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MSTrain
News
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us!)
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Official from Auran: Movies of
TrainZ in action and more...
It's a big day for Trainz. Today, Auran is proud to unveil the first
Moviez (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/moviez.htm)
showing Trainz in action. Two .avi files are available to download
from the Moviez page of the Trainz website (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/moviez.htm).
One shows a range of Trainz models in the Desktop module and the
Driver module is shown off in the second.
But that's not all... We also have a series of new Screenshotz (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/screenshotz.htm)
that give you a glimpse at the much anticipated Surveyor module.
But that's not all... We have launched a new MSTS site (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/msts/default.htm)
ready for the release of our MSTS add-on packs. Come back next week
to download a FREE Trainz locomotive for MSTS. MSTS Add-on Packs
will be available to purchase from the site in the near future. More
on this to come...
Also, we are seeking submissions for additional content to include
in these packs. If you are currently working on any routes,
activities or other MSTS material, that you would like to be
considered for inclusion, please let us know at helpdesk@auran.com.
But that's not all... our usual Friday update always includes a 3D
preview of one of the loco models that will be released for Trainz.
This week, the Burlington Route SW7 is the loco featured on the US
Visualz page (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/visualz/us/us.htm).
But that's not all... we have added a new poll - please let us know
which genre your all time favourite game is from.
But that's not all... This is only the beginning of our ramp-up to
the release of Trainz. Check back next week and regularly over the
coming months for plenty of exciting preview content!
Next week, we will release the first of a multi-part series of
movies which will demonstrate how to create a map using Surveyor.
Each episode will be a stand alone movie of a particular aspect of
creating a layout and will include such things as terrain formation,
laying tracks and placing cameras
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www.trainartisan.com - New
Tutorials, screenshots and contest wrap-up
The Empire State Express Screenshot contest will wrap-up on July 24
at 12:00am. Winners will be annouced at www.trainartisan.com on
Friday. The winners will get to be early beta testers for the new
Stainless steel, 16 car passenger set for the Empire State Express.
We have 5 new pictures of the stainless steel coach and baggage cars!
We have also published the first in an on-going series of tutorials.
These tutorials will teach you how to create locomotives for MSTS.
The first tutorial covers getting started with 3DStudio MAX4 and
exporting a sample locomotive into MSTS.
Link: www.trainartisan.com
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More Skins and Cars at
Aluminumcloud.com
 Erie
Lackwanna, Kevin Combs and Marc J. Nelson present their work for
MSTS at their www.aluminumcloud.com
Website. Amazing work that is, it includes various downloadable
skins for 'work in progress' for 3dtrains.com and also some great
looking Freight Cars, an SW-1200 switch engine and Pullman Cars. Go
grab it all at www.aluminumcloud.com
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News update to
www.trainartisan.com
The Empire State
Express Screenshot contest will wrap-up on July 24 at 12:00am.
Winners will be annouced at www.trainartisan.com
on Friday. The winners will get to be early beta testers for
the new Stainless steel, 16 car passenger set for the Empire State
Express. We have 5 new pictures of the stainless steel coach
and baggage cars!
We have also published the first in an
on-going series of tutorials. These tutorials will teach you
how to create locomotives for MSTS. The first tutorial
covers getting started with 3DStudio MAX4 and exporting a sample
locomotive into MSTS
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Amabilis Software releases MSTS
version of 3D Canvas
 "3D
Canvas is a freeware real-time 3D modeling and animation tool that
incorporates an intuitive drag-and-drop approach to 3D modeling.
A special version of 3D Canvas is available that has the ability to
export models to Microsoft Train Simulator's shape format (.s). 3D
Canvas' export to Microsoft Train Simulator's shape format (.s) is
extremely limited in this beta release. Currently there is very
little information available about the .s format, so it is quite
difficult to implement some features. Hopefully more documentation
on the format will become available soon.
A new forum has been created on the Amabilis web site for Microsoft
Train Simulator users modeling in 3D Canvas" - Link: http://www.amabilis.com/MSTSBeta.htm"
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British Rail Class 47 in the
making - Download Beta
A new
site called Trainsimfiles.com is offering a beta download of a BR
Class 47 in blue livery. Beta release features:
Fully driveable loco (using Dash 9 cab and
sounds). Configured
using actual Class 47 technical data (approx. 90% complete)
Operational lights
Expected in Version 1 release (ETA 29th July 2001): Class 47 cab,
controls, and sounds. Fully configured technical data Improved
bitmaps Operational wipers Translucent cab windows Locomotive Number
Link: http://www.trainsimfiles.com/br_class47.shtml
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Updates to www.trainartisan.com:
FAQ, Screenshots & Tutorials
 New
additions at www.trainartisan.com:
First up is the new Empire State Express Operation FAQ page. Want to
learn how to run the engine at top speed? Read this page and find
out how. Also, we've added new picture entries to the screenshot
contest. Come and see some of the greatest and most creative
screenshots of the Empire State Express add-on locomotive for MSTS.
Last, we'll give you some exciting news on our plans for tutorials
that will be showing up in the near future."
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The Microsoft Iberica Division
The Microsoft Iberica Division announced the official release in
Spain of MSTS. MSTS will be introduced TODAY July 14 in the FNAC
homes in Madrid, Barcelona and Oviedo. So, spanish trainsimmers can
get their copies of this long awaited Train Simulator just today
from 12 AM to 9 PM in the FNAC homes of one of this three spanish
locations.
See complete press release at http://www.train-magazine.com
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Microsoft
"Train Simulator" and Trains.com team up
Press Release: Nationwide Contest Calls On
Train Enthusiasts To Capture Photos Of Dash 9 #4723 Locomotive
St. Louis, MO. - July 13, 2001 - Train enthusiasts from around the
world will be called upon today at the National Train Show in St.
Louis for the ultimate rail challenge. Microsoft and Trains.com are
teaming up to call on train enthusiasts to capture the romance of
railroading through a national contest.
The contest calls for participants to capture unique photos of the
actual Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Dash 9 #4723 locomotive
that's featured on the cover of the new PC game, Microsoft® "Train
Simulator." In conjunction with the photo contest, a virtual
contest will also be held where participants can enter their best
in-game snapshot of the BNSF Dash 9 #4723 utilizing the game's
built-in photo capturing capabilities... Read
more
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This week at the Trainz Website
 This
week's Trainz website (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/)
update features a new Aussie loco for you to preview. The Australian
National GM Class now appears on the Australian Visualz page (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/visualz/australia/australia.htm).
See it now in Cult3D! The description of Trainz on the Overview (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/overview.htm)
and FAQ (http://www.auran.com/koolthingz/trainz/faq.htm)
pages has also been updated. The update is in response to the
feedback that we have been receiving. You will notice changes to the
Collectible sections in particular. We are in the process of
refining this aspect of Trainz and will post further details as they
are finalised.
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MS
Train Simulator Contest
Train enthusiasts from around the world will be called upon today at
the National Train Show in St. Louis for the ultimate rail
challenge. Microsoft and Trains.com are teaming up to call on train
enthusiasts to capture the romance of railroading through a national
contest.
The contest calls for participants to capture unique photos of the
actual Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Dash 9 #4723 locomotive
that's featured on the cover of the new PC game, Microsoft® "Train
Simulator." In conjunction with the photo contest, a virtual
contest will also be held where participants can enter their best
in-game snapshot of the BNSF Dash 9 #4723 utilizing the game's
built-in photo capturing capabilities.
Prizes will include a new PC, complete with a joystick and a
Microsoft simulation series library of games, a HO scale model of
the Dash 9 #4723 in a presentation case, copies of Microsoft "Train
Simulator" and subscriptions to the different Kalmbach train
publications, such as Trains, Model Railroader and Classic Toy
Trains.
To kick off the contest, Microsoft is bringing the actual Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Dash 9 #4723 locomotive that's featured on the
cover of Microsoft "Train Simulator" to St. Louis Union
Station in conjunction with the National Train Show running July 13
- 15. The cab of the locomotive will be available for tours from
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, Microsoft "Train
Simulator" will be on display in Microsoft's booth throughout
the duration of the show.
The contest will run over a three-month period and is being hosted
by Trains.com, the most comprehensive railroading site on the
Internet. A schedule of the Dash 9's whereabouts and official
contest rules can be found at Trains.com
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All Rails Lead
To St. Louis - Microsoft and Train Simulator come to the NMRA Ann
Microsoft today announced their participation
in the National Model Railroad Association's annual convention in
St. Louis. Microsoft will run kiosks at the show where attendees can
obtain a hands-on experience of driving the world's most famous
trains, in the recently released Microsoft Train Simulator.
In addition, Microsoft will show the simulator to young students
through the NMRA Junior College Program. This program allows young
enthusiasts (ages 6-15) to experience the hobby up close. Kids will
have the opportunity to try out Microsoft Train Simulator. Drawings
will also be held, with the winners getting boxed copies of the
game.
Microsoft is bringing a special thrill to the convention this year
in the form of the BNSF 4723 Dash-9 locomotive. This engine, the
same one depicted on the cover of Microsoft Train Simulator, will be
at the St. Louis Union Station Mall, with tours provided July 13-15.
The Dash-9 is BNSF's premiere freight locomotive in use today, and
is used by all four major US rail carriers...
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Early Preview of the ESE Passenger
car
 The
Train Artisan site is showing screenshot previews of the ESE -
Empire State Express passenger car they are working on: "Texture
maps and mapping coordinates are temporary. The car also has no
inside geometry yet. Once I finish the template model, I'll use this
to create the different cars - mail/baggage, baggage/bar, coach,
Observation/lounge, diner, and parlor."
Link: http://www.trainartisan.com
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First public demonstration on
Trainz
Auran will be presenting the first public
demonstration of Trainz next week at the NMRA show in St. Louis. If
you are attending the show, please drop by our stand to have a look
at Trainz in action and meet members of the development team.
The Trainz Web site
update for this week features the British
Rail Class 55 Deltic. Check out this loco in the Cult3D viewer
from the British Visualz page.
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Even more
Kansas City Southern Skins
Pedritox writes: "I have now completed
the new skins for the SW1200 switcher and the Caboose they are
available form my site: http://mstsuk.tripod.com"
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TEE DB-103 available now
 3dtrains.com
appears to be the most productive MSTS development group so far.
Andre Maraklov has now releaesed the TEE headed by the DB-103
locomotive: "Designed for heavy duty, high speed transport, the
TEE DB-103 was once one of Germany's premier trains. Although it's
been replaced by ICE, the DB-103 remains nevertheless a favorite of
German railfans".
Download at www.3dtrains.com.
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The Empire State Express at the
Train Artisan
 A
new name, a new site and a new train for MSTS; the Train Artisan is
offering his newest development for download, the Empire State
Express locomtive and tender: " It is a J3a hudson class engine.
The Empire State Express debuted on December 7, 1941. Unfortunately,
it's maiden journey was overshadowed by another historical event,
the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The 16 car train ran from Buffalo to
New York city. A sister train ran from Cleveland to Detroit. In its
time, the Empire State Express was considered the ultimate in modern
rail travel luxury."
Link: www.trainartisan.com
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More
On MS Train Simulator
Microsoft
updates it's Train Simulator as follows (in part): Six Famous
Train Routes, 600 Miles of Rail, Authentic Sights and Sounds Create
Unparalleled Experience
"When Johnny Cash sang 'I hear the train a-comin', it's rolling
'round the bend,' he likely could not have imagined that 45 years
later, his senses might have been confused by another machine --
powered not by steam or coal, but by a computer. Microsoft Corp.
today announced that Microsoft® "Train Simulator" is
rollin' onto store shelves.
According to the National Model Railroad Association, there
are over 1 million model railroad enthusiasts in the United States,
and approximately 1.5 million domestic freight and passenger rail
cars in operation today... "Microsoft has over 20 years'
experience building the best PC-based flight simulation products in
the market, and we were committed to ensuring that Microsoft 'Train
Simulator' meets the same exacting standards of quality and realism,"
said Stuart Moulder, general manager for the PC Games
Division at Microsoft. "While appealing to the existing core
market, we are confident that Microsoft 'Train Simulator' will also
inspire a whole new generation of train enthusiasts."
That sentiment is echoed by Richard Russack, vice president
of corporate relations for Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF)
Corp., one of Microsoft's railroad partners in the project. "BNSF
is especially pleased to partner with Microsoft to give everyone the
opportunity to become an engineer and experience the challenge and
thrill of driving one of our freight trains through the Rocky
Mountains in Montana," Russack said.
More information is
available at Trainsim.
Microsoft "Train Simulator" can be seen at the NMRA
National Train Show in St. Louis from July 13-15, 2001. More
information about the event is available here
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Preview:
MS Train Simulator at eUniverse
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eUniverse
Games today takes a look at a recent beta build of Microsoft
Train Simulator, the upcoming train simulation from the same
team that brought us Flight Simulator. This preview also
features over 20 new screenshots. |
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THE
TOKYO-HAKONE ROUTE DETAILS
In Train Simulator you can drive a Romance Car 7000 Series, which
originates in the Shinjuku skyscrapers and runs through both wealthy
suburban neighborhoods and the Tanzawa mountain region.
Alternatively you can drive a stainless steel commuter train, the
2000 Series, which stops at every station between Shinjuku and
Hon-Atsugi.
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The
Marias Pass Route
Get a close-up look at one of Train Simulator's featured routes,
from its history to a list of specifications, and descriptions of
the recreated route as it was in the late 1920s.
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How train-saavy are you?
Now's your chance for a little pop-quiz to test your locomotive
sound-signature recognition skills! Download our secret audio file
and see if you can guess which train it's from. Even if you can't
figure it out, it's an excellent sound to have (turn up your
subwooofer). We'll give you an answer on February 23rd.
TRAIN
AUDIO (3.48 MB)
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 Microsoft
Train Simulator Interview at IGN
IGN has posted an
interview with Microsoft's Darryl Saunders and Mike Geertsen about
Microsoft Train Simulator. Mike Geertsen: "Well, quite a bit.
There are distinct control models and physics models for each. For
example in our steam engine we have what we call and automated
fireman that you can switch on or off. When it’s on the computer
will handle things like your fire rate, dampers, water injectors,
blowers to manage your boiler pressure and all of that. And if not,
you can manage that yourself. It’s very complex to do that -- to
keep the boiler pressure at the right level and the power at the
right level. It’s almost as much an art as a science to drive a
steam train in real life and we’ve tried to create a little bit of
that for people to experience".
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Fear
of flying? Ride the rails, armchair style... When the folks
at Microsoft talk simulator, most people sit up straight and listen.
With a highly successful flight simulation series that is currently
in use by the U.S. Navy and an eighteen-year history of simulation
experience, you can bet a product called Microsoft Train Simulator
is going to raise some eyebrows... (Computer Game Online)
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Grand
Continetal Railway. Virtual Railway founded for use
with Microsoft Train Simulator. Opening April Of 2001 for service
out of Chicago to destinations in the Midwest. Vist the massage
board to talk about and listen to news about Virtual Railways
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TecnoGadgets
Train Simulator preview.
"All Aboard"
for the World's Most Exciting Train Experiences Via the PC
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Ga-Sim
interview.
In
its rich history, the genre of simulations has modeled almost every type
of vehicle imaginable, from submarines, to tanks, to airplanes, to
spaceships. One type of vehicle (at least here in the U.S.) that hasn't
received much in the way of coverage in a simulation is the Train. While
long seen in strategy and economic games like Railroad Tycoon II or
Transport Tycoon, we've not yet been given the chance to actually jump
into one of these massive pieces of machinery and take control...until
now....
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Rod
Fergusson speaks with Gamer's Pulse.
Hi, I'm Rod
Fergusson, and I am the program manager for Microsoft Train Simulator.
The role of program manager would take too long to explain here, but you
can think of it as, essentially, the project manager....
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Interview
with Rod Fergusson, Program Manager: Microsoft Train Simulator.
Microsoft is very excited about
the enthusiastic reception the product has received from the
train community. Train Modelers, Train Enthusiasts, Simulation
Enthusiasts, Kids and anyone with a general interest in trains
will be delighted with Microsoft Train Simulator...
Visit
Our Partner
Copyright ©2001 MSTRAIN.ORG
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3dtrains.com
are gearing up for their commercial releases and they are giving you
something to wet your appetite: the F7A Phase-I - Evaluation Copy
made by Marc J. Nelson: "The same quality craftsmanship and
attention to detail in our commercial models can be found in the F7A
Demo. An excellent addition to your personal MSTS locomotive
collection."
