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A train simulator (also railroad simulator or railway simulator) is a computer based simulation of rail transport operations. They are generally large complicated software packages modeling a 3Dvirtual reality world implemented both as commercial trainers, and consumer computer game software with 'play modes' which lets the user interact by stepping inside the virtual world. Because of the near view modeling, often at speed, train simulator software is generally far more complicated and difficult software to write and implement than flight simulator programs.
While commercial trainers on mini-computer systems had a longer history, the first two mass-market English 'computer game' railway simulators, MSTS and Trainz, arrived within a few months of one another in 2001 and could run (poorly) on Intel 80386 microprocessor based systems. Some, like the first wide-market release, Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS), are written and modeled for the user mainly interested in driving. Others, like MSTS's principle rival, Trainz, were aimed initially primarily at the rail enthusiast-hobbyist markets, supporting features making it possible to build a virtual railroad of one's dreams. Accordingly, for four years Trainz releases bundled a free copy of gmax digital model building software on each CDROM, hosted an asset swap website (Trainz Exchange, later the Trainz Download Station), encouraged user participation and dialog with an active forum, and took pains to publish in-depth how-to model guidelines and specifications with its releases.
Several other later challengers as well as Trainz (with a series of upgrades) soon matched or eclipsed MSTS's driving experiences one way or another. Railsim, actually a successor using the MSTS game engine upped the challenge to the aging MSTS by adding much improved graphics, so Trainz did as well, but also added interactive industries and dynamic driving features such as product loading and unloading, load-sensitive physics modeling affecting driving and operating and user interface changes to improve User eXperiences (UX), such as a free camera mode allowing roaming away from the train cars, free and clear of the Train being operated-while still controlling it. This latter makes particular sense given the dearth of an assistant on a walkie-talky while operating a train during coupling operations or other position sensitive tasks such as loading and unloading. Railsim and a couple of others came and went out of business, and Railsim was reorganized as Rail Simulator with the software company that wrote MSTS as its core, while MSTS aged and never did get upgraded as Microsoft had once begun and announced. In the last few years, Rail Simulator has changed its name to Train Simulator 2016.
As the world market has shaken out, Australian Trainz in 2014-2015 upgraded itself with Trainz: A New Era, still servicing the wider route builder and driving markets, but now matching the 64bit computing and graphics of Train Simulator 2013, 2015, and Train Simulator 2016. In the same five-year period, Train simulators have moved to pad computer and phone platforms.[1]
- 2Consumer train simulation
Industrial train simulations[edit]
A Ferrocarriles Argentinos Railway Simulator.
Like flight simulators, train simulators have been produced for railway training purposes. Driver simulators include those produced by:
![Train Train](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125792634/188378024.jpg)
- Ongakukan in Japan[2]
- EADS in Germany[3]
- Bentley Systems in the UK[4]
- Lander Simulation & Training Solutions, Spain [5]
- Transurb Simulation in Belgium [1]
- CORYS , a French company with offices in Grenoble, France and Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co KG (KMW) http://www.kmweg.de/, a German company based in Munich
- Oktal Sydac in Australia, France, India and the UK
- SMART Simulation - part of the Neokon Baltija group from Lithuania with offices in the UK and Russia.
- New York Air Brake, an American company based in Watertown, NY.[6]
- PS Technology, an American company based in Boulder, CO.[7]
Signaller training simulators have been developed by Funkwerk in Germany,[8][9] The Railway Engineering Company (TRE) in the UK,[10][11] OpenTrack Railway Technology in Switzerland,[12][13] and PS Technology in the US.[14]
Consumer train simulation[edit]
There are two broad categories of train simulation video games: driving simulation and strategy simulation.
Driving simulation[edit]
Train driving simulation games usually allow a user to have a 'driver's view' from the locomotive's cab and operate realistic cab controls such as throttle, brake valve, sand, horn and whistle, lights etc.
One of the first commercially available train simulators was Southern Belle, released in 1985. The game simulated a journey of the Southern Belle steam passenger train from London Victoria to Brighton, while at the same time the player must comply with speed limits, not to go too fast on curves and keep to the schedule. It was followed with Evening Star in 1987.
Other train driving simulation software includes:
- BVE Trainsim (originally Boso View Express[15][16][17]) is a Japanese three-dimensional computer-based train simulator.[17] It is notable for focusing on providing an accurate driving experience[17][18][19] as viewed from inside the cab, rather than creating a network of other trains—There are no outside views, drivers can only look directly ahead, and other trains passed along the route are only displayed as stationary objects.[17][20][21]
- Trainz, an extensively expandable and user extendable (by scripts) simulator with intuitive GUIworld modeling and asset creation facilities, an extensive freeware library of over 250,000 assets, and an attention to Train physics. The simulator offers 4 viewing modes, and for beginning drivers or learning a route, a control mode similar to that of a H.O. scale model train set.
- Densha de Go!, a Japanese (only) train simulation game series focused on driving.
- Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS), with limited route building and difficult expansion capabilities.
- Rail Simulator, another extensively expandable and user orientated creation simulator with intuitive driving modes and editing tools. The main focus is on driving a train from the cab while performing a series of pre-determined tasks. Additional modes allow differing levels of control and interaction. Built by the company behind the original Microsoft Train Simulator software, and published by Electronic Arts.
- Train Simulator (originally RailWorks), successor to Rail Simulator, the software was subject to a management buy out. Operating as Rail Simulator Developments Ltd, the software was rebranded, improved and adapted for the Steam online distribution system. Expanding on the capabilities of the original version, RailWorks went on to develop the concept of Downloadable Content (DLC) addons providing users with optional additional purchases. While the majority of DLC is sold as payware through Steam, many of the Microsoft Train Simulator developers also provide routes, trains and scenarios as freeware and payware. The software entered its current incarnation in 2012 when the company behind its development rebranded as Dovetail Games, and put the simulator through a similar program of reinvention. Continuing to be sold primarily though Steam, boxed versions are released annually each September, incrementing the title (TS2013 / TS2014 / TS2015). Each annual release encompasses a range of global enhancements that are distributed free to all users, and a range of purchasable routes and trains that make use of the new features as a demo to prospective customers.
- Train Simulator series (a.k.a. Railfan)
The PC game 3D Ultra Lionel Traintown, amongst some others, give a different experience to driving, by being in a 3rd person omniscient perspective, controlling the trains from a bird's eye view.
Peripherals specifically designed for use with driving simulations include RailDriver by US manufacturer P.I. Engineering. RailDriver is a programmable desktop cab controller with throttle, brake lever and switches designed to work with Trainz, TrainMaster, Microsoft Train Simulator and Rail Simulator.[22]
Strategy simulation[edit]
Railroad-themed strategy simulation video games are focused mostly on the economic part of the railroad industry rather than on technical detail. The A-Train series (1985 to present) is an early example. Chris Sawyer's Transport Tycoon (1994) was an influential game in this genre,[23] spawning remakes such as Simutrans (1999 to present), OpenTTD (2004 to present) and Sawyer's own Locomotion (2004). Sid Meier designed two railroad simulations: Railroad Tycoon (1990) and Railroads! (2006). The Railroad Tycoon series itself inspired other rail games such as Rails Across America (2001).[24]
Other genres[edit]
Some rail simulation games focus on railway signalling rather than economics. Examples include The Train Game (1983), SimSig (donationware) and Train Dispatcher
JBSS BAHN (shareware) focuses on simulating a complex railroad lay out.
PC-Rail Software have nearly 90 different signalling simulations, mostly based on UK locations.
See also[edit]
- Flight simulator – contains reference to flight simulators
References[edit]
- ^YouTube video game review: [Trainz-Train Simulator for Iphone& Ipad ( short route)], BumpyTuberGame Reviews, Published on Sep 26, 2014, accessdate=2016-03-24.
- ^'Train Simulator for Pro-use' in Ongakukan website. Retrieved 2010-03-26.
- ^'EADS - Very High Speed, Intercity and Suburban Train Simulators'. railway-technology.com. SPG Media Limited. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
- ^'First Great Western - Investment in driver training with new lifesize simulator'. www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk. 4 March 2004. Archived from the original on 25 June 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-14.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^'LANDER Simulation & Training Solutions - Training Simulators - Railway Technology'. www.railway-technology.com. Retrieved 2009-01-24.
- ^'New York Air Brake - TDS-5000'. www.nyab.com.
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2013-05-06. Retrieved 2013-07-18.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^'BEST –Trainingssystem für die Ausbildung des Personals in Leitzentralen und Stellwerken' (in German). Archived from the original on 2013-04-12. Retrieved 2013-03-19.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|dead-url=
(help) - ^'SBB: Moderne Simulatoren für Zugverkehrsleiter' (in German). eurailpresse.de. 15 September 2009. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
- ^Ryland, H (November 10–11, 2005). 'Operations - the value of training simulators [railway signaller training]'. Safety Assurance, 2005. The IEE Seminar on (Ref. No. 2005/11081). The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. ISSN0537-9989. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
Since the Cullen Report into the accident at Ladbroke Grove, there has been increased pressure to improve the training of railway signallers. The Railway Engineering Company has responded to this situation by providing comprehensive signaller training systems. These have been installed for all workstations at all the IECC installations on Network Rail.
- ^'TRE_CORPORATE_BROCHURE.pdf (application/pdf Object)'(PDF). www.theraileng.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-01-24.
- ^Hürlimann, Daniel (20 September 2007). 'OpenTrack presentation'(PDF). The 12th Conference of the railML Initiative (in German). RailML.org. Archived from the original(PDF) on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 2009-03-14.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^'OpenTrack Railway Technology - Railway Simulation'. www.opentrack.ch. Retrieved 2009-01-24.
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2013-05-06. Retrieved 2013-07-18.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^Lew, Alexander (2007-12-17). 'The Best Free Train Simulator'. Autopia. Wired News. Archived from the original on 4 May 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-04.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^BVE Train Simulator(archive), The Simon Tonekham Statesman blog
- ^ abcd'Announcing Boso View Express (BVE)'. Train Simmer. 2001-02-26. Archived from the original on 2008-10-07. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
Boso View Express (BVE) is a freeware 3D train simulator ... under development since 1996. ... nor does it offer dynamic scenery (moving trains). It does feature ... trains that react accurately
Cite uses deprecated parameter|deadurl=
(help) - ^'Microsoft Train Simulator'. CBS Interactive. 2005-01-03. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
BVE ... physics are comparable with the real trains. ... Plenty of routes and trains are available free too!
- ^Baum, Peter. 'Mechanik/ BVE'. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
the trains actually rock back and forth and lean into turns ... has still remained popular due to its superior sound, train handling characteristics, and its easily modifiable components.
- ^Barten, Alfred (2005). 'Virtual Railroading/Train Simulation FAQs'. Archived from the original on 6 February 2005. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
BVE is built linearly. There is no opportunity to branch, unless the branched version is treated as a second route. ... BVE routes can also be built using Notepad
Cite uses deprecated parameter|dead-url=
(help) - ^Hanstater, David. 'Editorial: BVE Train Simulator'. Atomic Systems IP. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
BVE is much smaller ... the only view is straight forward through the cab window. There are no outside views
- ^'Train-Sim.Com Review: RailDriver'. www.train-sim.com. Archived from the original on 2009-03-27. Retrieved 2009-01-17.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^Daniel Emery (10 March 2009). 'Inside Games: Creative Assembly'. BBC News. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
- ^Scott Osborne (October 12, 2001). 'Rails Across America Review'. GameSpot. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved 2009-11-09.
While admittedly inspired by the hit Railroad Tycoon series, Rails Across America takes a broader approach to rail empire building and offers some novel, entertaining features.
Cite uses deprecated parameter|dead-url=
(help)
External links[edit]
- RailServe.com (Directory of train simulator sites)
- Train simulator at Curlie
- Railpage Train Simulator Support Forums(Online Support Forum and Add-on downloads)
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Train_simulator&oldid=906021787'
Train Simulator | |
---|---|
The Class 460 – a third party DLC by Master Key Simulations for Dovetail Games' Train Simulator | |
Developer(s) | Dovetail Games |
Publisher(s) | Dovetail Games |
Producer(s) | Paul Jackson |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
Release | 12 June 2009 |
Genre(s) | Simulation |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Train Simulator (originally RailWorks) is a train simulation game developed by Dovetail Games.[1] It is the successor to Rail Simulator, and was released online on 12 June 2009 and in stores on 3 July 2009.[2]
The first release of RailWorks contained all five real-world routes of the original European and North American releases of Rail Simulator, and added three new fictional routes: Hedborough North, a large UK goods yard, Seebergbahn, a route set in the Alpine region and Castle Rock Railroad, a route based around Denver, Colorado.[3]
It is a Steamworks title, which means it uses and requires Steam to activate and to deliver core game updates. Steam is used to deliver additional routes and locomotives in the form of downloadable content. The core game has received several updates since release, including major new versions RailWorks 2: Train Simulator, RailWorks 3: Train Simulator 2012, Train Simulator 2013, Train Simulator 2014, Train Simulator 2015, Train Simulator 2016, Train Simulator 2017, Train Simulator 2018 and Train Simulator 2019 released between 2010 and 2019, respectively.
- 2Features
Releases[edit]
The first major update to RailWorks was RailWorks 2: Train Simulator, released on Steam on 18 October 2010 under the name RailWorks 2. Retail versions were released later that year. The new version contained a range of new features and enhancements, including enhanced menus, the new RS Cab Control driver interface and new RS Career System scenarios. Players could earn Steam Achievements for completing scenarios, as well as compete and compare scores online via Steam Leaderboards. It also featured level crossing animations, among other improvements.[4]RailWorks 2 featured the same routes and content as the original game, and only one new route: TestTraK, based on the Test and validation centre, a German testing facility owned by Siemens Mobility used for technical acceptance tests and approvals of locomotives and rolling stock.[5] Contents in retail versions could vary in different countries to include local routes and locomotives. Owners of the original RailWorks received a free upgrade to the RailWorks 2 core technology via the Steam platform.
RailWorks 3: Train Simulator 2012 was released on Steam on 23 September 2011 under the name Train Simulator 2012. Retail versions were released later that year. It contained a number of improvements and new features, including a new user interface, action-oriented loading screens, the new TSX game engine with multi-core and FXAA support and many graphical improvements (including extended draw distance, improved lighting and shadows, enhanced sky and water effects, new depth of field camera focus effect and particle effects, (e.g. rain drops on locomotive windows with working wipers), superelevation to allow simulation of curved tracks, improved track unevenness and cab camera movement increasing with speed, improved editing tools and others.[6][7] The base package contained nine routes,[8] and those who purchased from Steam or purchased the retail Deluxe Edition, also received the Horseshoe Curve route.[9] Contents in retail versions could vary in different countries to include local routes and locomotives. Owners of RailWorks 2 received a free upgrade to the TS2012 core technology via the Steam platform.
Train Simulator 2013 was released on Steam in two editions. The Standard Edition, available for a limited time, was released on 20 September 2012.[10] The Deluxe Edition was released on 10 October 2012.[11] Retail versions were available from October that year. New features and improvements included Xbox 360 Controller support, Relay Play mode allowing for users to combine efforts to complete scenarios (removed since Train Simulator 2014), new menus and control options (including the new Quick Drive mode), updated HUDs, improved 2D task map and support for a new community download center using the Steam Workshop where players can share and download free user-created scenarios. It also featured enhanced graphics and performance improvements. A route included with previous versions, Hagen–Siegen, was heavily updated and renamed the Ruhr–Sieg Line. Routes included with the Standard Edition were Sherman Hill, London–Brighton, Northeast Corridor and Isle of Wight. The Deluxe Edition included Sherman Hill, London–Brighton and Munich–Augsburg.[10] Contents in retail versions could vary in different countries to include local routes and locomotives.[12] Owners of Train Simulator 2012 received a free upgrade to the TS2013 core technology via the Steam platform.
Train Simulator 2014 was released on Steam in two editions. The Steam Edition was released on 26 September 2013, and the Standard Edition on 7 October 2013.[13] Retail versions were available from 4 October that year. It featured a new menu system, better graphics including increased draw distance and headlight flares, a new camera system with user-adjustable FOV, improved passenger appearance and behaviour, improved editing tools, expanded Quick Drive mode and an enhanced Career mode, letting players earn points towards medals, rewards and achievements. The new Engine Driver community website was made accessible in-game. The Steam Workshop feature was expanded to support free user-created routes, in addition to scenarios, and the new Marketplace was designed to make it simpler to share and obtain new third-party payware content. Routes included with the Standard Edition were Hamburg–Hanover, London–Faversham High Speed and Donner Pass: Southern Pacific.[14] Those who purchased the Steam Edition, also received an additional seven-mile (11 km) Sheerness Branch line in Kent (an extension to the London–Faversham High Speed route) and two extra locomotives (Class 466 and SD70M). Contents in retail versions could vary in different countries to include local routes and locomotives. Owners of Train Simulator 2013 received a free upgrade to the TS2014 core technology via the Steam platform.
Train Simulator 2015, was released on Steam on 18 September 2014 as a Standard Edition and a Steam Edition. Retail versions were available from 19 September that year. It introduced several improvements and a learning mode called TS Academy, a training area designed to introduce new players to the series quickly and easily. Routes included with the Standard Edition were East Coast Main Line: London–Peterborough, Northeast Corridor: New York–New Haven and Munich–Garmisch-Partenkirchen.[15] Those who purchased the Steam Edition, also received the Pacific Surfliner: LA–San Diego route and two extra locomotives (Los Angeles Commuter Rail F59PH and San Diego Commuter Rail F59PHI). Contents in retail versions could vary in different countries to include local routes and locomotives. Owners of Train Simulator 2014 received a free upgrade to the TS2015 core technology via the Steam platform.
Train Simulator 2016 was released on Steam on 17 September 2015 as Train Simulator 2016: Steam Edition. This version provides a selection of new 'extreme' challenges set across a variety of different eras.[16]
Train Simulator 2017 was released on Steam on 16 September 2016. A limited edition of Train Simulator 2017, called Pioneers Edition, was available for players until 7 December 2016. The Pioneers Edition included two bonuses: a bonus route, Semmeringbahn: Mürzzuschlag to Gloggnitz and the ability to have beta access to Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul, an Unreal Engine 4 made game that was released in early 2017.[17] The beta access to Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul started at 8 December 2016 at around 6pm GMT.[18]
Train Simulator 2018 was announced on 23 October 2017,[19] and was released on 16 November 2017.[20]
Train Simulator 2019 - which moves from 32bit to 64bit - was released on October 11, 2018 with 3 routes and 2 route extensions; Soldier Summit and Salt Lake City Extension, the Rhine Railway and Frankfurt High Speed Extension, and the re-worked Portsmouth Direct Line now including Waterloo
Features[edit]
The game features steam, diesel and electric traction trains; keyboard, mouse or gamepad control of throttles, brakes and switches with Simple and Expert driving models for varying player skills. A variety of scenarios are available for Standard and Career modes, as well as an exploratory style Free Roam mode. Quick Drive mode allows a player to pick a train (or to put together their own by snapping together cars), choose a route, set departure and destination stations and decide on the time of day, the season and the weather. Cargo and passengers are animated, and weather changes dynamically with time. Steam Workshop allows players to upload and download additional user-created routes and scenarios.
Routes (RailWorks to TS2019)[edit]
The original RailWorks base package contained eight routes, most of which are available now as legacy DLC. The three fictional routes originally introduced in RailWorks and subsequently withdrawn in Train Simulator 2013 (Hedborough North, Seebergbahn and Castle Rock Railroad) are not available as DLC but are available as free downloads on Steam Workshop as official uploads by Dovetail Games, branded as Classic Routes. In 2010, users could add the free Port Road route DLC to their Steam accounts, but it is no longer available. Set in the final years of steam operations, Port Road represents the branch line from Dumfries to Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright, part of the now-defunct Dumfries to Stranraer line in Scotland.[21] The route has since been re-released in the Western Lines of Scotland route, and was extended to Carlisle.
The 2014 released version of the game, Train Simulator 2015, contained only three or four routes, depending on the edition; East Coast Main Line: London–Peterborough, Northeast Corridor: New York–New Haven and Munich–Garmisch-Partenkirchen included with the Standard Edition, plus the Pacific Surfliner: LA–San Diego included with the Steam Edition. People who purchased Train Simulator before 18 September 2014 retained their original content, and had the option to purchase the new routes via Steam.[13][22]
The 2015 released version of the game, Train Simulator 2016, contained three routes: Sherman Hill featuring the Union Pacific SW10, ES44AC, SD70M and GTEL. The Riviera Line in the 50s contains the GWR Castle, King, Grange, modified Hall and Pannier classes. The West Rhine route contains the DB classes 101, 146.0, 146.2, 155 & 294. The Norfolk Southern Coal District route contains the Norfolk Southern ES44AC.
The 2016 released version of the game, Train Simulator 2017, contains four routes: LGV: Marseilles-Avignon featuring the French TGV Duplex Train. The South Wales Coastal Route contains the Arriva Trains Wales Class 175, the GWR Class 43 (HST), and Freightliner Class 70. The Hamburg-Lübeck Railway contains the DB BR 145 and 218 and the DBAG Class 294. The North Jersey Coast Line contains the Bombardier ALP-45DP and drivable Comet V cab car. The Pioneer Edition of the game includes the Semmeringbahn Route, contains the ÖBB Class 1116. The Pioneer Edition is available until 7 December 2016 as a way to opt into the Train Sim World beta.
The 2017 released version of the game, Train Simulator 2018, includes three routes: North Wales Coastal: Crewe-Llandudno and Conwy featuring the Virgin Trains Class 221, Arriva Trains Wales Class 158 and Class 175; Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco-San Jose containing the CalTrain MP36PH-3C, drivable Bombardier Bi-Level Cab Car, and Union Pacific GP38-2; and Mittenwaldbahn: Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Innsbruck, including the DB BR 442 and ÖBB 2016.
The 2018 released version of the game, Train Simulator 2019, the first edition based on a 64-bit engine, includes five routes (three main routes and two route extensions): Portsmouth Direct Line: London Waterloo - Portsmouth featuring BR Classes 444, 450, 455/8 and 377, Soldier Summit Route featuring D&RGW GP9, Amtrak F40PH and D&RGW SD40T-2, Salt Lake City Route Extension (this is an add-on to the Soldier Summit Route), The Rhine Railway: Mannheim - Karlsruhe including the DB BR 406 ICE 3M, DB BR 189, DB BR 425 and DB BR 294, Frankfurt High Speed: Frankfurt – Karlsruhe (this is an add-on to the Rhine Railway Route).
Editing tools[edit]
A complete suite of tools is also available to customize content. This allows terrain modeling either by hand using the tools provided or by importing Digital elevation model (DEM) data from NASA. Track construction based on a system of straights and arcs, allows infinitely possible junction configurations, and scenery placement. A scenario editor allows the creation of tasks such as picking up passengers, hauling cargo and shunting wagons around yards. These tools also allow players to build unlimited sizes of layouts, create their own scenery and rolling stock and to modify the provided content by adding features or re-skins.
Downloadable content[edit]
Various add-ons are available for Train Simulator, containing routes, locomotives and/or multiple units for Quick Drive use, as well as scenarios for Standard, Career and Free Roam modes.[23] Examples include the fictional Rascal & Cottonwood route from All Aboard and packs of the LMS Jubilees and the GWR 4900 Class locomotives. Available from both Steam and from various third party websites.
The game is infamous for having over $8,000 of downloadable content.
The game is also famous for its community-based websites that creat user generated content both freeware and payware.
These third party creators have made successful business based around the Train Simulator brand and community.
![Download Download](https://static.getjar.com/ss/01/875030_4.jpg)
Critical reception[edit]
IGN gave RailWorks a 7/10 or 'good' stating that the game 'doesn't bring a lot of new stuff to the genre' and graphically 'lacks the high-end flair of today's top-level titles'.[24]
On 17 March 2011, it was announced that RailWorks 2 had won the award for Simulation of the Year 2010 by readers of Game Industry News (GiN).[25]
Legacy[edit]
Since 2014, Dovetail Games has been working on the next generation of the Train Simulator franchise,[26] titled Train Sim World, utilizing Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 technology. Train Sim World was released on 16 March 2017, under its new name, Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul. It features the 'Sand Patch Grade' route, complete with three locomotives (the SD40-2, GP38-2, and the AC4400CW), as well as a fully immersive first-person mode. It was released for the Xbox One as Train Sim World: Founders Edition a year later on 9 March 2018 and released on PS4 on 24 July 2018 with 3 routes Great Western Express, Rapid Transit and NEC: New York (along with Xbox One at the same time).[27]
On 20 July 2017, the first DLC pack for the game was announced, titled Great Western Express.[28] The pack was made available for pre-order, with the release date set as 24 August 2017. The pack includes the Great Western Mainline from London Paddington to Reading, as well as the InterCity 125 high speed train, British Rail Class 166 Networker Turbo and Class 66 freight train. The pack is themed around the current franchise holder for the GWML, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Great Western Express was delayed to 14 September 2017, three weeks from its original release date. The expansion was apparently not ready for release; however, in posts on Steam and the Train Simulator website, it was claimed to be to 'extend the pre-order date'.[29]
Despite the new game, Dovetail Games has said that it will continue to support, and create new content, for the previous-generation Train Simulator.[26]
References[edit]
- ^Paul Jackson (9 December 2013). 'RailSimulator.com becomes Dovetail Games'. Engine Driver. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^'Rail Simulator 2: Railworks – The evolution of Rail Simulator'. Internet Archive: Wayback Machine. 26 March 2009. Archived from the original on 6 April 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
- ^'New British Publisher Launches RailWorks'(PDF). RailSimulator.com. 10 June 2009. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
- ^'RailWorks 2 Train Simulator Releases, Free to Existing RailWorks Customers'. store.steampowered.com. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
- ^'RailWorks 2: Train Simulator for Windows (2010)'. MobyGames. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^'Train Simulator 2012 FAQ'(PDF). RailSimulator.com. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
- ^'Railworks 3 - Train Simulator 2012 Update Released'. store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
- ^'Train Simulator 2012 Announced for September23'. RailSimulator.com. 1 September 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^'World-famous Horseshoe Curve comes to Train Simulator 2012'. RailSimulator.com. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ ab'Train Simulator 2013 - what happens on the 20th September?'. RailSimulator.com. 12 September 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^'Train Simulator 2013 Deluxe Edition is now available worldwide via download on Steam'. RailSimulator.com. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^'Train Simulator 2013 Announced for 20th September'. RailSimulator.com. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
- ^ ab'Train Simulator 2014 on Steam'. store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
- ^Livingston, Christopher (25 September 2013). 'Train Simulator 2014 hands-on: all aboard the series' new vehicles and routes'. PC Gamer. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
- ^Parish, Peter (21 July 2014). 'Train Simulator 2015 choo-choo-chooses 18 September release date'. Incgamers.com. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
- ^'Get Ready For The Extreme With Train Simulator 2016'. Engine Driver. 1 April 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- ^'Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul review'. techadvisor.co.uk. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
- ^'Train Simulator'.
- ^'Introducing… TS2018!'. train-simulator.com. 23 October 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
- ^'TS2018… Available Now!'. Train Simulator.com. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
- ^'Download the Port Road line - FREE'. RailSimulator.com. 3 September 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
- ^'Train Simulator 2013 Driver Manual'(PDF). RailSimulator.com. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
- ^'RailWorks Add-on Products'. RailSimulator.com. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
- ^'RailWorks IGN Review'. IGN. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
- ^'Game of the Year Results (2010)'. Game Industry News. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2013.Cite uses deprecated parameter
|deadurl=
(help) - ^ ab'Dovetail Games begins work on Next-Generation Train Simulator'. Engine Driver. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- ^'Dovetail Games Looks to the Future Collaborating with Microsoft'. Engine Driver. 7 August 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- ^'Train Sim World®: Great Western Express'. Steam Store. Steam. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
- ^'Ongoing Engineering Works | Train Simulator'. Train Simulator. 17 August 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Train_Simulator_(video_game)&oldid=912431699'