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TS2009 is one week old

With the first Digital Download of Trainz Simulator 2009: World Builder Edition a little more than one week ago, already 2,000 people have registered their copy of TS2009. This makes TS2009 the fastest ever launch in the history of Trainz. The boxed DVD version has been printed and the disks replicated. Now all that remains is to insert the DVDs into their cases and then ship the DVDs to the distributors. All going to plan, mail order customers will start receiving their copies by December 16.

What they are saying about TS2009

The forums have been busy all week with questions and feedback about the new TS2009 release. Here are some of the comments from people who obviously enjoy their new software:

Big thumbs up for TS2009, an excellent basis for future Trainz development. Good frame rates, good graphics, good sound, the way to go. DaveW

I was a dyed in the wool TSR2004 devotee. Not anymore......I love TS2009. JWEwan

I for one am very happy with TS2009...I'm very impressed with the improvement in frame rate...One of my routes which returned about 15 fps at the main station, now runs quite happily at 40 fps. Spelman

The more I use it the more I like it, it just gets better and better. I highly recommend people move to 09, it's a lot more rewarding.... Communist

I like it very much, especially the sounds. Railroy19

I'm also one of the holdouts from 2004, which was great in its day and still kept me faithful when 2006 and the TC series came calling. Now I must admit that I've been seduced by 2009. Martinvk

New Downloadable Content Coming Soon

We will be releasing new high resolution content on a regular basis. New high resolution textures will be available when Sp1 is released in a couple of weeks. Here is a quick sample of what can be done in just a few minutes with the new textures...


Low Resolution Textures	High Resolution Textures

Old dogs and new tricks

As with all things new, there has been some confusion over how to unlock the power of some of the new features. The tutorials at TS2009.com/tutorial.php have helped people learn about the new search capabilities and the "Tips and Hints" forum gives details on a number of known issues and workarounds.

Use Picklists to build a list of favourite items

One of the cool new features is the Picklist which lets you build a set of favourite content in Content Manager and then you can pick items from that list whilst in Surveyor. This can be used for texture sets, locos or any item that can be used in Surveyor.

Which version should I buy?

As most readers know, Trainz 2009 is being released in two parts; World Builder and Engineers Edition. There is still some confusion over exactly what you get with each version.

World Builder has all the features that you know from Trainz 2004 and 2006 plus it adds new features such as more detailed terrain tools and content search filters. It also comes with a number of sample assets that highlight just how far the graphics capabilities have come since the first days of Trainz.

Engineers Edition is the version that will deliver much of the upgraded content and new, never before released routes. We are working with the content creators at TrainzDev.com to ensure that we get some great new locos, track, scenery, routes and sessions.

If you purchase WBE, you will be able to make routes, edit routes, drive, give orders and do everything you are used to doing in other versions. If you purchase TEE you will get some great new content to play with. If you purchase both, you combine them into a single installation and you have all the new tools and all the new content.


1,500m Draw Distance	5,000m Draw Distance

Service Pack 1 due mid-December

The bug list is getting shorter and shorter and the final polish is being applied to Service Pack 1. We are currently on track for a mid-December release.

One of the highlights for this release is the new multi-core functionality which takes advantage of the power of dual-core processors. For example, the AI will operate on one thread whilst the rendering happens on another, making for smoother all round performance.

We've also squashed a number of release bugs (especially in CM2) and made a number of "under the hood" improvements that should provide better stability.

The pirates have arrived

Whilst the news is generally very positive, the sad news is that people are already trying to register serial numbers that have been registered by other users. We would like to remind people that their license allows them to install Trainz on a single computer.

We realize that people may use Trainz on two machines in two different locations (such as at work and at home) but as long as they do not run Trainz simultaneously on two machines, we are happy.

If you have lent a friend your serial number, please encourage them to purchase the Digital Version so they can obtain their own serial. We know that very few of you would take a physical box off a store shelf and give it to a friend, so please don't share your version of Trainz with others.

Gift Voucher

If you are planning to give the gift of Trainz this Christmas, we have prepared a special "Gift Voucher" graphic for you to print "just in case the DVD doesn't arrive". This voucher isn't redeemable, so you still need to order through the Auran Store. You can, however, use the Voucher as a gift for a loved one to keep them happy until the real DVD does arrive. (In other words, don't print the voucher unless you also order the product from the Auran Store).

We have arranged to ship DVD's from the UK, USA, Canada or Australia depending on your location. This will ensure your delivery time is minimized. Shipping is currently on schedule for mid December so we expect most DVDs will arrive in time for Christmas.

Click the image on the left to view a printable version.