Machine: Rail Vehicle Simulator is a PC simulator developed for years, focusing on vehicles driving on Polish tracks. The project was initiated in 2001 by Marcin Woniak. Later, more people got involved in the production, including Maciej Czapkiewicz, responsible for game physics. Since 2006, extensive packages with add-ons have appeared on the production site, improving the title and adding new functionalities.
### Mechanics
In production we play the role of a driver who drives various rail vehicles on routes scattered all over the country. Developers have prepared a whole set of machines (electric locomotives, diesel locomotives, draisines and railcars) – altogether in the game MaSzyna: Simulator of Rail Vehicles there are over forty models of locomotives, as well as several hundred passenger and freight wagons.
The production offers about seventy scripts and a dozen or so scenarios. The machine control itself is reproduced very precisely, so it is not enough just to get into the locomotive’s cabin and move the accelerator lever. For example, before starting to travel, check the position of the directional adjuster, apply current by raising the pantograph, switch on the air compressor and perform several other operations. In addition, a number of factors have to be taken into account, e.g. the pressure level in the system. If everything is right, set the brake valve to the “ride” position and start the journey using the adjuster. When moving, you need to check and correct your speed, remember about traffic lights and many other things. Of course, each locomotive drives differently, but in all cases, the Machine: The Rail Vehicle Simulator tries to reproduce as faithfully as possible the difficult task of the driver.
### Technical issues
MaSzyna: The Rail Vehicle Simulator is not a spectacular production, because this is not the goal of the developers. The game is supposed to faithfully represent the reality, not only in terms of gameplay, but also in terms of graphics. Although the environment is far from being photorealistic, the machines and their interiors have been accurately reproduced and fans of rail vehicles will not have any problems recognizing individual models.
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MaSzyna: Symulator Pojazdów Szynowych
