June 24, 2023
A Very Special Announcement

Before I get into this "very special" announcement, please take a look at the announcement below dated October 10, 2008. As its title says, this website first appeared on that date. I hope you'll agree the promises made in that announcement have been more than fulfilled in the intervening 14 years.

Now it's time for G-TraX to transition to a new phase: I have stepped down as the "main guy" at G-TraX. The reasons for this are my advancing years, and the desire to explore new areas in the world of train simming, as well as other interests and pursuits.

So what's a main guy? Well, legally and technically G-Trax has always been just me and I've never tried to imply it was was anything but that. It definitely has never been a professional game-development studio with a staff of full-time employees. Not even close. Even so, it's not strictly a one-man show, either. Most G-Trax products, especially the routes, have been collaborations involving talented train-sim enthusiasts—friends, really—from around the world.

One of those collaborators is Michael Stephan. Michael is from Dresden, Germany and currently resides in Brno, Czechia. He's a big fan of mid-20th century US railroads, particularly the Great Northern Railway. Many of you will recognize him by his "GreatNortherer" forum handle and his Golden Age of Railroading website. I first worked with Michael on the Feather River Canyon route for MSTS in 2006. Since then, he and I, along with others, have created many memorable routes for what is now known as Train Simulator Classic. These include Portland Terminal, Durango & Silverton, Stevens Pass, Riverside Waterton & Atlantic, Bessemer & Lake Erie, Montana Hi-Line, GN Cascadian, CSX Hanover Sub (for High Iron Simulations), and most recently the Boston & Albany route.

In consideration of our long and productive association, Michael has agreed to become the new main guy and curator of G-TraX. Many thanks are due to Michael for his outstanding behind-the-scenes leadership and personal efforts pulling the final pieces of the B&A project together. I still expect to drop in from time to time as needed, though it'll be in a new, more limited role—maybe as "main guy emeritus." I hope to continue contributing to projects led by Michael and by other developers. You may also see my name associated with an occasional "boutique" project, such as a single rolling-stock item, or perhaps a small, though unique, route. Being a freelancer also opens up the possibility for work on other simulator platforms and with other publishers.

In closing, many thanks to all of you who have supported G-TraX over these many years. I hope it's been as much fun for you as it's been for me.

 

October 10, 2008
G-TraX Simulations Launches New Web Site!

G-TraX Simulations, a supplier of high-definition railroad simulator add-ons, launched its own new web site today. G-TraX is operated by Rick Grout, who has been working behind the scenes for several years, having provided a significant amount of the content in such well known add-on products as the Donner Pass and Feather River routes for MSTS.

The initial product offering from G-TraX will consist of two steam locomotives. Both locomotives are currently in various stages of construction. Preparations are also being made for the future release of freight and passenger rolling stock items as well as for at least one "high-accuracy" route. Classic and modern eras of railroading will be represented.