Microsoft Train Simulator Preview

“All aboard!”

Hmmm, let’s see – do I want to lower or raise the pantograph? Should I engage the sander? Is the reverser set for forward or backward?

There are a host of things to remember, and a never-ending list of things to do in the beta for Microsoft’s Train Simulator for the PC. But first let’s tackle one question that cropped up in my head when I first received the product: why a train simulator? How much fun can that be?

The answer becomes obvious the moment you set into a tutorial for one of the three engine types you have the opportunity to drive. This program is a blast! The graphical quality is incredible, the sounds are dynamic and enticing – about the only thing that isn’t packaged in this program is the actual sensation of riding the rails. There is a lulling, gentle sway that is a physical sensation, which the program can’t give – though it tries.

There are three train types to choose from, and you can consider them akin to difficulty levels. The electric train (the Acela HHP-8 is the one you’ll learn on) is the easiest to control, and is built for cruising, which basically means that once you get up to speed, you can throttle back and do a lot of coasting. Then there is the diesel locomotive (the Dash-9 is the trainer), which asks you to work a bit harder. The most difficult train of all to operate is the steam locomotive (the Flying Scotsman is one of the two you get the opportunity to control). You can play the part of engineer, or fireman, or for a completely harried and confusing ride, do both.

The difference between the electric train and the steam locomotive can be likened to riding a tricycle or controlling an 18-wheeler. So many gauges, and the ratio between steam and water and fire and … well, let’s just put it this way – you had better have had lots of practice on the other two train types before you try to tackle the steam locomotive.

Did you ever wonder how those slick metal wheels of a train could grip the sleekness of the rail, especially in bad weather? Wonder no more. The train carries sand (hence the earlier reference to the sander) that it can drop on the tracks ahead of the wheels to improve the traction. However, there is not an infinite supply of sand, so use it judiciously.

Once you have the mechanics of operating a locomotive, you can then move on to the missions. There are six detailed routes, each with timetables that must be kept. Try to catch a sunrise in Japan, or take a trip through history, or maybe just try to negotiate high mountain passes in Europe (Innsbruck to St. Anton) in winter. This is a tough program.

Graphically, the game is terrific. You can rotate your camera, and view the action from the engineer’s seat or externally. The game controls operate with a mouse, or – for simpler controls – the keyboard. While the mouse is okay, the keyboard commands allow for better control.

So how detailed is this product? There was a story in the news recently about a runaway locomotive. An engineer had to get onboard and stop it. After six hours in-game with Train Simulator, I’m reasonably certain if I had been the one to jump on that train, I would have know the procedure to stopping it. This program is detailed, and allows players to take the cursory job as engineer, or expand that for in-depth training.

The program will, in all likelihood, be rated for everyone, and that means that children and parents can enjoy it together.

It seems that the whole world has had an ongoing love affair with the railroad. In whatever form they take, rail systems continue to survive the passing of the ages. Train Simulator captures the joy of riding the rails, couples it with richly detailed graphics and full-bodied sound to present a game that is bound to draw smiles, furrowed foreheads and enjoyment.