Installation, Open Rails looks for Microsoft Train Simulator entries in the Windows registry to locate any Microsoft Train Simulator files on your computer. Open Rails is not an improvement to Microsoft Train Simulator, but a complete new simulator that can use Microsoft Train Simulator routes, activities, consists and train sets. Is Open Rails just an improved version of Microsoft Train Simulator? A variety of downloads are available here. Is Open Rails freeware? Is there a downloadable version available? Open Rails is a train simulator project compatible with Microsoft's Train Simulator product.