You’ve been asking for a video, so we’re happy to report that we now have one available for your viewing pleasure.  

Click here to view the video. 

NOTE: If the video won't stream for you, right-click here and choose Save Target As to save the video to your computer.

This is the first video we have released for this new version of Microsoft Train Simulator. We captured this footage on the prototype area we built, which represents the Johnstown area of the Horseshoe Curve route. This video was taken in the game itself, with scenery and rolling stock that were finished to a high level of quality. Even though we are early in the development process, the purpose of this video is to give you an insight into the overall quality we intend to ship in the finished version of Train Simulator in the early part of 2009.

There are some very interesting items worth pointing out in this video. Note the high fidelity of the exterior and interior models for the locomotive. Also note the weeds and trackside vegetation, as well as the high-detail ground textures alongside the track. We think these combine to make a very convincing visual experience.  

We’ve made good progress with train operations too. We have the physics model basics in place and working. Trains experience slack action between cars. Users can throw track switches simply by clicking on them. We have the  artificial intelligence (AI) system working to control the spawning and operation of non-player trains, helping to support the concept of a living world.

Of course, because this is a prototype, there are a few things that aren’t quite perfect, or aren’t yet done:

• The cab interior we’re showing represents a Norfolk Southern EMD SD70. The exterior model represents a BNSF General Electric Dash 9. (Astute viewers noticed this in the screenshots we released a while back.)  The finished product will have matched exteriors and interiors!
• The rolling stock is still being refined. Items such as the wheel surfaces on the Dash 9 will be fixed as we move through production.
• The track components still need an art pass to enhance the realism. The track doesn’t currently include multiple tie types and super-elevation, but these items will also be included in future production activities.
• There are some issues with object placement—you will notice the train passing through tree branches in a few places.
• The sounds you hear were dubbed, using our own source material, to give a sense of what the final sound experience will be. We have sound working in the game, but only at a very basic level. Our developers are currently working on enhancements to the sound system as you read this. Johnstown will have appropriate critter sounds, not the generic crickets you hear in this video; yes, we care about getting these details right!
• Our dev team is still working on some performance issues around frame rate. Happily, we’ve made significant progress since this video was produced. 

Despite the prototype nature of this video, we hope you find it exciting. We have a lot of work to do, but we’re encouraged by the progress we’ve made so far. We hope you are too!