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World's First High-Def Train Simulator Makes Train Operating Uber-Realistic
Posted by Gizmodo US Edition at 10:00 AM on May 11, 2008
Train operators-in-training will no longer have to deal with plain, unrealistic, standard-definition simulations thanks to a new system that uses full HD video. Jointly developed by Fujitsu and video game maker Ongakukan, the world's most advanced train simulator uses variable-speed playback technology and HD video that was shot on actual train lines.
The simulator delivers an unprecedented level of realism that gives trainees a better and more accurate learning experience. Never again will a train operator not know what to do when he or she encounters something on the tracks (here's a hint: 'stop'). The system just became available commercially for three million yen (about $31,000), so extremely rich Thomas the Tank Engine fans, it's time to make your train-operating dreams come true! [Fareastgizmos]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
Bob Tooshi
Posted September 10, 2008 2:49 PM
This looks fantastic but if your looking for a more compact 'virtual' simulation of a train then I would look at the newest addition to the Trainz franchise on PC - Trainz Simulator 2009 - http://www.ts2009.com
It is looking really good!
xeijix
Posted 10:48 AM 11/5/08
Trains in HK are piloted by robots. Perhaps we should all convert to that system
xeijix
Wiliam Hook
Posted 10:30 AM 11/5/08
I want one.
Wiliam Hook
Skorpius
Posted 11:10 AM 11/5/08
Ramming speed.
Skorpius
strider_mt2k
Posted 10:53 AM 11/5/08
Scenario:
Old Charlie stole the handle, and the train it won't stop going no way to slow down.
No way to slow down.
strider_mt2k
Arvin Bautista
Posted 11:28 AM 11/5/08
That's actually not all that expensive, though I wish it used really high quality 3d imagery instead of just prerecorded HD images, although with a train simulator, there's really nothing wrong with it being a "rail shooter."
Arvin Bautista
bosskev
Posted 11:22 AM 11/5/08
It's worth $29,000 only if it plays "Love on a Real Train" and includes either a virtual Rebecca De Mornay or Tom Cruise (your choice).
...and switching tracks to weightier matters:
(-4)
bosskev
AndrewJayPollack
Posted 1:09 PM 11/5/08
@strider -- Love the Tull reference. Plenty of other good rock references here though..
"We're going off the rails on a crazy train."
"Driving that train, high on cocaine, Casey Jones you'd better, watch your speed."
"I'm the train they call the City of New Orleans, and I'll be gone 10,000 miles 'fore the day is through."
Seriously though -- much could a sim really be needed for this job? Turn Left. Oh, sorry. Can't. Turn Right. Oh, sorry. can't. Pull Up! Oh, sorry, can't.
Its pretty much go, stop, open the doors, close the doors, go, stop....
AndrewJayPollack
carmen89
Posted 1:02 PM 11/5/08
so...people spent money creating something that lets people have the experience to have a train ride? .... if thats the case I got a great idea for a HD simulator "walking in every day life" gonna make me some millions and raise rabbits as big as yer heads!
carmen89
GadgetPlay
Posted 12:55 PM 11/5/08
@bosskev: I'll take a Rebecca to go.
GadgetPlay
LUV2CattleCall
Posted 3:41 PM 11/5/08
Not much different from Amtrak really:
-Both have inexperienced drivers/engineers/wtf ever they want to be called
-Neither really move much, and either way, there's a good chance that both now and an hour from now, you'll be in the same exact spot
-Both will be highly profitable..oh wait
LUV2CattleCall
Kaiser-Machead
Posted 3:38 PM 11/5/08
The trains in New Delhi already have this, and even have holographic readouts so that they can see how many people are hanging on to the car.
Kaiser-Machead
icelight
Posted 4:45 PM 11/5/08
Honestly, considering just how disastrous a really bad train accident can be, I'd say the more training the better.
[www.time.com]
icelight
strider_mt2k
Posted 9:25 PM 11/5/08
@Kaiser-Machead:
Call me a racist, but "people clinging to a train" jokes NEVER get old.
NEVER. :D
strider_mt2k
strider_mt2k
Posted 11:43 PM 11/5/08
By the way, at quarter to ten you know it's traveliin' again.
strider_mt2k
jackfrost132
Posted 2:42 AM 12/5/08
In an unrelated rock reference I wish somebody would come out with a face rocking simulator so I can finally know how Bon Jovi feels.
jackfrost132
Parker. A
Posted 5:47 AM 12/5/08
@AndrewJayPollack: Microsoft Train Simulator.
Suggest adding weapons, Extreme speed, Crashable objects, people/cows/cars/ in the tracks, off road capabilities, and a caboose with an afterburner.
Then we'll talk.
Parker. A