The beginnings

The virtual MS61 story began in the hands of an individual passionate about this iconic equipment of the RER A.

It was the beginning of 2016, and the rolling stock was at the end of its service life. Only 2 three-car units were running during peak hours. A Facebook group was created with the aim of capturing the last moments of this equipment.

From messages like "XTAZ departing Champigny for Le Vésinet at 7:01 AM," enthusiasts were on high alert, positioned on platforms or along the roads bordering the line, contributing real-time information to the group.

It was impossible for this enthusiast to let it fade into oblivion, considering its role in the early days of mass transit and being the first rolling stock built for the RER. So, when on April 16, 2016, the MS61 made its farewell journey, the only way to keep it alive was through simulation. Especially since, apart from 5 cars, the entire series had been scraped.

After a few months of labor, the first iteration of the MS61 was born in its original RER-blue livery and skaï seating.

The first exterior 3D model of the MS61:

The first version of the cab

This first version of virtual MS61, was an opportunity to delve into the world of 3D and Train Simulator. A true testing ground where learning, sometimes challenging, yielded unexpected results.

Our encounter and the creation of DEVMARES

Photos on a forum generated considerable interest, and various passionate members, one particularly motivated, expressed support for the creator of the MS61 in completing the model and programming for the game.

The third passionate member, working independently on metro-related creations, showed great interest in the project without initially taking part.

It was then that the idea of joining forces emerged, and after a meeting in spring 2018, the idea of joining together to create French content for Train Simulator Classic began. A few months later, Devmares was born.

Higher quality for the MS61

Taking advantage of everyone's expertise, the creator decided to restart the 3D modeling of the MS61 from scratch to provide the most detailed model possible.

A complete overhaul of the interior, exterior, and cab was carried out, thanks to extensive research in various books, websites, and with the help of some people who will recognize themselves.

A more detailed and refined 3D model was the successful outcome of this painstaking and demanding redesign. Beyond a simple recreation, it is indeed about representing an RER that only the older generation has known. Who remembers the train conductor or the postal compartment in the MS61?

The new 3D model in Train Simulator

New interior

The beginning of our collaboration with RATP

In order to gather as much information as possible for the train's creation, we contacted RATP, which opened the doors to its archives.

For 2 years, once a week, we found a wealth of information and photos that served us in creating the train for the game.

Enhanced textures for greater realism

Throughout the research and development phase, we chose to redo all the textures to achieve a photorealistic result that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the 1970s.

After more than 4 years of work in total, we finally had something that we liked and are confident will delight you in the future.

The interior and its new textures

The new cab and its textures

Introducing the MS61 to a wider audience

This first collaboration has been a rich learning experience for us. We made it our mission to contact RATP to seek its support in creating content and a legal framework for the use of its identity.

During a chance meeting at the event marking the 40th anniversary of the end of the Sprague-Thomson metro trains and several meetings at the RATP headquarters, the idea of a preview presentation of the MS61 during the European Heritage Days was born!

Culmination with RATP EHD

On the weekend of September 15 to 16, the culmination of over 4 years of work, doubts, revisions, frustration, and passion occurred at the RATP headquarters during the JEP 2023.

We collaborated with the heritage service to host a non-stop presentation on the history of the RER and unveiled our MS61 on Train Simulator Classic to the public.

We wanted to share with you the feelings of joy, pride, and gratitude towards RATP and the more than 3000 people who attended our presentation and arcade play sessions!

A big thank you also to the creator of the LEGO version of the MS61, who lent us his model for the weekend. This provided us with an additional visual aid to explain the train's evolution over the decades.

When will the MS61 be available?

While its preview presentation was a success during the RATP Heritage Days, the MS61 is still under development.

We still have a few months to go before its official release, but please be patient, it's coming soon.

Stay connected on our social media to follow its progress! See you very soon!