View source for BVE Trainsim

{{more citations needed|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
|title= BVE TrainSim
|image= Bve trainsim logo.png
|caption= 
|developer= Takashi Kojima (Mackoy)
|platforms= [[Windows]]
|released= BVE TS 1:<br />1996<br />BVE TS 2:<br />2001<br />BVE TS 4:<br />2005<br />BVE TS 5:<br />2011<br />BVE TS 6:<br />2020
|genre= [[Train simulator]]
|modes= [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''BVE Trainsim''' (originally '''Boso View Express'''<ref name="Lew">{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2007/12/best-free-train/|title=The Best Free Train Simulator|last=Lew|first=Alexander|date=2007-12-17|work=Autopia|publisher=[[Wired News]]|access-date=2009-05-04| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090504084001/http://www.wired.com/autopia/2007/12/best-free-train/| archive-date= 4 May 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080801090112/http://simontonekham.wordpress.com/2008/06/01/bve-train-simulator/ BVE Train Simulator](archive), The Simon Tonekham Statesman blog</ref><ref name="trainsimmer"/>) is a Japanese three-dimensional computer-based [[train simulator]].<ref name="trainsimmer"/> It is notable for focusing on providing an accurate driving experience<ref name="trainsimmer"/><ref name="cbsi">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/review/R85301.html|title=Microsoft Train Simulator|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=2005-01-03|access-date=2009-08-14|quote=BVE ... physics are comparable with the real trains. ... Plenty of routes and trains are available free too!}}</ref><ref name="baum">{{cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/mech/petermodelrailroad/PeterWeb/mechanik.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523065255/http://www.angelfire.com/mech/petermodelrailroad/PeterWeb/mechanik.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 23, 2007|title=Mechanik/ BVE|first=Peter|last=Baum|access-date=2009-08-14|quote=the trains actually rock back and forth and lean into turns ... has still remained popular due to its superior sound, train handling characteristics, and its easily modifiable components.}}</ref> as viewed from inside the cab, rather than creating a network of other trains<ref name="barten-2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.virtualrailroader.com/faqs.html |title=Virtual Railroading/Train Simulation FAQs |access-date=14 August 2009 |last=Barten |first=Alfred |year=2005 |quote=BVE is built linearly. There is no opportunity to branch, unless the branched version is treated as a second route. ... BVE routes can also be built using [[Notepad (Windows)|Notepad]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606170058/http://www.virtualrailroader.com/faqs.html |archive-date=6 June 2015 }}</ref><ref name="hanstater">{{cite web|url=http://www.uktrainsim.com/index2.php?form_reader=bve|title=Editorial: BVE Train Simulator|first=David|last=Hanstater|publisher=Atomic Systems IP|access-date=2009-08-14|quote=BVE is much smaller ... the only view is straight forward through the cab window. There are no outside views|archive-date=2009-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612000101/http://www.uktrainsim.com/index2.php?form_reader=bve|url-status=dead}}</ref>
—other trains passed along the route are only displayed as stationary objects.<ref name="trainsimmer"/> BVE Trainsim was designed and developed by Takashi "Mackoy" Kojima<ref>http://mackoy.cool.ne.jp/trifle/me.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420123324/http://mackoy.cool.ne.jp/trifle/me.html |date=2008-04-20 }} linked 2007-01-12</ref> starting in 1996<ref name="trainsimmer">{{cite web|url=http://www.trainsimmer.com/article4.html |title=Announcing Boso View Express (BVE) |publisher=Train Simmer |date=2001-02-26 |access-date=2009-08-14 |quote=Boso View Express (BVE) is a freeware 3D train simulator ... under development since 1996. ... nor does it offer dynamic scenery (moving trains). It does feature ... trains that react accurately |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007120549/http://www.trainsimmer.com/article4.html |archive-date=2008-10-07 }}</ref> with the original program name coming from the Japanese [[255 series]] multiple unit trains found in routes in Japan.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

Although the internal working of the BVE Trainsim program itself cannot be modified, additional routes and train cab views can be added<ref name="cbsi"/><ref name="baum"/> via a number of text-based configuration files.<ref name="barten-2005"/> Route builders have produced over 300 additional routes for the program, along with matching cab environments. Routes [[Mod (video game)|built by independent developers]] simulate rail activity in Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bve.cz/en/home.html |title=Home |access-date=2012-04-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413113009/http://www.bve.cz/en/home.html |archive-date=2012-04-13 }}</ref>

==BVE Trainsim 1==

BVE Trainsim 1 was released in 1996 as an [[Alpha version]] under the name Boso View Express<ref>{{cite web |url=https://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmackoy.cool.ne.jp%2Fnote%2Fhistory.html |title= Google Translate|website=translate.google.com |access-date=2011-03-20}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref> 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.<ref name="multiple">{{cite web |url=http://bve.i-circle.net/bve-trainsim/history |website=bve.i-circle.net |access-date=2009-09-25|title=歷史 • I-Circle BVE 網}}{{title missing|date=May 2022}}</ref>

==BVE Trainsim 2==
[[File:M-train 08CT screenshot.jpg|thumb|Screenshot of a [[MTR M-Train EMU]] driver's cab in BVE 2]]
The first stable version released in 2001. BVE Trainsim 2 featured [[Automatic Train Stop|ATS]] and [[Automatic Train Control|ATC]].{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} The latest version of BVE 2 is ver. 2.6.3 which was released on 27 March 2004.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

==BVE Trainsim 3==

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.<ref name="multiple" />

==BVE Trainsim 4==
[[File:Comp-bve-amoswolfe.jpg|thumb|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 protection system|train safety system]]s 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]],<ref>{{cite web |title=London Transport Museum BVE tube simulators.|website = [[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7utlq_QoGs |access-date=2012-06-08}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> before later porting to [[openBVE]] in 2010.

==BVE Trainsim 5==

BVE Trainsim 5 was officially released on 5 September 2011 as the successor to BVE 4.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

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]].<ref name="The Development of BVE 5">{{cite web |title=BVE Trainsim 5 の開発について |url=http://mackoy.cool.ne.jp/develop5.html |access-date=2009-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216125735/http://mackoy.cool.ne.jp/develop5.html |archive-date=2009-02-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bvets.net/en/download/ |title=Downloads &#124; BVE Trainsim |website=bvets.net |access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>

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|date=January 2025}}

==BVE Trainsim 6==

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bvets.net/en/updates.html |title=Updates &#124; BVE Trainsim |website=bvets.net |access-date=2020-09-23}}</ref>

BVE 6 is released as a [[64-bit computing|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mackoy.exblog.jp/31358717/ |title=BVE Trainsim 6 RC (Release Candidate Version) and Uchibo Line Scenario |website=mackoy.exblog.jp |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

Included in the new release is the [[Uchibō Line]], a newly developed example scenario demonstrating the new features available in BVE 6.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bvets.net/uchibo/ |title=BVE Trainsim 内房線 for BVE5.8 & BVE6.0 |website=bvets.net |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>

==openBVE==
[[File:Openbve.png|thumb|alt=A screenshot of ''openBVE'' featuring a view from a locomotive cab.|openBVE 1.4.2]]

openBVE is an [[Fan-made|independently]] developed [[open-source video game|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.<ref>http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/03/22/openbve-the-sim-now-approaching-platform-pc/ linked 2009-05-06</ref> It is currently distributed in the [[public domain]],<ref name="savannah">{{cite journal|url=http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/tasklist|title=Train Simulator|issue=Latest News|first=Toby|last=Cabot|publisher=[[Free Software Foundation]]|journal=Savannah|date=2009-06-29|access-date=2009-08-16|quote=... and <nowiki>http://trainsimframework.org/</nowiki>,<nowiki>sites.google.com/site/openbvesim</nowiki> which is public domain|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606011125/http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/tasklist|archive-date=2009-06-06|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> along with full [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] and [[C (programming language)|C]] [[source code]].

=== History ===
openBVE was originally conceived in 2009, as a [[Free and open-source software|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{{Clarify timeframe|date=November 2018}} 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 [[Fork (software)|continuation]] of OpenBVE was announced on ''BVEWorldwide'' by another group of developers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Initial Development Thread|url=http://bveworldwide.unlimitedboard.com/t1229-new-openbve-build-testers-please|website=BVE Worldwide|access-date=5 December 2016}}</ref> The group transferred the development and codebase to a new repository on [[GitHub]].<ref>[https://github.com/leezer3/OpenBVE/ OpenBVE] on [[github.com]]</ref> To date (May 2017), numerous additions were made by the project: new parameters for animated objects and the plugin API,<ref>{{cite web|title=API and Compatibility changes|website=[[GitHub]]|url=https://github.com/leezer3/OpenBVE/wiki/Compatibility-Notes}}</ref> several unfixed errata from the previous openBVE 1.4.3 errata fixed,<ref>{{cite web|title=Fixed Errata|website=[[GitHub]]|url=https://github.com/leezer3/OpenBVE/wiki/Errata}}</ref> [[Dynamic lighting]] and backgrounds added,<ref>{{cite news|title=Dynamic Lighting & Backgrounds|newspaper=Bveworldwide.unlimitedboard.com |url=http://bveworldwide.unlimitedboard.com/t1326-dynamic-lighting-backgrounds-based-upon-the-time-of-day}}</ref> and a basic [[package format]] has been added to make the installation of addons easier.<ref>{{cite web|title=openBVE Packages|url=http://openbve-project.net/packages/}}</ref>

''OpenBVE'' was selected in September 2013 as "HotPick" by [[Linux Format]].<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/Linux_Format_174_September_2013/#page/n61/mode/2up/search/hotgames Linux Format 174 September 2013] page 60</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|title=This Is V-scale|first=Alfred|last=Barten|year=2006|url=http://www.virtualrailroader.com/v-scale.html|id={{Listed Invalid ISBN|1-4276-0738-8}} }}

==External links==
* [http://www.bvets.net/en/ BVE Trainsim website]
* [http://openbve-project.net openBVE Project website]

[[Category:1996 video games]]
[[Category:Beta software]]
[[Category:Train simulation video games]]
[[Category:Windows-only freeware games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]