Route for MS Train Simulator

For the Enthusiast

A Chance To Drive A Talyllyn Train Whenever You Like!

Well, now you can by obtaining a copy of Steve Pontin's Talyllyn Railway Route for Microsoft Train Simulator!

(To go straight to details on how to order, click here.)

This route, now at version 2, is a complete rebuild of an earlier version and has been improved to provide an enhanced view of the "Talyllyn Railway world"

The route has been created using real world terrain landscape modelling and the track laid to real Talyllyn profiles so that you can now experience the skills required by the Talyllyn drivers in running the trains up and down the line. Almost all the scenery objects have been created and textured using photo-realistic techniques taken from hundreds of digital photographs of the railway. This adds to the realism and atmosphere of the line.

We hope that you find the features enhance your enjoyment of running trains along this most famous of Welsh Narrow Railways - "One of the Great Little Trains of Wales".

Some users have reported error messages about missing texture files when starting the Talyllyn route - a patch to resolve this issue is available from the author's web site.

Brief Description of the Route

Wharf Station in the snow The route starts at Tywyn Wharf and depicts the station buildings and surrounding features including the new Wharf Station building extension due to open in Spring 2005.

Pendre level crossing Leaving the station the line runs up the deep cutting, emerging into the highly detailed Pendre complex. All the prototypical buildings and trackwork are present and the level crossing at Pendre is fully working, opening as the train approaches and stopping the moving cars along the roadway.

Daffodils at Rhydyronen Continuing up the line, passing the roving sheep along the lineside, the route leads into Rhydyronen station with its sheltered platform and daffodil field before passing the caravan holiday site at Tynllwyn.

Trains cross at Brynglas Brynglas is soon reached with its passing loop and Block Post. Trains pass here and this is fully reflected in the route.

Looking down on Dolgoch station After running through "Tadpole Cutting" and under Brynglas bridge, the line starts to hug the hillside climbing all the way to emerge over the Dolgoch Viaduct which spans the ravine into Dolgoch Station. Here, the route models the remote station and buildings and supports working water columns for replenishing the locos on their way up to Abergynolwyn.

No. 2 pauses at Quarry Siding Leaving Dolgoch, the second passing loop is soon reached at Quarry Siding and you can see the typical wooded surrounds of the locality with the farms and animal stock visible over the other side of the valley. As you travel up the valley, cars keep pace with you on the local B4405 and traffic jams can even take place behind slow moving lorries.

Waiting at Abergynolwyn A further two miles eventually brings the train into the Abergynolwyn station complex, clinging to the side of the mountain, before heading off up the old mineral line extension towards Nant Gwernol.

Forestry Crossing Passing the Forestry crossing, with working flashing warning lights, the train passes the old watering point at Ty Dwr where the sound of the gushing water can be heard. Further on its way up the line passing the site of the Old Incline Winding House with the remnants of the winding drum still visible in the hedgerow.

Approaching Nant Gwernol Look out for Abergynolwyn village as the train rounds "Amen Corner" and "Big Bend" before it runs into the final station at the Nant Gwernol terminus with its forestry walks and the sound of its waterfalls.

Available on CD which can be ordered directly from the author via credit card, cheque or postal order or from the UKTRAINSIM website. The CD comes complete with a single self installer file which includes the highly detailed Talyllyn Railway route, a set of highly realistic models of the Talyllyn locos and coaches and a set of seven activities to try out your skills as a driver on the Talyllyn.

For those of you who have Steve's existing Talyllyn route, the new version includes enhancements such as:-

Implementation of the "Distant Mountain" MSTS feature that gives a realistic feel to the Talyllyn mountains and valley.
Full 2x scaled terrain in X,Y & Z axes.
Custom built objects taken from the actual Talyllyn route.
Over 90% photorealistic texturing from photographing actual Talyllyn objects.
Custom terrain textures created with the aid of Digital Rail's Mosaic tool.
Enhanced Talyllyn locomotives and rolling stock specifically for this version release.
All locos and rolling stock are stored specifically referenced to be part of this new route (prefixed by Tr2).
Improved locomotive sounds.
An Introductory Train Ride is also included for those who just like to sit and ride!
A set of activities to let you explore the route and to challenge your skills in MS Train Simulator.

How To Order

This route is supplied as "freeware" with a charge only being made to cover the production and distribution of CDs. However in recognition of the help and endeavours of the Talyllyn Preservation society, Steve is including an additional £2 in the price that will be passed direct to the society as a donation for every copy of the route purchased. He hopes that you agree and support him in these sentiments.

The price of the CD is £6.50 includes the Talyllyn route, rolling stock and example activities, postage and packing for the UK mainland and a donation amount for the Talyllyn Railway.

An additional £2.00 P&P charges are required for International customers and CDs will be sent by AirMail.

Ordering direct from the Author:

Buy now using your credit card and purchase via PayPal. UK Customers ONLY
TALYLLYN RAILWAY CD - ADD ON for MS TRAIN SIMULATOR: £6.50 incl P&P and donation
Buy now using your credit card and purchase via PayPal. International Customers ONLY
TALYLLYN RAILWAY CD - ADD ON for MS TRAIN SIMULATOR : £8.50 incl P&P (air mail) and donation
Alternatively, send an email to the author if you wish to pay by cheque or money order and he will reply giving you details of how to send in your order.

Ordering direct from UKTRAINSIM website:

Another alternative is to access the UKTRAINSIM website, and click on the CD ORDERING section where you will find details on how to order the CD.

Important Notes

You will need a copy of Microsoft's Train Simulator program on a suitable PC in order to install and run this Add-On route.
If you purchase this CD, you are purchasing it from Steve Pontin, not from the Talyllyn Railway Company.
Please do NOT contact the Talyllyn Railway for any support, questions or issues arising from this Add-On Microsoft Train Simulator route. We do not have any expertise in this matter and will be unable to give any help. For all questions and support for this Add-On route, please contact the author via email on msts.talyllyn@btinternet.com.
THE SOFTWARE SUPPLIED ON THIS CD IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. iN NO EVENT SHALL THE TALYLLYN RAILWAY COMPANY, STEVE PONTIN OR THEIR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.