

And, it doesn't stop there, as terrain types, roads, textures, vehicles, buildings, structures, layouts, rolling stock, and more are but some of the categories offered. With the constant addition of official downloadable add-ons available at the Auran website (three service packs available at the time of this review) complementing sections on content creation, movies, accessories, user creations (rated), links and more, any shortage of initially included locomotives or carriers is being addressed daily. Hobbies are meant to be shared, and Auran has provided an excellent means for expanding your treasure trove of trains in that respect. With Trainz, you can tweak, build, invent, and collect continuously without making your spouse and kids go hungry. As anyone who has built a model railroad the old-fashioned way knows, the process is never ending - the wealth of material on hobby store shelves and available online is as astounding (as are some of the prices) as it is unattainable at times. All are exquisitely designed and offer literally unlimited hours of involvement and enjoyment. Picking the best of the three separate modules, collecting, driving, or surveying (building layouts) is a matter of personal taste. Fortunately, the designers seem truly dedicated to making the hobby affordable and fun for fans of all ages. While the manual is a bit stiff in style, the actual hands-on beauty of the simulation is nothing short of inspired, with a minimal learning curve for what could be a complicated endeavor. The single most endearing attribute of this title is its simplicity and ease of use, regardless of which aspect of the hobby enthralls you. Now, Trainz developer Auran puts an exciting spin on the hobby with three distinct facets that allow the enthusiast nearly unlimited access to what can be an expensive pastime or even obsession. While the hobby of collecting model train sets and paraphernalia has fluctuated in appeal over the years, the fascination remains the same. Wendell is based on a Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0.The fascination with trains goes far back in European and American history to a time when hand-carved wooden locomotives and cars were considered priceless treasures by youngsters (and adults). To those who hear his story, he is 'The Iron Solider'! When Sir Topham Hat needed an engine to tackle a heavy goods train to barrow, Wendell took to the task, but ending up in Farmer Browns Field! When returning home, Sir Topham Hat placed him as permanent goods engine on the Wellsworth Branch, and occasionally shunting back at Tidmouth. He returned as a pilot engine at Tidmouth, shunting small trains and fetching coaches for bigger engines.

But being confined to his small yard he seeked adventure onto Edwards line where he met Bill and Ben. Wendell had been sent to work at the harbor at Knapford. Wendell is a tank engine bought by Sir Topham Hatt.
