in the config.txt file leader every asset has; changes which aren't really functional, but making no real change to the assets textures, meshes and other operable guts. In short, such changes are administrative data shufflings, instituting wasted time by thousands with unnecessary work-arounds.) showing up on a users Content Manager module and Main Menu screens. Trainz Trainz 1.x series Cover motto: Trainz Virtual Railroading On Your PC Main article: Trainz with no service packs applied V1.0 Trainz beta V0.9 “ Perfection is achieved, not where there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. ” —Antoine de Saint Exupery, Auran The very rare boxed Trainz: Beta version 0.9 was published in a very small run by Auran Developments in June 2001 after several initial software download versions were made available to collaborating railfans and other involved parties for testing purposes. A few things have changed in the graphics, haven't they!?! A brief history of Trainz by an early 'Auran partner', Charlie Lear on the development of this popular software can be read can be read here: 'A Brief History of Trainz', and much of what followed is presented with commentary and cover art up through TRS2006. The Beta release cover art contained a quote from Antoine de Saint Exupery. (See quote above). Targeted at the model railroading enthusiast's market niche, Trainz was bare of a lot of content, but delivered a Surveyor module much like today's, which is still the best in the business for route building. Trainz Trainz, the original version, with no service packs applied is assigned a trainz-build of 1.0 (V1.0) and is known as the 'Trainz Community Edition'. The boxed Trainz 1.0 was transferred from Auran Development and released by Auran Games, Pty. Ltd in November 2001 in a self-published regionally distributed version after an initial 24 September 2001 software download only version Generally, each applied service pack increments the version by +0.1, so with application of the third service Pack (SP3) the cumulative version code value becomes Trainz V1.3; the first fully stable software release of the series also dubbed as the 'Trainz Passenger Edition'.</ref> The release also included a licensed version of the three dimensional (3D) model building tool w:GMAX, which is responsible for the huge numbers of user created 3D assets available on the Trainz Download Station (DLS) web site. Early Trainz Mininum & Suggested Requirements {

 

TANE

Trainz: A New Era (TANE or T:ANE), the full release...

Trainz: A New Era was officially released on May 14, 2015 as an alleged full version overcoming lacks of TANE CE. TANE's Driver, Surveyor, and Content Manager modules each had their issues. Most lacked operational hotkeys users were used to having. Its CM user interface has many more powerful pluses, but wastes search specification screen space needlessly, and its overall implementation mysteriously changes terminology in the oddest places (Common Trainz operational terms, most with hotkeys before hand which were in place and well known in the community since Trainz 0.9 Beta release, and other operational menus, and especially the important mini-maps in Driver and Surveyor operated very differently. As of the SP3 release (TBV 4.5), many of these shortcomings are still disgruntling the community.

Various 'finishing touches' have been added through a succession of hotfixes, patches, and service packs with a rumored fourth service pack supposed to be nearly finished as of 12 March 2019, even while the program is being supplanted by TRS19, a new release of TANE, without the New Era tagline. One major improvement instantly popular with users was the facility allows the user to directly control where local content is kept, and to change it as desired, allowing content creators and users to customize their experience and sequester data—say separating British routes and assets from North American, enabling both less clutter in selecting and managing content in CM and Surveyor. There have been numerous upgrades, starting from the original zip downloaded installer (Code build: 78667), SP1 (Code build: 80201), SP1 Hotfix 1: 81190, SP1 Hotfix 2: 82149 to TANE SP3 (Code build: 94916)  

TANE MAC

The Mac version of TANE was also released on May 14, 2015 as an alleged full version overcoming lacks of TANE CE. The MAC user interface from Trainz Mac is alleged to be used for CM and Surveyor screens, giving the Trainz software an alien look, see, and feel for the first time since Trainz 1.0 on the one hand, and TRS2006's CM on the other.

Notes, Footnotes & References

Beginning in August of 2009, Auran/N3V Games began a Technical reference and user interest wiki called TrainzOnline. Most of the data on the site was put up by the official staff of the company.  

Sources

1. www.auran.com auran store links (historical 'release' names, albeit, ephemeral)
2. TrainzOnline Trainz-build tag wiki page
3. TrainzOnline Trainz Code build version wiki page