if you're looking for updated graphics Which of these would be most helpful for your journey?

for downloading routes and trains (TrainSim.com or UKTrainSim)

At its core, Microsoft Train Simulator was designed to provide an authentic operational experience. Unlike arcade-style driving games, MSTS demanded precision and patience. Players had to manage complex physics, including momentum, braking distances, and the specific quirks of steam, diesel, and electric engines. The initial release featured six distinct routes, spanning the scenic Settle & Carlisle line in the UK to the high-speed Northeast Corridor in the United States and the mountain passes of Japan. This variety allowed players to experience different eras and technologies, from the Flying Scotsman’s coal-fired power to the sleek efficiency of the Odakyu Electric Railway.

While MSTS eventually saw the rise of modern competitors like Train Sim World and Run 8, its influence is undeniable. It proved that there was a viable market for hyper-realistic transportation simulations. It also served as the technical foundation for the "Train Simulator" series (now known as RailWorks), which was developed by some of the original MSTS team members.

Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS), released in May 2001 by Microsoft and Kuju Entertainment, stands as a landmark achievement in the history of simulation gaming. It transformed the niche hobby of rail enthusiasm into a digital experience, offering players the chance to take the throttle of iconic locomotives across meticulously recreated global routes. Decades after its launch, the game remains a cornerstone of the genre, remembered for its technical ambition, its role in fostering a massive modding community, and its legacy in shaping the future of rail simulation.