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BVE Trainsim
BVE Trainsim
BVE Trainsim
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BVE TrainSim
DeveloperTakashi Kojima (Mackoy)
PlatformWindows
ReleaseBVE TS 1:
1996
BVE TS 2:
2001
BVE TS 4:
2005
BVE TS 5:
2011
BVE TS 6:
2020
GenreTrain simulator
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

BVE Trainsim (originally Boso View Express[1][2][3]) is a Japanese three-dimensional computer-based train simulator.[3] It is notable for focusing on providing an accurate driving experience[3][4][5] as viewed from inside the cab, rather than creating a network of other trains[6][7] —other trains passed along the route are only displayed as stationary objects.[3] BVE Trainsim was designed and developed by Takashi "Mackoy" Kojima[8] starting in 1996[3] with the original program name coming from the Japanese 255 series multiple unit trains found in routes in Japan.[citation needed]

Although the internal working of the BVE Trainsim program itself cannot be modified, additional routes and train cab views can be added[4][5] via a number of text-based configuration files.[6] Route builders have produced over 300 additional routes for the program, along with matching cab environments. Routes built by independent developers simulate rail activity in Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and Europe.[9]

BVE Trainsim 1

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BVE Trainsim 1 was released in 1996 as an Alpha version under the name Boso View Express[10] and 1999 as a Beta Version. This version, the first version of BVE to be produced, had an interface that was similar to BVE Trainsim 2, but did not have a logo. Instead, the official symbol of BVE up until the release of BVE 2 in 2001 featured the words: 暴走 VIEW EXPRESS.[11]

BVE Trainsim 2

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Screenshot of a MTR M-Train EMU driver's cab in BVE 2

The first stable version released in 2001. BVE Trainsim 2 featured ATS and ATC.[citation needed] The latest version of BVE 2 is ver. 2.6.3 which was released on 27 March 2004.[citation needed]

BVE Trainsim 3

[edit]

Unreleased and later cancelled, BVE Trainsim 3 was originally started in 2003 as an improvement over BVE Trainsim 2, but was eventually stopped due to problems encountered with development of the aforementioned program.[11]

BVE Trainsim 4

[edit]
Screenshot of a British Rail Class 323 driver's cab in BVE 4

BVE Trainsim 4, released in 2005, added support for plugins to simulate train safety systems other than ATS and ATC. Because of the cancellation of version three, this was the first follow-on stable version since version two. It also has better graphics than BVE 2 with the latter being a major update. The latest version of BVE 4 is ver. 4.2.1947.25355 which was released on 1 May 2005.

The London Transport Museum used BVE Trainsim 4 to provide a simulation platform, within a mock underground rolling stock of the London Underground 1996 Stock,[12] before later porting to openBVE in 2010.

BVE Trainsim 5

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BVE Trainsim 5 was officially released on 5 September 2011 as the successor to BVE 4.[citation needed]

In July 2008, the developer stated that he was rewriting BVE Trainsim from scratch because the previously released versions (BVE 2 and BVE 4) do not work with DirectX 9, and that the new version would support Windows Vista and Windows 7.[13]

The first BVE 5 version (ver. 5.0.4265.3690) features a new format for storing train routes and route dependencies and a redesigned interface including a distance to next station indicator and a passenger comfort indicator. The latest version of BVE 5 is ver. 5.7.6224.40815 which was released on 17 March 2017.[14]

The BVE 5 download page also includes a route converter which can convert BVE 4 routes into a format recognised by BVE 5.[citation needed]

BVE Trainsim 6

[edit]

BVE Trainsim 6 Release Candidate was announced and made available to the public as the successor to BVE 5 on June 21, 2020. Full release of BVE Trainsim 6 was made available on September 23, 2020.[15]

BVE 6 is released as a 64-bit application, allowing for scenarios with larger data sizes and support for Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows 11. BVE 6 also features support for 64-bit plugins, a new format for vehicle files and support for non-vertical cab gauges.[16]

Included in the new release is the Uchibō Line, a newly developed example scenario demonstrating the new features available in BVE 6.[17]

openBVE

[edit]
A screenshot of openBVE featuring a view from a locomotive cab.
openBVE 1.4.2

openBVE is an independently developed open-source train simulator. Although the name and logo were originally based on BVE Trainsim, openBVE is free and open-source software developed and written from scratch. It features support for train exteriors, animated 3D cab environments and animated scenery. Internally, openBVE makes use of OpenGL for rendering, as well as OpenAL for three-dimensional positional audio.

The program is noted for its cab ambiance and realism.[18] It is currently distributed in the public domain,[19] along with full C# and C source code.

History

[edit]

openBVE was originally conceived in 2009, as a free and open-source simulator, capable of running routes from BVE Trainsim, but with the eventual aim of loading content from other simulations, and the development of a separate route format. Initial development was done over four years from 2009 to 2013, by a team of four developers, led by Michelle Boucquemont (michelle) and odakyufan. In 2007[timeframe?] most active development has ended, as the main developer Michelle Boucquemont ended her active work. Despite the lacking developer support, around 2009 openBVE was capable of running most BVE Trainsim routes correctly and also supported additional features, including an exterior view, animated 3D cabs, and animated objects.

To end the stalled development in October 2015 a continuation of OpenBVE was announced on BVEWorldwide by another group of developers.[20] The group transferred the development and codebase to a new repository on GitHub.[21] To date (May 2017), numerous additions were made by the project: new parameters for animated objects and the plugin API,[22] several unfixed errata from the previous openBVE 1.4.3 errata fixed,[23] Dynamic lighting and backgrounds added,[24] and a basic package format has been added to make the installation of addons easier.[25]

OpenBVE was selected in September 2013 as "HotPick" by Linux Format.[26]

References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

BVE Trainsim

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
BVE Trainsim is a three-dimensional simulator software designed for personal computers, specializing in realistic cab-view simulations of railway operations, particularly those of Japanese train lines. Originally developed as Bōsō View Express by Takashi "mackoy" Kojima, it was first released in as an alpha version and has since evolved into a highly moddable platform emphasizing accurate physics, simple controls, and community-driven content creation. The simulator's development began in , where it quickly gained a dedicated following for its focus on authentic train handling and route replication, supported by a robust that allows users to create and share custom trains, routes, and . Key versions include BVE Trainsim 5.0 (released , 2011) and the latest major updates, BVE Trainsim 5.8 and 6 on September 23, 2020, along with the JR Uchibo Line , and the Keisei Chiba Line on October 3, 2020. While primarily oriented toward Japanese railways, the open-source nature of its file formats has enabled an to develop content for global routes, though language barriers and file system changes in later versions have influenced its popularity outside . Although the original version's development ceased after 2020, an open-source fork known as openBVE continues to be actively developed. BVE Trainsim stands out for its emphasis on realism without complex interfaces, featuring precise speed control, detailed signaling systems, and environmental interactions that replicate real-world dynamics. Available in English and Japanese, it received its last updates in 2020 from its sole developer, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of free .

Overview

Definition and Purpose

BVE Trainsim is a three-dimensional cab-view train simulator developed by Takashi "Mackoy" Kojima, originating as Boso View Express in 1996. This program emphasizes a realistic in-cab driving experience, limiting the simulation to the perspective of a single without modeling external networks or other locomotives. The core purpose of BVE Trainsim is to accurately replicate operations, including , braking, and adherence to routes, while incorporating Japanese signaling systems such as (ATS) and (ATC) for safety and precision. Designed primarily for rail enthusiasts and educational use, it allows users to master the intricacies of handling from the driver's viewpoint, fostering an understanding of real-world rail protocols without the complexity of broader environmental interactions. Emerging in to simulate domestic rail lines, BVE Trainsim gained global reach through its freeware distribution and support for text-based via simple file formats like CSV, enabling easy creation and sharing of custom content. The community has produced numerous routes worldwide, primarily focused on Japanese networks but extending to international lines in regions such as , , and .

Fundamental Features

BVE Trainsim provides a cab-view simulation that immerses the user in a first-person perspective from the driver's seat, enabling direct interaction with key controls such as the , , , and lights through keyboard inputs or compatible hardware. This setup emphasizes realistic operation without external views dominating the experience, focusing solely on the cab environment for operational fidelity. Routes in BVE Trainsim are defined using a text-based .csv file format, where track geometry, signals, and stations are specified through comma-separated commands parsed line by line. For instance, track curves and pitches are set relative to a central rail using commands like Track.Curve and Track.Pitch at specified positions in meters, while stations are marked with Track.Sta including details like names and stop points. Train physics are configured via the .train.dat file, a plain-text format that outlines acceleration curves per power notch—using parameters like initial acceleration (a0), final acceleration (a1), transition speed (v1), and an exponent (e) for speed-dependent adjustments—and brake notches with deceleration rates typically around 1 km/h/s. The simulator integrates Japanese-style signaling systems, including (ATS) and (ATC), which enforce rules such as automatic braking for speed limit violations. ATC, for example, divides routes into 200-meter blocks to monitor distances to ahead trains or restrictions, applying penalties like emergency stops if deceleration cannot be achieved in time; it is activated between stations via Track.Sta commands with a safety flag. These systems simulate real-world enforcement without player override options beyond basic acknowledgments. Audio elements consist of files for operational sounds, referenced in a sound.cfg file for events like motor run, noise, and ATS alerts, providing auditory feedback tied to train states and speeds. Visual interfaces rely on simple 2D panels defined in panel.cfg, featuring bitmap-based gauges such as speedometers with rotatable needles (specified by center coordinates, radius, maximum speed, and angle) and pressure indicators for brake systems, rendered transparently over the cab view using pure blue pixels for cutouts. The lacks dynamic effects or interactions with multiple trains on the route, maintaining a focused single-player experience. Modding in BVE Trainsim is highly accessible due to its use of plain-text files for routes and trains, allowing creators to define coordinates, events, and parameters using standard text editors like without requiring . This format supports straightforward editing of track layouts, signal placements, and physics behaviors, fostering community contributions from the outset. Later versions introduced enhancements to these core elements, such as expanded file parsing, but the foundational text-based approach remained central.

Original Development

Early Versions (1 and 2)

BVE Trainsim's development commenced in 1996 under the leadership of Takashi Kojima, with an initial emphasis on replicating the operations of Japanese suburban railway lines. The inaugural alpha release that year, titled , functioned primarily as a rudimentary route viewer, featuring static track displays and basic driving controls devoid of sophisticated physics modeling. Alpha testing followed in 1997. A beta version was released in 1999. Version 2 marked a significant evolution, with its initial release in 2001 introducing essential safety systems such as and signaling, alongside refined physics simulations for and deceleration dynamics, and rudimentary cab-view panels for operator interaction. The series culminated in version 2.6.3, released on March 27, 2004, which solidified these foundational elements as the stable pinnacle of the early iterations. Despite these advancements, the early versions labored under notable constraints, including 32-bit architecture exclusivity, absence of plugin extensibility, primitive graphics rendered via 7, and route definitions confined to simple text-based files that precluded intricate object modeling or environmental complexity. This version 2.6.3 served as the terminal stable release prior to the 2003 abandonment of BVE Trainsim 3, a project halted amid Kojima's hurdles.

Later Versions (4 to 6)

Following the release of early versions, BVE Trainsim underwent a period of evolution marked by a development gap, including the cancellation of version 3 in 2003 due to technical challenges. This hiatus lasted several years, during which the developer, known as mackoy, focused on a complete rewrite to address limitations in prior iterations, culminating in version 5 in 2011. Version 4, initially released in 2005 with the final update 4.2 on May 1, 2005, introduced key enhancements for extensibility and rendering. It added a plugin architecture allowing custom extensions, such as simulations for train safety systems beyond basic ATS and ATC. Graphics were upgraded to 8 support, enabling smoother rendering, while object handling in routes improved through features like dynamic scenery loading in 25-meter blocks for better performance. Version 5, launched on September 5, 2011, with iterative updates culminating in 5.8 on September 23, 2020, represented a major overhaul for modern systems. It introduced a new route and data format offering high flexibility for creators, though incompatible with BVE 2 and 4 content without a dedicated converter. Support shifted to 9 for enhanced visual fidelity, alongside compatibility with , 7, 8.1, 10, and 11, ensuring stability on contemporary hardware like Intel Core 2 Duo processors or better with 8 GB RAM and 9.0c-compatible GPUs such as Intel HD Graphics 4000. These changes prioritized longevity and ease of use for route development. Version 6, the final official release on September 23, 2020, transitioned to a 64-bit to handle larger scenarios and data sizes without memory constraints. It featured an updated vehicle format tailored for BVE 6, support for non-vertical cab gauges, and improved stability on modern operating systems including (64-bit) and 11. While 64-bit plugins were newly supported, compatibility with older 32-bit train protection plugins was dropped, though core route playback from prior versions remained viable via converters or adaptations. This update emphasized preservation and reliability over radical innovations, solidifying BVE Trainsim's role as a stable simulator for existing content.

openBVE

Development History

openBVE originated in 2009 as an open-source reimplementation of the BVE5 train simulator, initiated by primary developer Michelle Boucquemont to ensure continued compatibility and accessibility for existing content. Written in C# using the , it was designed from the outset for cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, and systems. The project adopted a license, allowing unrestricted modifications and distribution, while emphasizing with BVE4 and BVE5 route and train files through integration of rendering via the OpenTK library. The initial stable release, version 1.0, arrived on , 2009, introducing basic enhancements such as improved rendering and initial support for third-party content without requiring proprietary elements from the original BVE series. Initial development progressed under Boucquemont's from 2009 to 2013, focusing on stability, plugin support, and expanded format compatibility, after which primary efforts stalled. The project was revived in 2015 with migration to under maintainer Christopher Lees (leezer3), enabling broader community contributions and modernization of the codebase. openBVE has remained independent from the original BVE Trainsim developer, "Mackoy" Kojima, whose proprietary updates for BVE5 and the short-lived BVE6 concluded in September 2020 with version 5.8. The project continues to be actively maintained by a global team, with the latest stable release, version 1.11.2.7, issued on October 13, 2025, incorporating bug fixes, minor feature additions, and ongoing compatibility improvements. As of 2025, development persists through community-driven efforts on , ensuring the simulator's relevance for route creators and enthusiasts.

Enhanced Capabilities

openBVE significantly advances the simulation capabilities of the original BVE Trainsim through a range of technical upgrades focused on , file handling, , and . These enhancements enable more realistic train driving experiences and greater creative freedom for developers, while maintaining broad compatibility with legacy content. In terms of , openBVE leverages for cross-platform and for immersive audio, supporting Windows, , and macOS environments. This allows for animated 3D objects that simulate dynamic scenery and moving elements, exterior views of the player's train including preceding consists, and flexible camera panning in all directions to enhance situational awareness. Building on the original signaling systems, these features integrate seamlessly with route events for more lifelike operations. File support has been extended to ensure compatibility with BVE2, BVE4, and BVE5 routes, while introducing native formats like .b3d for defining complex 3D models through textual commands such as vertices, faces, cylinders, and transformations including and scaling. Enhanced parsing of .train.dat files supports intricate physics definitions, including per-car systems, , and air resistance curves. Additional mechanics include dynamic lighting systems that model ambient and directional illumination with time-based transitions and cab brightness blending for realistic day-night cycles. Spatial audio via incorporates sound occlusion to simulate environmental muffling, while the panel2.cfg format enables customizable 2D panels with elements like needles, gauges, and digital displays, extensible to 3D cabs through animated object integration. Event overlays provide tools, such as markers for route events and indicators like wheelslip, to assist developers in . Performance optimizations feature native 64-bit from version 1.11.2.7 onward, which improves handling of extensive routes by reducing memory constraints and accelerating loading for object-heavy scenes. Although the primary focus remains on desktop platforms, experimental efforts toward mobile compatibility, including interfaces, have been noted in development repositories. A notable distinction from the original BVE Trainsim involves incompatible structural changes, such as the use of yaw, pitch, and roll rotation vectors in object and signal definitions, which can misinterpret legacy parameters and necessitate content adaptations for full fidelity.

Community and Impact

Content Creation

Content creation for BVE Trainsim and its variants relies on accessible text-based file formats and community-supported utilities, enabling users to build custom routes and trains without . Route development primarily involves editing CSV files using standard text editors to define , including blocks for straight sections and curves via spline commands, as well as placing signals, stations, and speed restrictions. These files serve as the foundational structure for simulating rail operations, with commands specifying track curvature, elevation changes, and event triggers like door operations. To facilitate testing and refinement, tools such as RouteViewer provide a visual preview of route geometry, allowing creators to inspect track alignment, object placement, and event sequencing before full simulation. The typical process begins with defining the track spline using CSV commands for position and curvature, followed by inserting signals with associated speed limits and station stops; operational sounds for the train are then assigned within the route file to synchronize with events. Validation occurs through iterative runs in the simulator, where discrepancies in physics or visuals are debugged directly in the text files. Train development centers on configuring the .train.dat file to model physics, equipment, and behaviors, where parameters like acceleration curves (specified in km/h/s across speed ranges) and vehicle mass determine motion, alongside braking curves and passenger load effects. Cab view interfaces are created using .panel or .panel2 configuration files, which map bitmap images to interactive controls such as throttles, brakes, and indicators, ensuring realistic driver perspectives. Sound mapping integrates audio files into the .train.dat by indexing operational noises—like acceleration hums or brake squeals—to specific speed and control states, enhancing immersion. The community has developed free utilities to streamline these workflows, including the Train Editor for graphically adjusting .train.dat parameters like brake curves and acceleration previews, and converters that adapt content from other simulators, such as Microsoft Train Simulator's .s object format, into BVE-compatible CSV or animated models. Additional tools like the Converter handle version migrations for routes and trains across BVE iterations. This ecosystem has resulted in numerous add-ons available through repositories like BVEStation, encompassing Japanese routes such as the Chuo Line and international simulations from the and , fostering a vibrant collaborative environment for rail enthusiasts.

Current Status and Legacy

As of 2025, the original BVE Trainsim versions 5 and 6 remain available for download from the official website bvets.net, with the last official updates occurring in September 2020, including scenario releases for routes like the JR Uchibo Line and Keisei Chiba Line. In contrast, the openBVE continues active maintenance, with its latest stable release, version 1.11.2.7, issued on October 13, 2025, and distributed via openbve-project.net and . These 2025 updates for openBVE ensure compatibility with modern systems, including through standard installers and Mac OS X via compressed archives, allowing continued operation on contemporary hardware without reported major issues. BVE Trainsim maintains a niche presence within enthusiast communities focused on realistic rail simulation, but development of the original versions by creator Takashi "Mackoy" Kojima has declined since 2020, with no further releases beyond version 6.0.7554.619. openBVE, however, remains stable, receiving occasional compatibility fixes and enhancements to support legacy content, sustaining its role as the primary engine for the ecosystem. Usage trends reflect a small but dedicated user base, often centered on freeware add-ons for Japanese and international routes, though broader interest has shifted toward commercial titles like Dovetail Games' Train Sim World series. The legacy of BVE Trainsim, originating in , spans nearly three decades and pioneered accessible, free simulation with modding capabilities that emphasized realistic physics and signaling without requiring high-end hardware. This approach influenced mobile adaptations, such as Hmmsim, a Korean train simulator series that directly incorporates BVE add-ons for routes and s, enabling PC content to run on Android and iOS devices. Educationally, openBVE has been utilized in railway technology training, as demonstrated in a 2024 prototype-based study where it enhanced students' understanding of operations and through interactive simulations. Challenges include the indefinite closure of key community forums like BVEStation since 2021, limiting new discussions, yet preservation efforts ensure over 25 years of content remains playable via openBVE's and community archives.

References

  1. https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=5020
  2. https://bvets.net/en/updates.html
  3. https://openbve-project.net/
  4. https://bvets.net/en/
  5. https://bvets.net/en/me/
  6. https://www.giantbomb.com/bve/3030-32000/
  7. https://www.mobygames.com/game/4207/boso-view-express/
  8. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/play.html
  9. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/routes/csv.html
  10. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/trains/train_dat.html
  11. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/routes/tutorial_atc.html
  12. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/trains/sound_cfg.html
  13. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/trains/panel_cfg.html
  14. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-flare-path-asks-oskari
  15. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/trains/overview.html
  16. https://en.namu.wiki/w/BVE%20Trainsim
  17. https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=7778
  18. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/bve-faq-help-please-read.15072/
  19. http://bvets.net/en/download/main5-8.html
  20. https://bvets.net/en/download/main6.html
  21. https://railsimroutes.net/blog/openbve/openbve-v10-is-here/
  22. https://openbve-project.net/documentation/HTML/plugin_overview.html
  23. https://openbve-project.net/copyright/
  24. https://github.com/leezer3/OpenBVE
  25. https://github.com/leezer3/OpenBVE/releases/tag/1.11.2.7
  26. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/information/bve.html
  27. https://railsimroutes.net/openbve/
  28. https://openbve-project.net/documentation/HTML/object_b3d.html
  29. https://openbve-project.net/documentation/HTML/train_train_dat.html
  30. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/routes/xml/dynamiclight.html
  31. https://openbve-project.net/documentation/HTML/train_panel2_cfg.html
  32. https://openbve-project.net/intro/V1.5.3.0/
  33. https://openbve-project.net/page9/
  34. https://github.com/leezer3/openbve-1
  35. https://openbve-project.net/documentation/HTML/tool_routeviewer.html
  36. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/trains/default_sounds.html
  37. https://openbve-project.net/documentation/HTML/tool_traineditor.html
  38. https://openbve-project.net/documentation_hugo/en/objects/other/msts.html
  39. http://bvets.net/en/download/tools.html
  40. https://www.bvestation.com/
  41. https://bvets.net/
  42. https://openbve-project.net/download/
  43. https://github.com/leezer3/OpenBVE/releases
  44. https://jeminie.kr/Add-On
  45. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388737379_A_Train_Driving_Simulator_to_Enhance_Railway_Technology_Student%27s_Learning_Experience_Using_Prototype_Method_and_OpenBVE
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