BVE can be thought of as two types of modules: the application provided by Mackoy and the add-ons that developers create. The relationship between these modules can be explained by the simulation process.

Application module. The application module is the part of BVE that is created, maintained, and made available for free download by Mackoy in Japan. When you download and install this module you have a basic directory structure, which includes the BVE files. The BVE files include the application program BVE.exe and certain other files that are used when you launch BVE and run a simulation. Certain object and sound files come as defaults that can be used as the developer sees fit. Currently there are two distinct versions of BVE: BVE1 and BVE2. There may exist as well various shadings of these two in the form of minor revisions.

Add-on modules. Add-on modules define distinct railways and trains. Mackoy provides some of these as separate downloads and has designed BVE so that anyone can create or modify an add-on module with, for the most part, simple tools such as Notepad.

Simulation process. When a simulation is run, the BVE application file (BVE.exe) loads various instructions and files. As you operate the train, BVE follows a procedure laid out by the route file. The route file is a script, which has a required format to which you must adhere. The format includes four basic parts as follows:

Text part. This text displays in the Train Information pane of the Select Route window when you select the route for running.

Train part. The train part defines preceding train characteristics such as top speed and acceleration, headway (time between trains), and minimum station interval

Object part. The object part declares all the object and sound files that will be called by the script in the Route part. A declaration includes a file name and location.

Route part. The route part calls into play everything you encounter along the route such as track variations, stations, signals, sounds, and scenery. The route part takes the form of instructions (statements) applied to distance markers (e.g., 350@curve(300,0) indicates that at the 350 meter mark the track curves right with a 300-meter radius and no height difference (super elevation) between the rails). Full details of this and other statements are provided later.

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