Introduction: The Cult Classic of Central European Train Simulation

In the world of train simulation, names like Train Simulator Classic (Dovetail Games) and Trainz often dominate the conversation. However, for a dedicated niche of railfans and simulation purists, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, one acronym carries a heavy weight of nostalgia and community passion: .

The community also produced that mimic real 2000s-era timetables. Want to drive the InterCity "Gramos" from Keleti to Nyíregyháza with a 5-minute delay because of an "előjelző" (distant signal) restriction? That exists.

A: There is a separate add-on called MSTS Metró (available on the forum) featuring the "Ev3" trains, but it is less polished than the main MÁV routes.

Sadly, development has slowed. Many original creators moved to SimRail or Trainz . The official msts.hu website has a 2010s Web 2.0 aesthetic (complete with PHPBB forums). However, the download repository remains operational, and a core team of "veterans" still patches new rolling stock. Q: Is there an English translation? A: The core cab controls use international symbols (P for brake, R for reverse). However, scenario instructions and the MSTS Hungary website are 90% Hungarian. Use Google Chrome’s auto-translate or learn rail-related Hungarian (e.g., "Előjelző" = Distant signal).

For nearly two decades, Microsoft Train Simulator (released in 2001) has been kept alive not by Microsoft, but by a dedicated group of Hungarian developers and enthusiasts. While the base game is considered archaic by modern standards, the project transformed it into one of the most detailed, realistic, and expansive train simulation experiences available—entirely for free.