Running OpenLoco through Steam [Windows]

In this guide you'll learn how to run OpenLoco (the opensource Locomotion with widescreen support and several improvements) through Steam to track gaming hours and play while chat with your friends.

Introduction: Why you should play OpenLoco

"OpenLoco is an open-source re-implementation of Chris Sawyer's Locomotion (CSL). CSL is the spiritual successor to Transport Tycoon and OpenLoco aims to improve the game similar to how OpenTTD improved Transport Tycoon and OpenRCT2 improved RollerCoaster Tycoon.

Chris Sawyer's Locomotion was originally written by Chris Sawyer in x86 assembly, building on top of his RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 engine. Much of the code is 1:1 with RollerCoaster Tycoon 2. However, the engine has changed substantially enough that OpenLoco currently does not share its codebase with OpenRCT2.

Recent implementation efforts have focussed on re-implementing the UI, so that the data structures involved may be better understood. Once this is done, it is our hope the game logic will be easier to understand and implement."

Source: https://github.com/OpenLoco/OpenLoco

Installing OpenLoco

• Access the OpenLoco's GitHub releases repository[github.com]

• Download "OpenLoco-v21.09.1-win32.zip"[github.com]

• Open the Zip file, copy all files and paste them in the game's Steam folder (located by default on "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Locomotion") or "right click on Chris Sawyer's Locomotion in your Steam library > Choose properties > Local files tab > Browse local files" to find the game's install folder

• Now, cut the openloco executable (.exe file), paste it on your desktop, rename it to Loco, then cut it, paste it back on the game's install folder and choose to overwrite the Loco executable file

• Now everything is ready! Everytime you click on play on Chris Sawyer's Locomotion on the Steam client, you'll be playing OpenLoco while Steam track your gaming hours.

Closing notes

Unfortunately, Steam Overlay doesn't work with OpenLoco (or I haven't found a way to make it work). If you want to share your screenshots, a workaround is taking a screenshot with the Print Screen key and sharing it as an artwork (in fact you can share it as a screenshot even with no overlay, but it's a tiring process - check this guide to learn how to do it). And if you want to chat with your friends while you play, run OpenLoco on windowed mode.

And that's it! Enjoy your improved Locomotion! 🚂

[Locomotor79]

never install on the Programfiles aint needed is dangerous it could ruining windows when deinstlling the game happend to me once and having to reinstall windows
doesnt matter which game its just not save for windows to install in important windows folder
you could however do like i did and make a folder on C:\Games that's more then enough

[Wayne]

Thanks for the reply, Wolfenth. I've tried several times to no avail (it's great that it isn't a big download!!).

[Gnome]

Hi,

If I'm not mistaken, this error happens because of a missed (and essential) software that haven't been installed correctly. So, reinstall the game and run it at least once for Steam to install the software needed (like VC Redist, etc). Then you apply the OpenLoco patch. Keep in mind that I'm not sure if this method will work, since this seems to be a generic error, but it's worth trying.

Oh, and the install directory is located (by default) on "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Locomotion". You can delete everything there before unsintalling and installing again just in case (since Steam will only remove the downloaded files by uninstalling, not anything else the user adds there).

[Wayne]

Hi, I was trying to install this and it prompted me with a request to locate the install directory. I did that and now when it launches it comes up with "ios_base::failbit set: iostream stream error"
Which file can I edit the install directory from?

[Gnome]

You can also make custom trains in the original game, as you can see in this old thread: https://www.tt-forums.net/viewtopic.php?t=11097

The whole process is too complex for me, since it's needed to know how to do 3D modeling, so I can't help you with this, sorry.

Regardless of custom trains, OpenLoco has several improvements especially when it comes to making the game run well in modern computers, so it's worth using it.

[katerinathecat94]

is this how users got the real life skins on the trains? such as Santa Fe Southern Pacific Union Pacific etc.?

[Gnome]

Relieving these great memories feels so good! I'm glad my guide were helpful and now you're enjoying an improved Locomotion. Have fun, buddy! Go wild!

[Christonias]

When I was a kid i played this so much that I played trough 1 whole disc and I was sad when my latest disc wasn't supported anymore, thx to this Gem I can relive my old Childhood by building giant rail systems with the funky music I remember from the past!

[Gnome]

Yep! The game is much more stable with OpenLoco - it's worth using it not only for the quality of life changes, but also for the much improved stability.

[Cher1957]

Does this overcome the propensity of the game to crash, losing progress if you haven't saved it recently?