Editing Train simulator (section)

== 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, [[Railway brake|brake valve]], [[Sandbox (locomotive)|sand]], [[Train horn|horn]] and [[Train whistle|whistle]], lights etc.

Train driving simulation software includes:
* ''[[BVE Trainsim]]'' (originally ''Boso View Express''<ref name="Lew">{{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}}</ref><ref>[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</ref><ref name="trainsimmer">{{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}}</ref>) is a Japanese three-dimensional computer-based train simulator.<ref name="trainsimmer"/> It is notable for focusing on providing an accurate driving experience<ref name="trainsimmer"/><ref name="cbsi">{{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!}}</ref><ref name="baum">{{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.}}</ref> 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.<ref name="trainsimmer"/><ref name="barten-2005">{{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 (Windows)|Notepad]] }}</ref><ref
 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}}</ref>
* ''[[Densha de Go!]]'', a Japanese train simulation game series focused on driving, developed by [[Taito]].
* ''Diesel Railcar Simulator'', a train simulator focusing on British diesel-mechanical [[railcars]].
* ''[[Microsoft Train Simulator]]'' (''MSTS''), developed by [[Kuju (company)|Kuju Entertainment]].
** Open Rails, an [[open source]], freeware simulator that is backwards compatible with [[Microsoft Train Simulator]] content.
* ''[[Rail Simulator]]'', a spiritual successor to ''MSTS'' also developed by Kuju Entertainment.
* ''[[Train Simulator (Dovetail Games)|Train Simulator]]'' (originally ''RailWorks''), a successor to ''Rail Simulator'' created when a new company, Rail Simulator Developments Ltd, purchased the rights. In 2013 RSDL rebranded themselves as [[Dovetail Games]], and renamed ''Railworks'' to simply ''Train Simulator''.
** ''[[Train Sim World]]'', a successor to the above developed by Dovetail Games using the [[Unreal Engine]].
* ''Run8'', a primarily [[multiplayer]] train simulator focused on realistic North American freight operations.
* [[Train Simulator (Ongakukan)|''Train Simulator'' series]] (a.k.a. ''Railfan'')
* ''[[Trainz]]''
* ''[https://www.zusi.de/ Zusi 3 Hobby]'', an offshoot of the professional version with the identical programme versions, with real tracks recreated by the [https://rail.nridigital.com/future_rail_sep19/rail_replicas_building_authenticity_into_train_simulator_games community]. Actual existing Train Network on this map in light green, but is regularly updated to bigger networks. [https://www.zusi-sk.eu/]
* ''Mechanik [[PKP class EN57|EN57]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mechanik-en57.enkol.pl/|title=MECHANIK EN57|website=mechanik-en57.enkol.pl}}</ref> and ''MaSzyna'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eu07.pl/|title=MaSzyna - Symulator Pojazdów Szynowych|website=eu07.pl}}</ref> freeware train simulators mainly focusing on Polish mainline rolling stock.
* Train Sim, a mobile phone Train Simulator developed by 3583 Bytes using the [[Unity Engine]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train Sim - Apps on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ogien.trainsim&hl=en-US&pli=1 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=play.google.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

The PC game ''[[3D Ultra Lionel Traintown]]'', amongst some others, give a different experience to driving, by being in a [[Perspective (visual)|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]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> There are also numerous rail simulators on the online game platform [[Roblox]], such as ''Stepford County Railway'' (2017-present), ''British Railway'' (2023-present), ''Whitecoast City Railway'' (2021-present) and ''Dovedale Railway'' (2023-present).

===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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> spawning remakes such as ''[[Simutrans]]'' (1999 to present), ''[[OpenTTD]]'' (2004 to present) and Sawyer's own ''[[Chris Sawyer's Locomotion|Locomotion]]'' (2004). [[Sid Meier]] designed two railroad simulations: ''[[Railroad Tycoon (video game)|Railroad Tycoon]]'' (1990) and ''[[Sid Meier's Railroads!|Railroads!]]'' (2006). The ''[[Railroad Tycoon]]'' series itself inspired other rail games such as ''[[Rails Across America]]'' (2001).<ref>{{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.}}</ref>

===Other genres===
Some rail simulation games focus on [[railway signalling]] rather than driving or economics. Examples include ''[[The Train Game]]'' (1983),  ''[[SimSig]]'', ''JBSS BAHN'',<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.jbss.de/hpg_eng.htm | title=JB BAHN Railway Simulation Software }}</ref> ''[[Train Dispatcher (computer simulation)|Train Dispatcher]]'', and the series of signalling simulations produced by PC-Rail Software.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcrail.co.uk/|title=PC-Rail Simulations|website=www.pcrail.co.uk}}</ref>