July 9, 2001

ALL RAILS LEAD TO ST. LOUIS -- MICROSOFT AND TRAIN SIMULATOR COME TO THE NMRA ANNUAL CONVENTION

Microsoft today announced their participation in the National Model Railroad Association's annual convention in St. Louis. Microsoft will run kiosks at the show where attendees can obtain a hands-on experience of driving the world's most famous trains, in the recently released Microsoft Train Simulator.

In addition, Microsoft will show the simulator to young students through the NMRA Junior College Program. This program allows young enthusiasts (ages 6-15) to experience the hobby up close. Kids will have the opportunity to try out Microsoft Train Simulator. Drawings will also be held, with the winners getting boxed copies of the game.

Microsoft is bringing a special thrill to the convention this year in the form of the BNSF 4723 Dash-9 locomotive. This engine, the same one depicted on the cover of Microsoft Train Simulator, will be at the St. Louis Union Station Mall, with tours provided July 13-15. The Dash-9 is BNSF's premiere freight locomotive in use today, and is used by all four major US rail carriers.

Microsoft Train Simulator is Microsoft's newest simulator title, featuring six famous rail routes from around the world with hundreds of miles of highly detailed, accurately rendered rail routes. It also features virtual 3-D locomotive cabs with accurate, detailed control, a living world around the tracks, and seasonal effects that will leave players peering through snow-covered windshields while maintaining control on ice-slicked rails. Players can customize their own trains and create new routes and activities, bringing the constantly expanding depth of Microsoft Flight Simulator series to railroads around the world.

Microsoft Train Simulator is available in stores now or by calling Microsoft at (888) 218-5617 or on the Internet at http://shop.microsoft.com/ for an estimated retail price of $54.99 (U.S.). More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/games/trainsim/.

The National Model Railroad Association is the largest organization devoted to the model railroading hobby. Since 1988, they have showcased model railroading at the National Train Show. A nationally sponsored industry and public trade show, its purpose is to promote the model railroading hobby within industry and the public at large. The annual show draws 20,000 attendees each year. This year, the show will be held from July 13-15 at the TWA Dome in St. Louis. The Junior College Program takes place before the convention, July 9-11.

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Brian McGovney
Arbuthnot Communications, Inc.
9000 W. Sunset Blvd, Suite 1010
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 274-1256

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