The Group has been set up initially for guiding and liason purposes with no commercial motives. While a commercial alliance and product may emerge from the work of this group, at this stage anyone offering to contribute to the project does so on the strict understanding this is on a voluntary unpaid basis. No financial re-numeration is guaranteed or indeed offered as a result of their participation..

The ultimate aim of a Global Train Simulator is to provide a programme which can be used to simulate the operation of any type of train on any rail line around the world. The following are therefore the criteria which potential contributors need to consider:

1. Operating System The programme must be a native Windows 95/98 application, not DOS.

2. Graphics It is a pre-requisite that Global Train Simulator offers a graphical "out the cab" view. The level of detail required will be the subject of discussion but as a general comparison should be no less a standard than a mid 1990's flight simulation programme (e.g. Tornado). The view should include the track ahead, adjacent tracks and railway infrastructure including accurate curvature bridges and tunnels. The world around the railway should be depicted graphically with contoured scenery both above and below the level of the rail line and representations of towns, cities, industries etc. along the route. Different types of landscape - green temperate, mountains, moors and desert. It should be capable of displaying dynamically changing weather conditions (rain, fog, sun etc.) and time of day (dawn, day, dusk and night). Some degree of dynamic scenery, other trains moving, vehicles on roads and animated people is desirable though not essential at the outset. As a minimum, the graphics should support a resolution of 640 x 480 SVGA and 256 colours. Different cab layouts and windows should be supported. The graphics engine should be integrated and not consist of multiple overlapping windows (though it is permissible to call up subsidiary items such as Help screens or timetable/route data in a separate window). The use of video clips to display the forward view is not an option - the aim is to produce an adaptable and flexible graphics engine.

3. Sound The programme should be capable of playing sound files for the different types of railway traction types:- AC and DC Electric Traction. Diesel Electric Locomotives Diesel Multiple Units/Railcars. Various ambient noises need to be provided for such as braking noises, track noise, warning horn, driver alertness system etc.

4. Train Performance & Handling It is essential that the software can calculate accurate train performance characteristics. This includes consideration of the traction unit power curve, train load/weight and the effects of any gradient and curvature. Accurate response to changes in throttle position or brake applications.

5. Signalling etc. The programme must be capable of supporting a working signalling system. It must be smart enough to route trains to the correct destinations at junctions and allow for random variation in train routing on those lines which permit it.

6. Open Architecture As stated the ultimate aim is to for a World Simulator. The code therefore needs to be accessible for users to produce their own add on routes with relative ease.

Expressions of interest are therefore invited from those who feel they can make a contribution to such a project. In particular the vital role of Lead Programmer who has the necessary programming and co-ordination skills to bring together other members of the team. With permission, we are publishing details of those coming forward on this page in the hope that a viable team can be assembled.

The initial response to the project so far has been excellent, and the details of those who have volunteered can be viewed here.

As dedicated fans of rail-related software, we are aware that there are those already involved in developing these kind of programmes; and we keenly await all of these projects.

Although conceived to investigate the possibility of creating a new programme; the group which has evolved posesses a considerable collective knowledge of programming and rail issues, and could be of considerable assistance to those already working on Train Simulations.