You're looking at two steam locomotives (the Flying Scotsman and the Golsdorf Series 380), three diesel locomotives (the GE-9-44CW or Dash 9, the GP38-2 and the Kiha 31) and four electric locomotives (the 2000 series, the 7000 LSE series and two versions of the Amtrak Acela). That might seem extreme until you consider just how much has been wedged into that space. It takes a heap'a hard drive to house a whole worldįully installed, Train Simulator takes up about 1.8GB. There is even an editor included to allow the process of add-ons to begin immediately. Like Microsoft Flight Simulator, the intention is to provide an open framework for ongoing development by Microsoft and anyone else. Microsoft Train Simulator is not so much a single program as it is the cornerstone of what will likely become an edifice of expansion packs, sequels and third party add-ons.

Those not seeking that experience are gently urged to look elsewhere.

For those seeking that experience, Microsoft Train Simulator will provide hours of deeply immersive entertainment. Perhaps by offering those who are not railroad, simulation or railroad simulation buffs this warning: this is a title aimed squarely at folks who really want the moment-to-moment experience of operating steam, electric and diesel trains, both passenger and freight, in all sorts of weather and in all seasons, all over the world. The reviewer's challenge posed by a title as richly complex as Microsoft Train Simulator is the challenge posed by all serious simulations: Where does one start? Read Full Review It's for Trainiacs, Trainiacs.

Microsoft train simulator demo