CEO of Auran, Greg Lane said, "Anybody with the appropriate skills and licensed software will be able to create their own models. We expect that many of the modelers who have created content for Microsoft® Train Simulator will be pleased that they can now convert their creations for use in Trainz.”

In addition to 3D Studio Max, Auran is also working with a number of partners on support for other 3D packages. Obviously, the more support they can provide modelers, the more content there will be available and the greater the benefit to the Trainz community.

Owners of Trainz will be able to download much of this custom content free from the web.

Auran is also planning to release Regional Add-on Packs containing new layouts, scenery, locomotives, driver cabins and rolling stock from various regions around the globe.

In a move designed to help modelers protect their work and receive reward for their efforts, custom content can also be submitted to Auran for inclusion as official content. Upon acceptance, the content will be issued with a Unique ID that ensures that server-side authentication planned for future modules will verify ownership of that content, and thus avoid piracy concerns.

Trainz will be available in stores across the globe in February 2002 through publisher, Strategy First and their distribution partner, Infogrames.

More information is available at the Official Website ...