How to get Train Simulator Classic, and what to do next

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Train Simulator Classic is made by Dovetail Games (DTG) but is distributed through Steam, which is, according to Wikipedia, "a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. [...] Steam provides the user with installation and automatic management of software across multiple computers". Steam acts as the store front for dozens of game publishers amd you can buy thousands of game titles throught the Steam store. Steams offers several other features but the store is what we're interested in today.

Before buying anything on Steam, you need to:
- download and install the Steam client from the Steam website; and
- create a free Steam account if you don't already have one. The license for any game you buy will be associated with that account. Needless to say, you should choose wisely your Steam name and create a strong password which you should keep very safe, because it is the key to all your games purchased on Steam.

To purchase Train Simulator Classic, you can either go directly to the Steam store, either via the Steam client or the Steam web site, and search for "Train Simulator Classic", or you can go to the convenient "Products" page on the official Train Simulator Classic website, browse to the product's page, then click on "Buy" or "Add to cart"... which brings you to the Steam store.

You'll notice that the "Products" page and the Steam store both offer a number of add-ons for Train Simulator Classic, but this is not interesting right now, as you must first buy Train Simulator Classic itself. More on add-ons (or DLC, for "downloadable content") in a different thread.

Once you've purchased Train Simulator Classic and the transaction is confirmed, after you have parted with a variable amount of money, which can be quite reasonable if you have waited for one of Steam's periodic sales (up to 75% at times, usually 50% around major holidays), you will see Train Simulator Classic added to your Steam library. You can now install it or re-install it on any computer by simply double-clicking it in the Steam client.

If, at any time, you get a new computer, you don't have to copy Train Simulator Classic over. You just need to install the Steam client on it, log in (hopefully you remember your password) and Steam will install all the games in your library.

If, for some reason, your local installation of Train Simulator Classic becomes corrupted and is giving you problems, Steam has a very simple functionality for verifying the local files and fixing or replacing them. No expertise needed on your part.

Also, and this will surprise old-timers, you don't have to go hunting for patches and updates. Steam takes care of that, even while you sleep or toil away at work, if you don't kill the Steam client.

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What's next?

After installation is complete (which can take some time if your internet connection is slow), you need to
- read or the latest Quickstart guide, and the Keyboard guide if needed, on RSC's support page;
- start the game using the icon on your desktop, in your Start menu, or via the Steam client;
- enjoy! You're in for dozens of hours of fun and (possibly) frustration, depending on your skills.

Eventually you'll want to read the driver manual, also from RSC's support page.

The basic game comes with several North-American and European routes, with several free-roam and standard scenarios using lots of different equipment (rolling stock), including steam, diesel and electric engines, freight cars and passenger cars.

And then what's next?

Well, it depends of what more you want.
The Quickstart guide already suggests further readings. Look at that again.

Then if you want to know what other players are doing with Railworks, or if you are a train enthusiast (of course you are), you'll naturally start browsing the forums here at Railworks America, or even on one of these other excellent (but not as good ) community boards about Railworks:

Steam community forums
Trainsim.com forums and file library
UKTrainSim forums and file library
3DTrains Forums
North Eastern Rail Works forums and file library
Digirails Forums and file library
Rails and Nails

Other community links are posted on RSC's Community page.

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Reserved for more links

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After a while, you'll eventually go through all the basic routes, scenarios and rolling stock.
The good news is there are lots of additional routes, scenarios and rolling stock out there, made by RSC and third parties. We call them "DLC" for "downloadable content". You'll first hear about them on forums.

More about that in this thread.