Trainz/Installing Service Packs

Trainz service packs update the program so as to fix bugs and add additional features. Each version of Trainz has its own set of service packs. Service packs are free of charge when downloaded via the Internet.

The last service pack released for TRS2004 is SP4.

The only service pack released for TRS2006 is SP1. This is not available for the French and German editions. For those editions, separate full-priced versions of TRS2006 which include SP1 are available. These are called TRS2007 or TRS2008.

Trainz Classics will not be upgraded by means of service packs. Instead, separate full-priced versions of the product will be released. These will include at least one additional layout as well as the program upgrade.

Unlike most modern software, there is no option within Trainz to check for updates, then download and install them. Instead, the entire process has to be performed manually.

Before applying a service pack, backup all the assets you have created yourself or downloaded. There is a definite risk of losing these assets during the service pack installation.

Before downloading a service pack, run Trainz and make a note of the build number displayed on the program's main menu. This uniquely defines the version, regional edition and service pack level. When downloading a service pack, the first number in the filename of the service pack file must match your build number. The slightest discrepency in these numbers will cause the service pack installation to fail. The second number in the filename is the build number that will result after successfully installing the service pack.

Some service packs can be downloaded from Auran's web site. Service packs for some regional editions of Trainz can be downloaded from the distribution company for the relevant country, for example Just Trains for the UK. Some Trainz fansites also make some service packs available to their members.

Be sure to also obtain the full instructions for installing the service pack. It is absolutely vital to follow those instructions in every precise detail without omitting any of the steps. SP1 for TRS2006 is particularly unforgiving and will fail if there is the slightest deviation from the instructions.