A-Train
 

Feel free to comment and discuss this game here. Also, if you have any useful tips or tricks don't hesitate to share them with the others! Thanks!

Review and Download (if available)

I like this game, and remember it! (Yay, finally said something positive! :bleh: )

I dont found where change the video option, the game looks nicely but the cityscape without color is a sort of cold.

I remember this game too - Its quite hard if I remember ( I would have been about 10 years old when I played this last though); certainly easier to spend all your money without doing anything remotely useful or profitable compared with Railroad Tycoon anway. I think there was a cheat where you could somehow save the demo game running in the background of the title screen though! I cant wait to get home from work and download this and play it again!

Really a great game and an important addition to the site.
Looked for this gem a few month ago. BUt it was hardly to find...
Then, when I finally found it, the old version of dosbox didn´t execute it properly. But I hadn´t to wait too long until a new dosbox release was brought up.
Gameplay is - even today - quite hard I think. The biggest problem seemed to be to balance the trains right on their route...

Ahh a classic, great game indeed.

If I remember right on Chirstmas Eve you should be able to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(laiocfar @ Jul 13 2006, 12:58 AM) [snapback]243010[/snapback]</div>You can change the video using arguments when running atrain.bat. If you try to run atcons.exe it will tell you this:

Usage : ATCONS.EXE (VideoMode} {Mono/Color} [SoundSource]
VideoMode : /480 = 640x480
: /350 = 640x350
: /720 = Herculies Mono Mode
MonoColor : /M = Mono
: /C = Color

SoundSource : Optional
/NOSOUND
/IBM
/TANDY
/PS1
/ADLIB
/COVOX
/BLAST
/PPDAC
/ROLAND

Using this information, I would recommend this:

atrain /480 /C /IBM

... or something similar (there may be a better sound option, I'm not sure)

I tried to switch it to monochrome to see what you are seeing, but it has some sort of database error if I try it, I was able to turn off the sound though so I know those config settings work to some extent.

If you want this game i would dl it fast if i were you.

I remember seeing this quite brilliant game on the feared esa list.

When i played this often the best way of making money seemed to be building and selling houses continously.

But there was a scenery which was quite profitable from the start on.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Guest @ Jul 13 2006, 06:08 PM) [snapback]243183[/snapback]</div>You can change the video using arguments when running atrain.bat. If you try to run atcons.exe it will tell you this:

Usage : ATCONS.EXE (VideoMode} {Mono/Color} [SoundSource]
VideoMode : /480 = 640x480
: /350 = 640x350
: /720 = Herculies Mono Mode
MonoColor : /M = Mono
: /C = Color

SoundSource : Optional
/NOSOUND
/IBM
/TANDY
/PS1
/ADLIB
/COVOX
/BLAST
/PPDAC
/ROLAND

Using this information, I would recommend this:

atrain /480 /C /IBM

... or something similar (there may be a better sound option, I'm not sure)

I tried to switch it to monochrome to see what you are seeing, but it has some sort of database error if I try it, I was able to turn off the sound though so I know those config settings work to some extent.
[/b][/quote]

I runned that file but it exit before i cant touch anything so, again we i can set the color on?

You need to use the command prompt, dosbox, or dos itself to run it.

To start the command prompt, go to the Start menu, Programs, Accessories, and then Command Prompt.

In the command prompt, type:

c: (replace "c" with the drive letter which a-train is on)

cd\a-train (replace "a-train" with the name of the folder a-train is in)

atrain /480 /C /IBM

That should hopefully work. You could also create a shortcut for atrain.bat and put /480 /C /IBM after its target if you don't like typing every time you wish to start the game.

If you tried this before, I am sorry I misunderstood you. On the other hand, if you have never used the command prompt before, then you will have to learn to be able to change the settings on this game. You may want to read some dos tutorials for help.

Hope this helps. :ok:

Great game, used to spend days playing this on the old Amiga 500. Once I accidentally left the computer on for a couple of days and when I came back my city had grown huge :max:

Anyway i've got the same problem as the previous poster, I can play it in DOSbox monochrome (but with music) or I can play it in DOS with colour but no music (except for click-click on the internal speaker).

My version of DOSbox in 0.63 so those of you running successfully which version of DOSbox are you using?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(A-Train Guest @ Jul 15 2006, 02:51 PM) [snapback]243415[/snapback]</div>Fixed, updated to DOSBox v0.65 and it's running perfectly :ok:

Hi All,
I used to play this game a lot and was very happy to find that I could Dl it but I also have issues trying to run it. When I use DOSbox 0.65 and run the AT.EXE DOSbox closes and nothing happens. I can get it running from command prompt but it is monochrome and no music (which I used to lkove) and it runs on internal speaker. Not sure but I think it is also running too fast aswell. (I have changed the speed slider down). I am running on XP pro and know that this system has some gremlins when running older games. Any ideas/suggestions??

I am having a mare trying to install this game !! please can any 1 help with a step by step guide

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Guest @ Jul 21 2006, 11:28 PM) [snapback]244398[/snapback]</div>You ought to be able to get it running by going to the start menu, then select "run" and type "cmd". this should bring up the command prompt (DOS) then type "c:\maxis\atrain\atrain" (although this will depend on where the game has been installed on your c drive but on mine it is as above). This should get the game up and running but you may find you experience the same issues that I do... i.e. monochrome with no sound except internal speakers.
Do you have DOSbox? If so have you tried running it on that? If you do not have it you can find it at this link:

http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/download.php...9cf75c79f247c89

either way let me know how you get on it would be interesting to see if you have the same probs as me.
BTW what is your OS?

Hi, tried it but says the system cannot find the path specified!

i do have dosbox installed but no idea how it all works

you can mount drives. For example, you make a folder "dosgames" on C:\. Then you go into dosbox and type
mount c c:\dosgames
This command mounts the dosgames folder as your C:\ drive in dosbox. You can then put your games folders in that folder and run them from dosbox just like you would run them on a dos PC.

Hi there !

First, you have probably give the answer before, but i'm very poor in english (it's not my birth language).

So, yesterday i have downloaded Dosbox windows version and A-train.

But i don't have any idea of how play at this game ! Can you explain simply for me how to play at this game with or without dosbox? (i have Win98 SE).

Thanks a lot !

You can try to start this game following DOSBox Tutorial step by step :ok:

Grinder !!

thanks for your help so far. I`v now got all the games i want in a folder in the c drive called dosgames !! now how the hell do i run a-train from there then??

cheers

Look at two images below.

DOSBox directory in Windows Explorer:

http://dl.abandonia.com/updates/Game...inexplorer.jpg


A-Train directory in DOSBox:

http://dl.abandonia.com/updates/GameArchives/DOSBox.jpg


If you have the same in DOSBox just type ATRAIN :ok:

OK I have finally figured out how to get this game running on DOSbox v.0.65 (Phew!).
on the version that I downloaded there are 3 executable files, AT.EXE, INFO.EXE AND INSTALL.EXE. I was trying to run the game on dosbox using the AT.EXE but you need to use the INSTALL.EXE...
to find the path for this file enter the folder where atrain has been saved to and right click on the file labled as INSTALL.EXE, selct the program tab and the filepath should be listed in there in the command line (for me the location is C:\oldgames\atrain\atrain\INSTALL.EXE).

I have put all old dos games into a folder called "oldgames", so this is the folder that I mount a the c drive for dosbox.

So from scratch when I run dosbox I type the following:

mount c c:\oldgames <enter>
c: <enter>
cd atrain <enter>
cd atrain <enter>
install.exe <enter>

Obviously you don't actually type <enter> just hit the enter key.
Now form here you can install atrain and set it up for colour instead of mono and select the relevant soundcard (sooundblaster works fine for me although I am not acually using a soundblaster)
when the install is complete all you should then need to do is type atrain and voila! atrain ought to be running...

Happy trainspotting :D

wow O_o

Ok i test that and go here if a can or can't play ^^

still stuck romano !!

have dos box in my c drive but how do i get all the games i want in to the dosbox file like you have?

all my games i have downloaded are in c:\dosgames

they have the the winrar zip archive next to them ??

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Guest @ Jul 27 2006, 12:12 AM) [snapback]245315[/snapback]</div>You should extract zip archive to appropriate folder !

Download and installation

all sorted, ta

i have a few more games fromanother site and the have .tzx ?? whats the story with them

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Guest @ Jul 27 2006, 01:10 AM) [snapback]245325[/snapback]</div>Those games are for ZX Spectrum primarily :whistling:

Which means you need a Spectrum emulator to run them.

For anyone having problems there is a manual over at underdogs.

This is a fun game. I have had a problem with the zipped version though: I have been unable to save games. Whenever I try to, I get "error- write protected disk". Has anybody else had the same problem and is there anything that can be done about it?

Are you using DosBox to run the game?

I can run the game normally in colour, but it takes ages for the computer to respond with laying and removing tracks. Why is this? Anyone else with the same problem?

Use DosBox to solve that problem.

I'm looking for a strategy guide to this great game. Can anybody help me out?

I have problem to try to install A Train Construction Set any idea?

I have problem to try to install my new TV any idea?







(a bit of description maybe?)

Your problem description is insufficient for us to provide a proper answer.

Please answer the following questions:
1. What operating system do you have?
2. Did you try using VDMSound or DosBox to run the game?
3. What exact steps did you follow when trying to install the game?

As someone who has played this game since it came out, I never tire of constantly designing better cities in this game. I will however state that I obviously never had a guide to work by when playing this game originally. You make tonnes of mistakes start again, and try again, but one day something clicks and you can finally work out how to play the game.

I don't believe I've hit the best outcome in this game, or ever will, but each time it gets better.

There are certain ways to kick start the economy, why at the start you can clear land, or you can do what I do and spam apartments. Either way, my current best is 140k population in 2 years and a bullet train. Yes, it is possible. It's the title screen which gave me the inspiration for it. Basically I won't play anything other then scenario 1, it is however the easiest.

Best way to make money is to place stadiums and amusement parks, and then sell them in a couple of months time for 3 - 5 times the price.

But, I shouldn't give away too much, that is why this game is so good, because it's a complex puzzle waiting to be solved, and if I told you everything, then it would no longer be fun. This game is well and truely worth the purchase price, it's such a pity that the learning curve is so hard and people don't have the patience for it, this is definitely in my oppinion better then any simcity product ever made. It's up there on my list next to settlers 2. Smart games are such a niche these days, it's a pity that recent versions of atrain don't get converted to english, this game deserves way more respect.

Hi, I played it and then want to save but it wasnt possible. (write protection or something like that)

Does anyone know how to handle this??

I remember playing this game on the autumn of 1993. I had really a great time then, and this "time" lasted for about months and that`s a very long period of time if you`d ask me :P, still I prefer A4 Netwoks (AIV Network$ or whatever you like to call it) that unfortunately isn`t on Abandonia.
I had the problem with Write-protection while using DOSBox, but I haven`t tried on my Dos Machine because when I launch the program from Windows 98 it says that the file is not a valid Windows executable... :tai:
And that`s bogus because it isn`t even a windows executable!

A Train!
 

I loved this game. I still have the disks, and the manual. I'll unzip and get it running tomorrow....:)

Just loaded this up myself, though on either Win98's own DOS prompt or though DOSbox, the terrain screen comes out monochrome while if I reset my system to restart into DOS mode, the colours come out perfect, but I have no mouse control. Since I believe it's a simple DOS thing, and my dos knowledge is non existant, anyone know if any driver or such needs to be activated in DOS before running A-Train.

Yep, you need a DOS mouse driver. If you don't have one, try Cutemouse.

Amazon has a few copies of a strategy guide that I got back when the game was new. Makes game play a lot more fun.

Here's the "pretty" Amazon link to the book:

A-Train: The Official Strategy Guide by Nick Dargahi

And thanks for posting this. Makes it a lot easier to load on my system (although I still have the original disks and manuals).

T.

Mac Version
 

I wish I could find the Mac version to run in Mini vMac emulator. I preferred the Mac version of this game because the UI felt a lot smoother.

Anyone have it?

I've been meaning to get around to playing this game again.

Atrain 8
 

A-Train (actually called take the a train 3) is a huge hit in japan (is a japanese game) And they have just realeased a-train 9 (in japanese though :() However a-train 8 got a european release in 2008. Same principles as this but in a cool 3d enviroment.

Manual
 

Can someone please upload a manual, or give me a link to a site where I can find one? I can't seem to find a manual for this game anywhere, and I can't figure the game out without one.

You'll find a tutorial txt file @
http://www.hotud.org/component/conte...mulation/19768

A bit late but ...
Macintosh Garden is back online @HotU
http://www.macintoshgarden.org/games/a

Do you mind uploading the manual? I'd really love to get a copy of it!

From the Manual Q&A section:
Q. What are those flying objects I occasionally see on the
maps?
A. Depending on the map, and what you've had for dinner, there
are some interesting items in the skies. During the night of
December 24, Santa Claus is flying across the map. UFOs may
appear on summer nights, and there are firework shows on
Saturday nights in August at the amusement parks.

1) It can be downloaded from Abandonware at:
http://www.myabandonware.com/game/a-train-1bn

2) Building and selling apartments is profitable and stimulates the simulator to start building. Providing materials is also important so it can build, and passengers to add population and have demand for houses, etc. Finally, having a good balance with creating jobs helps also - factories, lease buildings and later commercial buildings provide jobs.

I had a problem installing it on my iMac using Boxer (DosBox). The problem I had was that both Atrain and AT-Set need to be mounted as separate drives and then you basically have to go to the drive where AT-Set is on and install it telling it what drive Atrain is on. The reason for this is that AT-Set needs to install itself in the same directory as Atrain but you can't just copy the files over, it has to use the install.exe program. (i.e. Atrain might be at C:\Maxis\Atrain according to DosBox but it is really just C:\ in the perspective of AT-Set that is itself on D:, for example, when mounted. Confusing I know. 'Hope that helps a bit.

As an aside, I remember when I played the game back in 1993 or 4 I liked it so much I bought the deluxe boxed set with manual, construction set and another tips and strategy book. The strategy guide was thinner than the manual but had great tips on how to succeed at each of the scenarios 1-6 and had other details like how many materials were produced with different configurations/ combinations of factories like 2 or three parallel, side by side, in series, etc.

Anyone have the extra tips and strategies book?