New Interactive Screen Saver for Model Railroad Enthusiasts

A new screen saver for Windows displays model railroad track plans with running trains. Keyboard commands can be used to operate the trains.

CASTRO VALLEY, CA, August 18, 2007 -- A new screen saver from TrainPlayer Software lets Windows users spend idle screen time operating virtual model trains.

The screen saver displays an image of a model railroad track plan, a kind of map showing tracks and scenery. Trains move along the tracks, winding around the layout as the view scrolls to follow. Periodically the scene changes as the train moves onto a different layout and continues on its way.

Unlike most screen savers, this one allows interactive operation. With a keystroke, the user can change the train speed and direction, set the route by throwing a switch, jump to another layout, and more. "Watching the new screen saver is like going to a model train show," says company founder Jim Dill. "It's just fun to watch little trains moving around big scenic railroad layouts. A flat computer screen isn't as good as the real thing of course, but with this one you get to see more layouts, plus you can drive the train."

Track plans included with the product are from "101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders," by Linn H. Westcott (copyright Kalmbach Publishing Co., used with permission), a favorite among model railroaders since its publication in 1956. The book is known for its interesting variety of plans and detailed, nostalgic artwork. Also available for the screen saver are many other track plans downloadable from the company's web site.

Product Details

The TrainPlayer Screen Saver is available for Windows only (NT, 2000, XP, Vista; support for Windows 98 and Millenium is coming soon). It comes as a 15MB downloadable package including ten Linn Westcott layouts for $19.95.

The screen saver is also included in two larger packages: TrainPlayer Deluxe (includes TrainPlayer, Screen Saver, and all 101 plans from the book, $59.95) and TrackLayer Deluxe (all of TrainPlayer Deluxe plus tools for building track and layouts, $79.95).

Other products offered are: TrainPlayer (program plus twelve Westcott layouts, $29.95); TrackLayer (TrainPlayer package plus building tools, $49.95); Layout Packs ranging in size from 20 ($9.95) to 101 ($34.95); and Mac OS X versions of all products except the Screen Saver (same prices as Windows versions). All products can be purchased via credit card on the TrainPlayer web site at www.trainplayer.com.

Users wishing to simulate full operation, including coupling, uncoupling, and running multiple trains, should purchase one of the TrainPlayer or TrackLayer products rather than the Screen Saver.

About the Company

TrainPlayer Software began in 2005 with the release of its flagship product TrainPlayer, a simulator of model railroad operation using published track plans. Later that year the company released TrackLayer, an add-on module allowing users to add track to their own plans or draw layouts from scratch. Released in 2006 was version 2.0, with improved artwork and performance, followed in 2007 by Mac OS X versions of all products.

For more information, visit the company's web site at www.trainplayer.com.

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