BVE is a free 3D cab view train simulator developed by Takashi "Mackoy" Kojima. The train simulator has thousands of routes and trains which can be downloaded, and played on this train simulator, all which are free for users to download and install! Here on BVEStation, you can download all the routes and trains available for NYCT.

OpenBVE is a free Open Source train simulator developed by "michelle". OpenBVE can play about 90% of the routes and trains that BVE can because of the similar file formats. OpenBVE also has external views, fly-by cameras, and interior views, on selected trains.

We've created a 3 step system for you to install, download, and play a route in BVE. Lets get started!

	BVE 2	BVE 4	OpenBVE
General Information
Latest Versions and Release Year	2.6.3 (March 27, 2004)	4.2.1947.25355 (May 1, 2005)	1.2.10.0 (December 19, 2010) As of 12/31/10 Please check site for latest version as it is frequently updated
Maximum Supported Resolution	640 x 480(Fullscreen, or Windowed)	1024 x 768(Fullscreen, or Windowed)	Maximum set by user's system(Fullscreen, or Windowed)
Graphics Model	DirectX 8 Draw Distancing	DirectX 9 and .NET Draw Distancing, Supports glow of signal.	OpenGL, .NET, Mono Optional Rendering Qualities, glow, blur, and draw distances.
Compatibility	Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP, (Vista & 7 on select systems with dll tricks, no guarantees)		Windows XP, Vista, 7, Linux, Mac OS X
License	Freeware (Under copyright)		Open Source/Public Domain
Interface	Right Status Screen displays safety, station, and other information	Embedded into the simulation, displays of information is on top and bottom left corners of screens, on change only.	Embedded into the simulation, displays of information is on top and bottom left corners of screens (option to remove, display at all times, display all info)
Simulation
Difficulty of simulation	Easy, simple.	More advanced than BVE 2	Depends
Cab View	Yes	Yes	Yes (Support for 3d cabs)
Train Ahead Simulation	Yes (reflected on signals)	Yes (reflected on signals)	Yes (reflected on signals and external view)
External View	No	No	Yes
Physics	Excellent	Excellent	Good (Getting better)
Train Loads	Yes	Yes	Yes
Psuedo-Stop Marking	Yes	No	Yes
Cab Brightness	No	Yes	Yes
Arcade Like	Happy Face Meter	None	Points System
Perspective	Cab View Only		360 degrees full view (External, or 3d cab only)
Other Features
Custom Controls	Fixed sets only	Some	Yes
Supported Languages	Japanese, English		Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Portugese, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, French, and More
Developer Features
Extensibility	None	DLL plugins for train cab extensions	Open Source
Coding	Less Strict	Less Strict	Very Strict, errors not found in BVE will be found in OpenBVE
Colors	Depends on video card, less strict	Depends on video card, less strict	Strict Color System
Object File Formats	B3D	B3D, CSV, X	B3D, CSV, X (uncompressed only)
Supported Image Formats	BMP		BMP, PNG, GIF, JPG
Texture Size Limitations	Must be powers of 2		Powers of 2 recommended but not required
Route Formats	RW, CSV	CSV	RW, CSV
Train Version Support	BVE 2 trains only	BVE 4 trains, some BVE 2 trains	Some BVE 2, and 4 trains
Sounds	Forces all sounds at 22050Hz	Must be at 22050Hz, or distortion occurs	Must be at 22050Hz, or distortion occurs
Development Programs	Track Viewer Motor Editor Structure Viewer		Route Viewer Train Editor Object Viewer
Links
Summary	BVE 2, easy to use, geared toward beginners, simple and more friendly interface. Works on Windows XP, requires some work for Vista and 7.	BVE 4, more advanced than BVE 2, has advanced features interface isn't as simple. Works on Windows XP, requires some work for Vista and 7.	OpenBVE, simple and cleaner, but more detailed than BVE 2/4. Allows for exterior views, works with 90% of BVE 2/4 content. Works natively on several operating systems.
	I want to use BVE 2	I want to use BVE 4	I want to use OpenBVE
	If you want to download BVE 2 or 4 without instructions, or want more official information about BVE 2,4 and the upcoming BVE 5, you can visit the official BVE Website.		If you want to download OpenBVE's development versions or want more official information about OpenBVE, you can visit the official OpenBVE Website.

BVEStation has tons of routes and trains for you to download. All you have to do is pick one, and download it. As an example we will select the V.

The V Line is a real local route that starts in Lower Manhattan and runs local North under 6th Ave till 53rd Street than turns east. It runs under the East River into Long Island City Queens. The V then continues running local along Broadway and Queens Blvd terminating at Forest Hills. As of June, 28th 2010 the V no longer runs due to the MTA Budget cuts, but that doesn't mean you cant download and still play it in BVE.


Click here to download the V

1. Once you downloaded the V, unzip the file.
2. Once you unzipped the file, open the folder to where you extracted its contents
3. The contents should be several WinRar executables, run all of them, and they should install into their respective directories
   By default, they install into the BVE 2 folder. If you are using OpenBVE, you can let it install into this folder, we'll talk about that later
4. Next download error's R46 Trainset. Click here to download
5. Once you downloaded error's R46 trainset, run the file to install.
   Again by default, it will install into the BVE 2 folder.
6. Now open up BVE 2,4, or OpenBVE and navigate to the directory where you installed the V, by default it should be in the C:/Program Files/BVE/Railway/Routes
7. Select the V, then start! Enjoy the run!

Step 3: Ok it loaded, how do I get this thing running?

Congratulations, if you followed the directions correctly, you should have the V up and running, well that is if you know the controls...

Here is the set of default controls for BVE and OpenBVE that are needed just to get the basics up.

You should have gotten your train running by now, with the default controls. There are some other issues that will arise when you download and play. When you download routes and trains from other websites, the way their installers work may be different, so please follow the directions on their sites on how to install their routes and trains. Some trains require advanced safety system controls, read the readme's of those trains for more information on how to operate them. Unfortunately most of the NYCT trains dont have these systems implemented yet, but we are working on them.

BVEStation hosts alot of routes that have dependencies on them. In order to save bandwidth and save space on your computer, most of our routes will require other routes to be installed for them to work. Our downloads section clearly displays the main files that you download, then the required, and/or optional dependencies. BVEStation will be working to make the dependency issue easier in the future for your convience, but for now please read the directions on the downloads page, and download the dependencies first if you have any problems.