(Box, which included Gmax as an accessory is shown at right in lower left corner.) Two retail builds (retail versions releases) existed the English/USA version is commonly known as Trainz 1.0. Trainz Community Edition was released in December 2001. Service packs 1 (April), 2 (June) and 3 (November) were each released in 2002, these progressively updated the Community Edition, Trainz 1.0 to versions 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 successively. Any train can be given directions to be driven by the computer. In CAB (cabin) mode the train physics are more sophisticated than in DCC mode adding real-life considerations such as wheel slip on the rails how the weight of the consist slows acceleration and deceleration. The user then operates the trains in Driver, either in free play, or according to a scenario called a Driver Session which can range in difficulty from beginner to expert.

In the route editor, Surveyor, the user can shape the landscape, paint with ground textures, lay tracks, and place buildings and roads.

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