Microsoft Flight Simulator heritage, and the exacting standards of quality and realism associated with that product family.
Key partnerships with major railroads around the world who are assisting Microsoft in recreating the trains and operations to provide an authentic rail experience.
An open architecture, and tools that encourage enthusiasts, railroad clubs/historical societies, and third-party developers to customize and extend the product by creating new trains, routes, scenery, and challenges, many of which will be available for download from the Internet.
Alternatively, you can enjoy any of the routes from a passenger or observer view - just sit back, let the computer control the realistic rail operations, and enjoy the sight and sounds of your journey. Players can choose from a variety of challenges, such as keeping to a strict passenger timetable amidst unforeseen obstacles, or using helper engines to get a 50-car intermodal train over Marias Pass during a winter storm.
Real-world rail Activities based on operational events unique to each route.
Whether in the cab or standing by the tracks, you'll hear the distinctive hissing of the Flying Scotsman as it gets up a head of steam, the throaty rumble of a Dash 9 diesel as it hauls its load of freight, and the distinctive sounds of jointed, wooden-tie track versus welded, concrete-tie track.
Authentic train and route sound recordings of the actual equipment and locations.
Whether it's working the regulator on a steam engine or the air brake system on a modern diesel, you are in control.
The most realistic experience of rail equipment ever brought to the PC - placing you in the cab of each detailed locomotive, with accurate, fully-functional gauges and working controls that you manipulate.
visit the Austrian Alps in the 1930s for the ultimate in romantic European steam train travel.