Description of A-Train
One of the very few Maxis games that didn't become a smash hit, A-Train a great conversion of Railroad Empire, Japan's classic game of railroad empire building.
Although similar in concept to Railroad Tycoon, the difference here is that this is a much more business-oriented sim: financial success demands that you undertake property development, invest in the stock market, etc. -- hence the steep learning curve. Graphical presentation of passing time is a nice touch, as is the easter eggs-- watch the sky on Christmas eve!
Highly recommended for anyone who loves business simulations, but railroad fans who prefer route designs over the financial side of the business would do well to stick to Sid Meier's classic Railroad Tycoon.
Review By HOTUD
External links
Captures and Snapshots
Comments and reviews
Khardankov 2023-09-26 0 point
Crossroads build with both large and small stations; however large stations build paved roads while small stations build dirt roads, and to form a crossroads both roads must be the same type. Thus to form a crossroads both stations need to be of the same size (and the paved roads of large stations are far better for development and land value, so stick with these if you can.)
Larwin 2022-08-04 1 point Amiga version
Large stations only stations that build roads behind them. Also, I get messages about bullet train once in a while but I don't see a way to buy one or know what it looks like in amiga version of the game. not sure if it's fully implemented in amiga version or not. anyways maybe it shows up eventually. i got 2 or 3 messages about it but no idea what they mean.
Larwin 2022-06-15 0 point Amiga version
Crossroads show up with large stations. need to space em close to 20 tiles. Im going try small stations at this distance. Not sure crossroads will build with small stations.
Larwin 2022-06-15 0 point Amiga version
Anyone know conditions to get the train game to build roads. does it have to have large stations? do they require a specific distance? doesnt seem it builds roads with small stations. i know i seen roads before today but not sure if I have to place my stations a specific distance apart. i like to eventually get a 4 way road built by game if that is possible.
NAPinto 2022-01-25 1 point DOS version
I still have the original 3.5" diskettes somewhere. Had a copy of VirtualPC and the installed version of A-Train, but none of it worked on Windows 10! Now I get to remember a beloved pastime in DOSBox-X. Thank you!
StillLooksGreat 2020-07-06 0 point DOS version
Used to have this game (shareware) running and by the looks I was sure it would have been a great gaming experience as a kid (as I loved this kind of game), but wasn't able to grasp the language and didn't manage to set up a train line. Finally I resigned.
planchetflaw 2019-12-16 3 points DOS version
This is the hardest gameplay mechanic to master in any game ever released:
THROWING YOUR TRACK A CURVE Curving track can require some wily maneuvering, but it's a skill that will serve you well in future track laying. Try running a line from east to west and then have it veer sharply up or down. Also try a few wide, looping curves. If you haven't established a practical line position, you'll get a nasty message from the track layer or construction manager. You can see that controlling t he curve isn't always easy, but small mouse motions can usually establish the desired angle in a highlighted planned line. If you have difficulty getting a curved length properly positioned, do it in short one-or two-block segments. Try removing curved track as well.
KC 2019-10-04 -27 points DOS version
I thought the Jap's were better than this. The controls are lame, it even states in the manual it is hard, if not impossible, to make a curve. Moving around the screen using 8 different arrows....come on. Graphics are OK at best, Sim City graphics on the Amiga was much better. No wonder this game was a flop for Maxis.
Baro 2017-07-22 0 point DOS version
I'm running into an odd problem, development happens as normal so long as I stick to small stations. They build up nicely, apartments, hotels, just as they should. But the moment I build a large station it will spit out a single road tile and then the entire economy dies. Apartments lose 100k value over night and start to lose money. The simulation continues to build houses, but no other buildings. This only started after I install the construction set though! Previous to installing the construction set, cities would develop as usual and crossroads would form. Is this a known issue?
Tim Chuma 2017-02-12 -1 point DOS version
I had the boxed copy of this but ended up selling it as I did not have enough money.
Pirate23 2016-05-21 1 point DOS version
VOTA here is a tip, to make money you have to have the most modern trains and only run them initially at peak times
Childhood favorite 2016-03-14 1 point
Create a directory on your C:\ drive called C:\Games\
Play is the same as when I was a kid. You must install "DosBox" or some other program to allow you to run this. Once installed use the following Commands:
Mount the directory you created
mount c c:\Games\SimAnt [ENTER]
Put yourself into the directory
c:\ [ENTER]
You will now see C:\; which if you do "dir/w" will show you all of your game files within the games folder. Drill down into the folder of interest "ATrain" for example with "CD ATrain". Look for the ".exe" file within your folder with dir/w again. Then type the name of the ".exe" file without ".exe" at the end and press [Enter].
ATrain is a little different than SimAnt which works exactly was above with "SimAnt" where you see "ATrain". This is because the ATrain game requires you to install the game. This can be done by running the install file from within "DosBox" simply by getting to its folder in the Games directory and typing install. Contact me if you have questions. FortunaJacob@gmail.com Enjoy! This site and these games are AWESOME!! Thank you!
LOLO 2015-11-28 -3 points Mac version
I love this game! I have the MacBook Air with OS X, and the game won't run. Any suggestions how to get it working on my MAcBook Air?
THanks!
LOLO
Dan 2015-11-17 1 point DOS version
I used to play this game 20 years ago and it was well done. I am going to download it and play it again!
DOSfan 2015-10-27 0 point
Is the Manual under Mac compatible with all versions or specifically Mac?
Tony 2015-09-04 -2 points
Can I run atrain on my iPad? If yes, how? Thanks in advance, tonysesny@gmail.com
Capt Frederick 2015-07-19 -2 points DOS version
Wish this game was updated to run on wondows I played this game for days at a time and finally could not get it to run
Novirtue 2013-08-08 -5 points DOS version
After 15 years playing this game, I've finally beat it! http://imgur.com/D6XOdmr
mwmoriarty 2013-08-05 -2 points DOS version
Great game! Anyone know where I can get a copy of the Editor program or the extra strategy guide that came with it originally in the boxed set?
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DOS Version
2 MB
DownloadLGU Repack by Bladez1992DPKG by HorrorWeed
6 MB
Download
2 MB
Download
1 MB
Manual 18 MB
Game Extras
Various files to help you run A-Train, apply patches, fixes, maps or miscellaneous utilities.
14 MBMac Version
- Year: 1992
- Publisher: Maxis Software Inc.
- Developer: Artdink Corporation
Amiga ROM
- Year: 1992
- Publisher: Brøderbund Software, Inc., Hit Squad, The, Maxis Software Inc., Ocean Software Ltd.
- Developer: Artdink Corporation
Sharp X68000 Version
- Year: 1991
- Publisher: Brother Industries, Ltd.
- Developer: Artdink Corporation
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