Previous Next

I could never really cope with flight simulations, when I were a lad I wanted to be a train driver anyway! So now my youthful dreams can be realised, on the computer screen at least, thans to this program. In a fit of inspirational genius, Hewson decided to produce this simulation of driving a King Arthur class 4-6-0 steam train from London to Brighton.

Now, in itself this may not sound particularly arduous but when you realise all the variables that need to be balanced, Water Steam, Whistle, Regulator, Cut Off, Vacuum Brake, Blower, Injectors, Dampers, Firehole Doors, Gradients, Signals and a schedule, it's not that simple. Fortunately, there is a wide selection of control levels - 132 in all, plus some unexpected problems which are thrown in at the hardest level, just when you thought you'd got it sussed!

I was, at first, a little disappointed by the graphics, which present plus line drawings of the main landmarks in 3D perspective, but as I played the game I realised they were perfect. Not too much action to detract from the main job of operating the engine, but just enough to give you visual information of your position. The animation is effective, but is a little jerky.

Not only will old hands find a challenge, but those who do not have the experience of this kind of simulator program should consider this one for the ease with which you can gain experience, even the manual is written in a sensible, easy-to-read way.

A well balanced, challenging and beautifully conceived program.