Blocks Tracks Trains: A PC Game Review

Blocks Tracks Trains (BTT) is a PC game currently exclusively available on Steam, developed by splenbit. The regular (non-sale) price is under $15, so it won’t cost you much more than a mobile ap to give it a try. Also of note, Steam Workshop has recently been implemented for this game, so players will be able to share assets and layouts they create. It is written in Unity, so expect some typical demands on your graphics card. (Be sure your system meets the specifications provided on Steam’s store page before purchasing.)

TLDR: If you are a model railroad fan, and/or if you like building in MineCraft or voxel modeling in general, this is a great game to try out. It is a relaxing freeform sandbox game suitable for creating virtual models and layouts of railroad themed dioramas and sharing them with other users.

BTT is about trains, specifically virtually recreating the model train experience, which has been executed quite well. All the essential assets you need for a model train are included: editable terrain, unlimited track, train cars (base chassis) and train prop bodies, and an assortment of additional props for use with building and street models you may choose to lay out. Additionally, a functional voxel editor is included, allowing you to build structures like buildings and bridges, or even customized train cars. There is a scaffold feature that facilitates placement and replication of voxel structures to get your map populated with models quickly.

If you are a fan of Minecraft creative mode, you should definitely have a look at what is possible in BTT. BTT in-game voxel modeling gives the player access to a good assortment of modeling tools such that one could wish for when building things in MC.

This is a sandbox game created for modelers and builders. There are no economic objectives or any other goals. It is completely free form; build whatever you like from the available assets and let your imagination run wild in designing your ideal model train layout.

Terrain modeling is the first thing the player does to start a game. A map terrain is randomly generated from a numeric seed you can pick or randomize. You can select from square or rectangular sizes, small and large, and determine a water level for your map. Then, once your terrain is generated, you can level areas and even create tunnels to prepare for your layout, and of course modify terrain as needed as you proceed. Included also are terrain textures such as rock and grass, and some suitable railyard surfaces as well, to modify the appearance. The editor includes a fine block by block editor and an adjustable smoothing tool. The terrain itself is made up of a modified voxel type block. One feature that the terrain editor could use is a painting mode where you could replace existing terrain with the texture of your choice without having to erase and restore, but aside from this quibble, you are the master of your terrain.

Once you have the terrain in an acceptable form, you can start building. Using the Structure and Scaffold tools, you can place your voxel buildings directly on the terrain surface or build them on an adjustable voxel scaffold which allows placement and scaling. On the scaffolds, you can use much smaller voxels than the basic 1-meter scale voxel you get when modeling on the terrain, which allows for finer detail. Placing voxels on the terrain surface also aligns them with the terrain, so the scaffolds help to eliminate that limitation as well.

As with the terrain, there are a variety of textures available for your voxel structures, and the Color menu tool allows you to paint everything made of voxels with a nice selection of colors (approximately 50 shades). Many of the props are also colorable, including all the train cars.

Use the Rails and Roads tool to lay down track, and a Rail car tool that allows the selection of the rail cars which come in a variety of lengths, from 9 to 15 meters (scale). The rail cars are chassis, like a frame, which provide the base for your prop selection, or can be fitted with a voxel scaffold so you can build your own train prop. Many examples are available in the Steam BTT Community Hub showing what is possible to model in this game.

The Prop menu option gives the user access to all of the props available in the game, namely, the train cars, figures, trees and rocks. The developer has also created a Discord channel, providing another venue to show off screen captures of your creations, and to make feature requests, and report bugs directly.

Assets as well as map layouts can be saved. You can save your assets independently so they can be used on any map, and as often as you wish, within computer memory restraints of course.

There is not a physics model in this game, so nothing will derail, and an engine will pull a train of any length. You can make a bunch of hairpin track curves if you like, and the train will follow it faithfully. There is no struggle in placing cars on the tracks. Fronts of engines are indicated by icon placement.

But basic railroad mechanics are fully simulated. In play mode, it is easy to stop and start trains by clicking on any car. Switching tracks is straightforward. Decoupling is also just clicking an icon, and recoupling is handled realistically with the engine backing into cars as needed to automatically hook up.

Creators who want to build a detailed scene or create a unique custom model railroad layout are completely supported. If it sounds like your cup of tea, you should give it a shot!

UPDATE: Since I wrote this review, there have been a few substantial updates to the game. Notably:

• Steam Engine Components — Frames with large wheels and pistons are available on which to model your favorite steam engine. The Steam Workshop only has a couple of examples available so far, but that will grow in time from enthusiasts. Meanwhile anyone who gets the game can design a new steam engine model and add it to the collection themselves. Props now include smoke generators so there is no lack of steam and smoke to pour from the stack.
• Adjustable railcar frames — more customizable railcars are available where various components like the couplings and bumpers can be rendered invisible (as well as the entire railcar). The number of wheels can be varied to provide a wider selection of rail frame types. This provides more accurate foundations for vehicles like 12 wheeled diesel engines, for example.
• Invisible tracks and trains — now your voxel model vehicles can drive along the paved roads by using the invisible rails and attaching your voxel models of cars, trucks, buses, etc., to invisible rail cars placed on these rails. These invisible rails can be applied in a variety of ways to create motion on your map, such as under the waterways to have a moving boat on the surface.
• Steam Workshop — players have populated the Steam Workshop library with over 100 models already since it has been added. This saves new players time in modeling. Available are a broad selection of ready-to-use model train cars, vehicles to place on the roads, and buildings to serve as destinations, with more added all the time. These models are ready made to add to your own map, and there are a few completed maps you can download as examples and modify to your liking.