Looking to get into MSTS, Some questions?

I'd really like to start getting into MSTS or something similar (better!). I have a few questions:

-What would you advise someone that have never used a train simulator before?

-How long does a normal "session" on the game last?

-Does anyone have any expierence with a desktop controller? This one: http://www.raildriver.com/products/raildriver.php

-Are they hard to learn to use?

Seriously, nobody here is willing to help out someone interested in MSTS? I see 35 people have looked at the thread, someone please help me out.

WSH wrote:I'd really like to start getting into MSTS or something similar (better!). I have a few questions:

-What would you advise someone that have never used a train simulator before?

-How long does a normal "session" on the game last?

-Does anyone have any expierence with a desktop controller? This one: http://www.raildriver.com/products/raildriver.php

-Are they hard to learn to use?

-Buy it. It is the most realistic. Run the tutorials in-game and you should more or less catch right on.

-You can run activities that last hours or explore the route on your own for as long or short a period of time as you want.

-No, but I think it has to be easier initially than learning the keyboard controls. They are a bit pricey though, IMO.

WSH wrote:I'd really like to start getting into MSTS or something similar (better!). I have a few questions:

-What would you advise someone that have never used a train simulator before?


-How long does a normal "session" on the game last?



-Does anyone have any expierence with a desktop controller? This one: http://www.raildriver.com/products/raildriver.php


-Are they hard to learn to use?

1. www.train-sim.com is an excellent place for downloads and whatever you need. A second more updated version of train-sim called MSTS-X is in the making so you might want to hold off until it comes out also there is Trainz2006 as well as KUJU's new Rail-sim.

2. Depends you can explore a route which means you create the settings and you run at your freewill or you can do the activities which there are all kinds including passenger, switching freight etc etc....

3. I currently have a raildriver and I love it, if you have a good system and graphics card it will work nicely.

4. No the controls are all labeled if you have ever been in the cab of a locomotive and know the basic controls then it will be jus like breathing