Train simulator
{{short description|Computer-based simulation of rail transport operations}}
{{about|train simulator programs in general}}
{{Redirect|Rail simulator|the game of that specific name |Rail Simulator}}
File:HXD3B locomotive driving simulator.jpg electric locomotive, produced by CNR Dalian and Southwest Jiaotong University]]
{{Simulation VG}}
A train simulator (also railroad simulator or railway simulator) is a computer-based simulation of rail transport operations. They are generally large complicated software packages modeling a 3D virtual reality world implemented both as commercial trainers, and consumer computer game software with 'play modes' which lets the user interact by stepping inside the virtual world. Because of the near view modeling, often at speed, train simulator software is generally far more complicated software to write and implement than flight simulator programs.
Industrial train simulations
File:Centro Nacional de Capacitación Ferroviaria 1.jpg Railway Simulator]]
Like flight simulators, train simulators have been produced for railway training purposes. Driver simulators include those produced by:
- Avansim, based in the UK and Germany{{Cite web |title=Avansim {{!}} The Professional Rail Driving Simulator |url=https://avansim.com/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=avansim.com}}
- Transurb Simulation,{{Cite web|url=https://simulation.transurb.com/en|title=Driving Simulators - areas of expertise|website=Transurb Simulation}} a Belgian-based company
- FAAC (the training division of Arotech Corporation) in the United States {{cite web|url=https://www.faac.com/training-simulators/transportation/rail/|title=Rail Operator Training Simulators|work=faac.com|publisher=FAAC|access-date=2019-10-04}}
- Ongakukan in Japan[http://www.ongakukan.info/english/biz/advantage.html "Train Simulator for Pro-use" in Ongakukan website]. Retrieved 2010-03-26.
- EADS in Germany{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/contractors/professional/eads/|title=EADS - Very High Speed, Intercity and Suburban Train Simulators|work=railway-technology.com|publisher=SPG Media Limited|access-date=2009-03-14}}
- Bentley Systems in the UK
{{cite web|date=4 March 2004|title=First Great Western - Investment in driver training with new lifesize simulator|url=http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=291|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625133940/http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?id=291|archive-date=25 June 2009|access-date=2009-03-14|website=www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk|publisher=First Great Western}}
- Lander Simulation & Training Solutions, Spain{{Cite web|url=https://www.landersimulation.com/en/simulators-adapted-each-reality|title=Simulators adapted to each reality|date=March 7, 2018|website=Lander simulation}}{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/contractors/professional/lander-simulation/|title=LANDER Simulation & Training Solutions - Training Simulators - Railway Technology|publisher=www.railway-technology.com|access-date=2009-01-24}}
- CORYS,{{Cite web|url=https://www.corys.com/en/|title=CORYS | DYNAMIC SIMULATION|website=CORYS}} a French company with offices in Grenoble, France and Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co KG (KMW),{{Cite web|url=https://www.kmweg.de/|title=Marktführer für hochgeschützte Rad- und Kettenfahrzeuge in Europa - KMW|website=www.kmweg.de}} a German company based in Munich
- Oktal Sydac{{Cite web|url=https://www.oktalsydac.com/en/|title=Oktal Sydac - Simulation in Motion|website=www.oktalsydac.com}} in Australia, France, India and the UK
- SMART Simulation{{Cite web|url=https://www.smart-simulators.com/|title=Smart Simulation company - train simulator manufacturer supplier|website=smart-simulators.com}} - part of the Neokon Baltija group from Lithuania with offices in the UK and Russia.
- New York Air Brake, an American company based in Watertown, NY.{{cite web|url=http://www.nyab.com/en/products/simulators/tds5000/tds5000_1.jsp|title=New York Air Brake - TDS-5000|website=www.nyab.com|access-date=2013-07-18|archive-date=2010-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109130701/http://www.nyab.com/en/products/simulators/tds5000/tds5000_1.jsp|url-status=dead}}
- PS Technology, an American company based in Boulder, CO.{{cite web |url=http://www.pstechnology.com/locomotive-simulation |title=Locomotive Simulation | Class II Simulator | Locomotive Simulation Software | Engineer Training | PS Technology |access-date=2013-07-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506103210/http://www.pstechnology.com/locomotive-simulation |archive-date=2013-05-06 }}
- Zusi 3 Professional, a German Professional Software to train and educate train drivers. (There is even a hobby version for the community.) The possible routes in the simulator can go mainly through Germany, but also Austria, little Italy and some French.
Signaller training simulators have been developed by Funkwerk in Germany,
{{cite web
|url = http://www.virtualmarket.innotrans.de/index.php5?id=1079390&fid=e8e7196c47b9df9358325ba210b53794&offset=0&highlight=training&bc_id=d4371d3ebf3f1e7a8cb63932dc869976&compact=0&tblank=&path=Home&Action=showProduct
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|url-status = dead
|archive-date = 2013-04-12
|title = BEST –Trainingssystem für die Ausbildung des Personals in Leitzentralen und Stellwerken
|language = de
|access-date = 2013-03-19
|url=http://www.eurailpress.de/news/alle-nachrichten/single-view/news/sbb-moderne-simulatoren-fuer-zugverkehrsleiter-1.html?sword_list%5b%5d=funkwerk&no_cache=1
|title=SBB: Moderne Simulatoren für Zugverkehrsleiter
|publisher=eurailpresse.de
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|date=15 September 2009
|access-date=2013-03-19
|archive-date=2013-06-16
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|url-status=dead
}} The Railway Engineering Company (TRE) in the UK,{{cite book |quote=Since the Cullen Report into the accident at Ladbroke Grove, there has been increased pressure to improve the training of railway signallers. The Railway Engineering Company has responded to this situation by providing comprehensive signaller training systems. These have been installed for all workstations at all the IECC installations on Network Rail.|doi = 10.1049/ic:20050418|chapter = Operations - the value of training simulators [railway signaller training]|title = IEE Seminar on Safety Assurance|volume = 2005|pages = 17|year = 2005|last1 = Ryland|first1 = H.| doi-broken-date=7 December 2024 |isbn = 0-86341-574-1}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theraileng.co.uk/pdfs/TRE_CORPORATE_BROCHURE.pdf|title=TRE_CORPORATE_BROCHURE.pdf (application/pdf Object)|publisher=www.theraileng.co.uk|access-date=2009-01-24|archive-date=2008-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807160733/http://www.theraileng.co.uk/pdfs/TRE_CORPORATE_BROCHURE.pdf|url-status=dead}} OpenTrack Railway Technology in Switzerland,{{cite web|url=http://www.railml.org/documents/events/slides/2007-09-20_otrt_huerlimann-opentrack.pdf|title=OpenTrack presentation|last=Hürlimann|first=Daniel|date=20 September 2007|work=The 12th Conference of the railML Initiative|publisher=RailML.org|language=de|access-date=2009-03-14|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727195711/http://www.railml.org/documents/events/slides/2007-09-20_otrt_huerlimann-opentrack.pdf|archive-date=27 July 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.opentrack.ch/opentrack/opentrack_e/opentrack_e.html|title=OpenTrack Railway Technology - Railway Simulation|publisher=www.opentrack.ch|access-date=2009-01-24}}
Types of train simulators
There are various types of train driving simulators that are adapted to varying training needs and can be combined to meet operators' training needs in the most efficient way.
= Full-cabin simulators =
Similarly to flight simulators, train simulators can be a replica of a full driving cabin, on a one-to-one scale. This type of simulator is opted for when a train operator needs an immersive training tool for particularly effective training sessions.{{Cite web |url=https://simulation.transurb.com/simulators/simulators-range/full-cab-simulator |title=Full-Cab Simulator - Transurb Simulation |access-date=2022-05-24 |archive-date=2022-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524064145/https://simulation.transurb.com/simulators/simulators-range/full-cab-simulator |url-status=dead }}
= Intermediate, more compact simulators =
Certain simulators can uphold a certain level of immersion while optimising the space of a training room. When a certain balance between immersion and scalability is needed, this type of simulator is chosen by instructors.{{Cite web |url=https://simulation.transurb.com/simulators/simulators-range/compact-simulator |title=Compact Simulator - Transurb Simulation |access-date=2022-05-24 |archive-date=2022-05-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522033846/https://simulation.transurb.com/simulators/simulators-range/compact-simulator |url-status=dead }}
= Portable simulators =
When a train operator has various training centres, it is sometimes easier and more logical to invest in smaller simulators that can be transported from one centre to another.{{Cite web |url=https://simulation.transurb.com/simulators/simulators-range/nano-simulator |title=Nano Simulator - Transurb Simulation |access-date=2022-05-24 |archive-date=2022-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524064143/https://simulation.transurb.com/simulators/simulators-range/nano-simulator |url-status=dead }} The company Transurb Simulation was the first to propose such a tool, which has now been adopted by many operators around the world and is becoming of a growing interest for smaller operators.
Consumer train simulation
Many consumer train simulations have been produced, often focusing on different aspects of real-life railways.
=Driving simulation=
Train driving simulation games usually allow a user to have a "driver's view" from the locomotive's cab and operate realistic cab controls such as throttle, brake valve, sand, horn and whistle, lights etc.
Train driving simulation software includes:
- BVE Trainsim (originally Boso View Express{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2007/12/best-free-train/|title=The Best Free Train Simulator
|last=Lew|first=Alexander|date=2007-12-17|work=Autopia|publisher=Wired News|access-date=2009-05-04| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090504084001/http://www.wired.com/autopia/2007/12/best-free-train/| archive-date= 4 May 2009 | url-status= live}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20080801090112/http://simontonekham.wordpress.com/2008/06/01/bve-train-simulator/ BVE Train Simulator](archive), The Simon Tonekham Statesman blog{{cite web|url=http://www.trainsimmer.com/article4.html|title=Announcing Boso View Express (BVE)|publisher=Train Simmer|date=2001-02-26|access-date=2009-08-14|quote=Boso View Express (BVE) is a freeware 3D train simulator ... under development since 1996. ... nor does it offer dynamic scenery (moving trains). It does feature ... trains that react accurately|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007120549/http://www.trainsimmer.com/article4.html|archive-date=2008-10-07}}) is a Japanese three-dimensional computer-based train simulator. It is notable for focusing on providing an accurate driving experience{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/review/R85301.html|title=Microsoft Train Simulator|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=2005-01-03|access-date=2009-08-14|quote=BVE ... physics are comparable with the real trains. ... Plenty of routes and trains are available free too!}}{{cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/mech/petermodelrailroad/PeterWeb/mechanik.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523065255/http://www.angelfire.com/mech/petermodelrailroad/PeterWeb/mechanik.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 23, 2007|title=Mechanik/ BVE|first=Peter|last=Baum|access-date=2009-08-14|quote=the trains actually rock back and forth and lean into turns ... has still remained popular due to its superior sound, train handling characteristics, and its easily modifiable components.}} as viewed from inside the cab, rather than creating a network of other trains—There are no outside views, drivers can only look directly ahead, and other trains passed along the route are only displayed as stationary objects.{{cite web | url=http://www.virtualrailroader.com/faqs.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206051125/http://www.virtualrailroader.com/faqs.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 February 2005 | title=Virtual Railroading/Train Simulation FAQs | access-date=14 August 2009 | last=Barten | first=Alfred | year=2005 | quote=BVE is built linearly. There is no opportunity to branch, unless the branched version is treated as a second route. ... BVE routes can also be built using Notepad }} name="hanstater">{{cite web|url=http://www.uktrainsim.com/index2.php?form|title=Editorial: BVE Train Simulator|first=David|last=Hanstater|publisher=Atomic Systems IP|access-date=2009-08-14|quote=BVE is much smaller ... the only view is straight forward through the cab window. There are no outside views|archive-date=2011-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927125005/http://www.uktrainsim.com/index2.php?form|url-status=dead}} The PC game 3D Ultra Lionel Traintown, amongst some others, give a different experience to driving, by being in a 3rd person omniscient perspective, controlling the trains from a bird's eye view. Peripherals specifically designed for use with driving simulations include RailDriver by US manufacturer P.I. Engineering. RailDriver is a programmable desktop cab controller with throttle, brake lever and switches designed to work with Trainz, TrainMaster, Microsoft Train Simulator and Rail Simulator. There are also numerous Rail simulators on Roblox such as Stepford County Railway (2017-present), British Railway (2023-present) & Whitecoast City Railway (2021-present).{{cite web|url=http://www.train-sim.com/review/raildriv/raildriv.htm|title=Train-Sim.Com Review: RailDriver|publisher=www.train-sim.com|access-date=2009-01-17|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327041120/http://www.train-sim.com/review/raildriv/raildriv.htm|archive-date=2009-03-27}}
=Strategy simulation=
Railroad-themed strategy simulation video games are focused mostly on the economic part of the railroad industry rather than on technical detail. The A-Train series (1985 to present) is an early example. Chris Sawyer's Transport Tycoon (1994) was an influential game in this genre,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7932414.stm|work=BBC News|title=Inside Games: Creative Assembly|author=Daniel Emery|date=10 March 2009|access-date=2009-11-09}} spawning remakes such as Simutrans (1999 to present), OpenTTD (2004 to present) and Sawyer's own Locomotion (2004). Sid Meier designed two railroad simulations: Railroad Tycoon (1990) and Railroads! (2006). The Railroad Tycoon series itself inspired other rail games such as Rails Across America (2001).{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/railsacrossamerica/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124014224/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/railsacrossamerica/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|title=Rails Across America Review|author=Scott Osborne|work=GameSpot|date=October 12, 2001|access-date=2009-11-09|quote=While admittedly inspired by the hit Railroad Tycoon series, Rails Across America takes a broader approach to rail empire building and offers some novel, entertaining features.}}
=Other genres=
Some rail simulation games focus on railway signalling rather than driving or economics. Examples include The Train Game (1983), SimSig, JBSS BAHN,{{cite web | url=http://www.jbss.de/hpg_eng.htm | title=JB BAHN Railway Simulation Software }} Train Dispatcher, and the series of signalling simulations produced by PC-Rail Software.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcrail.co.uk/|title=PC-Rail Simulations|website=www.pcrail.co.uk}}
History
Train simulators are particularly popular in Japan, where rail transport is the primary form of travel for most citizens.{{cite web |last1=Plasket |first1=Michael |title=Super Locomotive |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/super-locomotive/ |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=5 May 2021}} Train video games have been developed in Japan since the early 1980s, with Sega's arcade action game Super Locomotive (1982) being an early example, before more realistic train simulators emerged, such as Ongakukan's Train Simulator series (1995 debut) and Taito's Densha de Go series (1996 debut), as well as train business simulations such as the A-Train series (1985 debut).{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Martin |title=Take the A-Train, or how I fell in love with a hardcore accounting sim |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-03-19-take-the-a-train-or-how-i-fell-in-love-with-a-hardcore-accounting-sim |access-date=5 May 2021 |work=Eurogamer |date=21 March 2021}} Non-commercial Japanese sims include the freeware BVE, first released in 1996, which was later remade as the free and open-source OpenBVE.
One of the first commercially available train simulators in the West was Southern Belle, released in 1985. The game simulated a journey of the Southern Belle steam passenger train from London Victoria to Brighton, while at the same time the player must comply with speed limits, not to go too fast on curves and keep to the schedule. It was followed with Evening Star in 1987. The first two train simulators to achieve large sales in the West, Microsoft Train Simulator and Trainz, arrived within a few months of one another in 2001. These featured differing design philosophies - Microsoft Train Simulator focused on providing a realistic driving experience, whereas Trainz focused more on the ability of the user to create their own content such as trains and routes.
The developers behind Microsoft Train Simulator, Kuju Entertainment, later released a spiritual successor called Rail Simulator, which was later purchased by a separate company and rereleased as Railworks.
See also
- Flight simulator – contains reference to flight simulators
- Strategy computer game
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://trimis.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/project/documents/20120507_155444_42092_2TRAIN_Benchmarking_Report_on_RailwayTraining_in_Europe.pdf 2TRAIN Benchmarking Report on computer-based Railway Training in Europe]
- [http://www.railserve.com/Computers/ RailServe.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127013040/http://www.railserve.com/Computers/ |date=2020-11-27 }} (Directory of train simulator sites)
- [http://www.railpage.com.au/f-c5.htm Railpage Train Simulator Support Forums](Online Support Forum and Add-on downloads)
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060213153544/http://virtualrailroader.com/reading.html VR Reading Room: Hundreds of articles covering all train simulators]
- [http://sim.bemined.nl/ Metro Simulation]
- [http://www.viajerosaltren.es/ pagina Viajeros al Tren Add-on Soporte y foro en Español]
{{Video game genre}}