British Model Railways on the Computer

CASTRO VALLEY, CA, September 13, 2012 -- With the latest release from TrainPlayer Software, the British model railway enthusiast with a Windows computer can run simulated British cars and locomotives on track plans and rail yards from around the U.K. It’s virtual model railroading, British style.

The new version (5.1) delivers two hundred new layouts from British magazines and railway designers, including layouts based on satellite photos of rail yards in Bletchley, Northampton, and other U.K. sites. The package also includes six hundred fifty new British and European cars and locomotives, decorated for British Rail of various eras, Lynton & Barnstable, Talyllyn Railway, Thomas the Tank Engine, and others. New features in the program allow British layouts and railcars to be selected by default.

Version 5.1 has other new features designed for all users. Of particular interest is the ability to move trains “by hand” -- without using the control panel -- in the same way a railroader’s fingertip is used to move cars along model tracks. Also new is an auto-save capability, a new style of property editing, automatic view restore, and more.

TrainPlayer is a two-dimensional model railroad simulation system based on track plans and maps. The user starts with a plan (or a blank tabletop), draws track and scenery using custom tools, then introduces cars and trains and runs them using a simulated control panel. Libraries of track plans, cars, scenery, sounds, and other components are included. Special features include an operations system for generating industries, switchlists, and waybills; a scripting language for automating train operations; and a new mechanism for virtually building and running modular club layouts.

The product is available in two packages: TrainPlayer/Operator, the basic system for driving trains with scripting and ops ($59 = £36 = €46); and TrackLayer/Builder, which adds track and scenery tools plus additional layouts and content ($99 = £61 = €77). Products can be purchased online from the company website using Visa, MC, or PayPal, to be delivered by immediate download or on DVD for an additional $10 shipping charge. A special introductory price is available through Oct 31, 2012, as detailed on the 5.1 Feature Page (link below). Runs on Windows Vista or 7, requires web connection or DVD drive to obtain full content. A free full-featured demo of the system is available by download for a 30-day trial period.

For more information, contact: Jim Dill, 4200 Arcadian Drive, Castro Valley, CA 94546, USA, (707) 320-4246, jim@trainplayer.com. For questions, or to request a review copy of the program, write info@trainplayer.com.

Links:

Company website: http://www.trainplayer.com
5.1 Feature page: http://www.trainplayer.com/Features/UK_51/Version51.html
5.1 newsletter: http://www.trainplayer.com/Site3/newsletters/latest.html
Misc screen shots: http://www.trainplayer.com/Features/screen_shots.html
Prior press release: http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=155541

Contact Information

Jim Dill

Owner

TrainPlayer Software

(1) (707) 320-4246

jim@trainplayer.com