ActiveWin.com:Do you anticipate
success with Microsoft Train Simulator? What audiences do you think will
most be interested in this game?
Rod Fergusson: 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.
ActiveWin.com:What are some of the
different trains that will be available? Is it available to interchange
different trains on different routes?
Rod Fergusson:You will
be able to operate steam, diesel and electric trains. To date we have
announced the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Dash 9 diesel engine, the
Amtrak Acela Express electric train set and the Flying Scotsman steam
engine. And yes, you will be able interchange different trains on
different routes.
ActiveWin.com:What are some of
the different controls that will be available to manipulate in the cab?
Rod Fergusson: You will be able to operate the most relevant
cab controls for train operations. This includes the throttle,
reverser, automatic brake, independent brake, dynamic brake, horn,
bell, lights, wipers, etc.
ActiveWin.com:What are some of
the scenarios being worked on for this game?
Rod Fergusson: There are four main types of activities
available in the game; passenger activities (delivering passengers on
a specific timetable), road freight activities (driving freight from
point A to point B), local freight activities (delivering and picking
up freight to and from local industries), and yard activities (sorting
cars and building trains in a yard).
ActiveWin.com:Who are some of
the partners in the Rail/Train Industry that are helping in the
development of this game? What parts are they mainly helping on?
Rod Fergusson: For the list of partners, please see our web
page at www.microsoft.com/games/trainsim.
The parts they are helping with are mainly access to the routes and
route documentation, access to the trains and train documentation as
well as helping to design player activities and as testers to help
ensure we meet our realism goals.
ActiveWin.com:And, lastly, will
the trains be able to crash, or derail? :-)
Rod Fergusson: Yes but there will not be any damage, death
or gore.

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