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Following on the tracks of Southern Belle comes Hewson's second steam train simulation, Evening Star. This legendary locomotive made the run between Bath and Bournemouth on the Somerset and Dorset Line, and this simulation allows you to relive the glory days of steam railway by travelling the same route.

The main screen shows the train's progress as it thunders through exotically named villages, including Wellow, Chilcompton, Henstridge and Binegar. Throughout the journey, the timetable should be adhered to, as there are heavy penalties for running late.

Care must also be paid to signals, otherwise a fatal collision could occur. Reckless driving also results in a loss of safety points, or even in the train being derailed.

There are two stops to be made along the route - and overshooting either station loses efficiency points (Bournemouth also includes an extra hazard, as the buffers must be avoided). Failure to brake carefully can also result in a jerky stop, causing the passengers to be thrown into each other's laps.

When the train finally chugs into Bournemouth, points are awarded for safety, economy and timekeeping. Can you pass the test?

I can't say that I'm in any way enarmoured with Evening Star, but then I'm not a steam enthusiast either. If you do enjoy steam trains then this simulator might be just what you're looking for. It certainly has plenty of elements which appeal from a realism point of view.

My only real objection is to the fact that this program does not seem to make any technical advances over the achievements of its predecessor. The vector graphics are still appalling, with the update time hovering around the one second mark!

If you liked Hewson's last steam train simulator, then check this one out.

I've only got a passing interest in steam trains, so Evening Star hardly captured my attention. The gameplay is quite involved, and it takes a fair amount of perseverance to drive the train correctly - and successfully adhering to the timetable is a further challenge!

Although the graphics are rather simplistic and slow, there's plenty in this simulation to keep you going. If you're a real train enthusiast, Evening Star may well give some pleasurable evenings as you take a simulated steam ride down the line to Bournemouth.

Presentation 81% Plenty of options for a wide variety of steaming antics.

Graphics 57% Purely functional, simplistic vector graphics.

Sound 32% Atmospheric spot effects, but little else.

Hookability 65% Difficult to get into, but then driving a train isn't easy!

Lastability 64% Plenty of depth and challenge for the enthusiast who's willing to persevere.

Overall 67% A reasonable simulation which should be popular with train addictives - but not with those who like their action a little faster.