Six highly detailed train routes from around the world with over 600 total miles of rail, carefully recreated with accurate elevation and terrain data, to mirror the real-world scenery, industry, and towns along the routes. Routes include both historic and contemporary rail operations:

Amtrak - the "bullet train" comes to America with Amtrak's new Acela high-speed train running the busy U.S. Northeast Corridor.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway - experience the challenges and awesome power of moving today's freight through the spectacular Marias Pass and along the southern border of Glacier National Park in Montana.

The Flying Scotsman Railways - race along some of England's most beautiful countryside in the late 1920's in what is arguably the world's most famous steam locomotive.

Kyushu Railway Company - explore the mountainous Hisatsu line on Japan's southern island of Kyushu.

Odakyu Electric Railway - navigate one of the busiest commuter lines out of Tokyo or take in the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Fuji.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - visit the Austrian Alps in the 1930s for the ultimate in romantic European steam train travel.

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. Whether it's working the regulator on a steam engine or the air brake system on a modern diesel, you are in control.

Authentic train and route sound recordings of the actual equipment and locations. 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.

Real-world rail Activities based on operational events unique to each route. 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. 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.

Open architecture and tools, 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.

Key partnerships with major railroads around the world are assisting Microsoft in recreating the trains and operations to provide an authentic rail experience.

Microsoft Train Simulator Features:

• Authentically recreated trains, routes, and sounds
• Nine drivable locomotives including steam, diesel, and electric
• Hundreds of miles of accurately detailed routes across three continents
• Real-world train operation activities from novice to expert
• Conditions such as snow, rain and time of day affect your performance
• Be the engineer, a passenger, or watch the action from multiple views
• Customize your trains and create and share new routes and activities
  

Minimum System Requirements:

• Pentium II 266MHz equivalent or higher processor with 4MB 3D video hardware acceleration or better, or a Pentium II 350MHz equivalent or higher processor.
• Windows 98/2000/Me/XP.
• 64MB RAM.
• 500MB of available hard disk space for a minimum install. Approximately 1.5GB of available hard disk space for a full install.
• DirectX 7.0a or later compatible 4MB video card capable of 800 x 600 resolution in 32K colors.
• DirectX 7.0a or later compatible sound card with speakers or headphones for audio.
• Quad-speed CD-ROM drive.
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
• Super VGA monitor or better supporting 800 x 600 resolution.