German Railroads - 10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn a comprehensive anniversary collection for Microsoft Train Simulator
(MSTS), released to commemorate a decade of development by the software house German Railroads
. It bundles all the add-ons released under the German Railroads and German Trains brands between roughly 2001 and 2011. Key Contents and Features
The collection provides a massive amount of content intended to provide months of gameplay: 12 distinct German rail tracks. Rolling Stock: Over 700 locomotives and more than 900 wagons.
Over 1,200 specific tasks/activities for players to complete. Technical Upgrades
Unlike a standard bundle, this edition includes significant visual and technical improvements: DBTracks System: All included routes were upgraded with the then-new
system. This introduced high-quality 3D rails, detailed switches, and realistic 3D gravel beds that significantly improved the visual fidelity of the older MSTS engine. Enhanced Details: German Railroads - 10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn...
The collection features improved vegetation and meticulously detailed overhead lines and switch lanterns that rotate according to the track direction. Improved Graphics:
Users reported that the visual impression of these upgraded tracks was "worlds better" than the original releases. Legacy and Compatibility This collection is strictly for Microsoft Train Simulator
and is not compatible with later simulators like RailWorks or Train Simulator 20xx. Modern Systems: While originally designed for older Windows versions, the German Railroads Shop
notes that it can run on Windows 10, though specific workarounds may be needed for certain hardware configurations, such as AMD graphics cards. Availability:
Due to the age of the product and company restructuring, physical DVD versions are often no longer produced, with the software primarily available as a digital download or through the secondary market. German Railroads installing
German Railroads: 10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn German Railroads – 10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn is a comprehensive anniversary collection celebrating a decade of high-quality simulation content for the Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) platform. Released as a commemorative bundle, it serves as a definitive anthology of the "German Railroads" (GR) and "German Trains" series, bringing together ten years of development into a single package. A Decade of Simulation History German Railroads - 10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn a
For enthusiasts of virtual railroading, this collection represents the evolution of German rail simulation from early efforts into a polished, extensive library. The package includes:
12 Detailed German Routes: Spanning various eras and regions across Germany.
Massive Fleet: Over 700 locomotives and 900 wagons, providing an exhaustive variety of rolling stock.
Extensive Gameplay: More than 1,200 individual tasks (scenarios), offering months of gameplay. Key Features and Innovations
Beyond simply bundling existing content, the anniversary edition introduced significant technical upgrades that modernized the aging MSTS engine for its time:
DBTracks Integration: One of the most praised additions, this new track system replaced older models with high-quality 3D rails. This visual upgrade significantly improved the realism of the tracks compared to the original system. Teil 7: Die Zukunft – Das nächste Jahrzehnt
Exclusive Content: The collection includes specific innovations and updates that were not available in the original standalone add-ons.
Historical Authenticity: Many of the routes, such as the popular "Entlang der Bigge" (Along the Bigge), meticulously recreate the atmosphere of the Deutsche Bundesbahn in the 1970s, complete with era-specific signals, buildings, and steam engines. Legacy and Community Impact
The release of this 10-year anniversary edition was noted for reigniting interest in Microsoft Train Simulator, despite the arrival of newer platforms like Railworks. The "German Railroads" team became known for their attention to detail, particularly in capturing the unique "vintage" atmosphere of German rail history.
While newer simulations like Train Sim World have since pushed the boundaries of graphics and physics, this collection remains a cornerstone for collectors and fans of classic simulation. For those still running MSTS, it is often available through specialized simulation shops like the German Railroads Shop or via second-hand retailers like Amazon.de and eBay. German Railroads: 10 Jahre virtuelle Eisenbahn : Amazon.de
Was erwartet uns in den nächsten 10 Jahren? Auf der Jubiläumspressekonferenz gab CEO Markus Brenner (im echten Leben Fahrdienstleiter in Nürnberg) einen Ausblick:
Vision 2034:
"Wir bleiben ein Nischenprodukt", sagte Brenner im Interview, "aber wir sind die Nische mit Schotterbett. In zehn Jahren wollen wir der Ort sein, an dem junge Leute den Unterschied zwischen einer E44 und einer E94 lernen – lange bevor sie den echten Führerschein machen."
“Virtuelle Eisenbahn” (Virtual Railway) refers to the digital simulation of German railway operations. For 10 years, this niche has grown from simple hobbyist route builders to a highly detailed, professional-grade simulation ecosystem. The milestone “10 Jahre Virtuelle Eisenbahn” celebrates a decade of community-driven content, realism, and technological evolution—primarily within simulations like Train Simulator Classic (Dovetail Games), Trainz Railroad Simulator, and the freeware Zusi 3 (a professional driver training tool used by real German railways).
