In visiting the National Model Railroad Association 2009 National Convention in Anaheim, Calif., Model Railroader publisher Terry Thompson was one of the first to get a sneak peek of Microsoft's new Train Simulator 2 software. The new program will feature highly detailed 3D cabs, locomotives, and rolling stock. It will also include what Microsoft calls "real-world physics," making the trains handle just like their prototypes. The software provides a realistic railroading experience utilizing highly-detailed DirectX 10 graphics and 5.1 Surround Sound.

Taking a page out of its Flight Simulator playbook, which lets you fly almost anywhere in the world, Microsoft's new Train Simulator 2 will allow you to run trains on the world's railway network. In addition, the software will initially include four of what Microsoft terms "High-Detail Routes." These routes include a more sophisticated level of right-of-way detail, including 3D versions of key lineside structures. The first two North American High-Detail Routes are Horseshoe Curve and Stevens Pass. Two European routes are also planned.

Train Simulator 2 is scheduled to be released as a single player version in late 2009. For more information, visit tsinsider.com.

See the Model Railroader National Train Show 2008 preliminary report

This week Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno will show you an Athearn HO scale Z-van trailer, a Kato HO scale Maxi-Stack IV well car, and an Atlas O F2 diesel. He'll also give you tips for adjusting the trip pins on operating magnetic couplers.

This week Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno will show you an Athearn HO scale Z-van trailer, a Kato HO scale Maxi-Stack IV well car, and an Atlas O F2 diesel. He'll also give you tips for adjusting the trip pins on operating magnetic couplers.

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This week Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you LED-equipped tweezers from Tool-light, an HO scale barn from Noch, and an N scale offset hopper from Atlas. He'll also show you how to scale prototype photos for your next modeling project.

This week Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you LED-equipped tweezers from Tool-light, an HO scale barn from Noch, and an N scale offset hopper from Atlas. He'll also show you how to scale prototype photos for your next modeling project.

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