ScotRail has added another train simulator to its fleet.
This time around, the simulator is not based in a sprawling cavern underneath Glasgow Central station but sits on desktops at the train operator’s nearby headquarters.
The computer software has been provided by Railsimulator.com.
‘Train Simulator 2012’ adds a new – and fun – interactive dimension to ScotRail’s in-house training and learning and development activities.
It offers replicas of the Edinburgh Waverley-Glasgow Queen Street line and a number of other routes.
The programmes take up a fraction of the two exact replicas of Class 170 diesel and Class 334 electric trains cabs at Glasgow Central which are so realistic that drivers usually forget they are training in a virtual reality world.
The new software – created by Thomson Interactive on behalf of Chatham-based Railsimulator.com – will be used mainly as a training tool in areas such as track safety and lineside features.
Paul Jackson, chief executive of RailSimulator.com, said:
“I am delighted to see Train Simulator 2012 at ScotRail’s training academy.
“We have worked hard to make the simulator as realistic as possible – from the appearance and behaviour of trains to the stations and track. There can be no finer endorsement than to see it being used by ScotRail which has clear commitment to staff training.”
Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director of ScotRail, said:
“It will bring rules and regulations to life visually and in an interactive way for our trainees.”
