Train Artisan is a hobbyist group dedicated to creating high quality locomotives, rolling stock and activities for the new generation of Train Simulation software.

Our intent is to be considered one of the premiere content creators for the Train Simulation market. We will achieve this goal through our attention to detail, quality, and continuous innovation in our products.

Train Artisan was contracted in early 2002 to create art assets for version 1.2 of MSTS.

The specific artwork delivered for the contract included: SD40-2 locomotive model textured with BNSF livery, SD40-2 fully functional cabview, BNSF refrigerator car, BNSF two-bay cement covered hopper, BNSF caboose, and a passenger view for the caboose.

We also provided testing and input for their in-house MSTS model and texture conversion tools.

Our involvement with Microsoft Train Simulator 2 started in the beginning of 2003.

New engine specifications required locomotives to be more detailed than ever - polygon budgets were in to the 20,000s and textures could number up to several 1024x1024 with dual alpha channels to support complex shaders.

Preproduction work began in February 2003. We received nearly 3 gigs of digital photo reference of every nook and cranny of the locomotives and rollingstock. Along with this, we also received builders blueprints and all of the new import/export tools for art creation. We got right to work categorizing and organizing the photo reference as well as creating blueprint boxes of the equipment in 3Dstudio MAX.

We poured over the tools to learn them and even helped to debug and suggest changes to make them better. We wrapped pre-production by creating a resource allocation and production schedule centering on deliverables for each monthly milestone.

For production, we were responsible for creating models and textures for the PRR M1b, PRR K4, and PRR L1 steam locomotives and tenders. We modeled PRR passenger cars; B60, BM70, D78r, Queen Mary Parlor, P70, Pullman and a N5a caboose. For the more modern equipment, we modeled and textured a GP38-2, C44-8w, and Sw1500 diesel locomotives. We also modeled and textured cabviews for the M1b,K4 and SW1500 as well as the passenger view for the P70.

Microsoft was very interested in our progress and we sent screenshots weekly. Excitement over the project grew to such a point that Microsoft decided to unveil MSTS2 at the annual video game trade show, E3. This was great news - the world would have a chance to finally see the work that we were proudly creating. The only problem, Microsoft wanted to show the PRR equipment earlier than originally scheduled. Realizing how important a showing of MSTS2 at E3 was, we put in extra effort and got the PRR equipment ready in time for the show.

During the summer we helped Microsoft by creating a double stack car set for free.

Train Artisan's relationship with Union Pacific began in the fall of 2002.

Union Pacific was hesitant in licensing it's trademark to products related to software simulation of train operations as a result of the terrorist attacks of Sept 11th.

Train Artisan had an interest in creating software products using their trademarks so we began working with Union Pacific's licensing department to find a solution.

We began slowly by proposing products based on historic steam locomotives which aren't so easily available in UP's modern locomotive fleet.

We also helped to educate Union Pacific about the train simulator program and the simulator market by sending them complimentary copies of both Microsoft Train Simulator and our product, American Classics.

We walked their licensing department through the various points and features of the products. The products were then sent to UP's safety officer for evaluation. The verdict came back positive - Union Pacific no longer felt that Train Simulator or related products posed a security threat to their operations. The verdict was so positive that UP opened trademark licensing to all of their locomotives instead of just steam.

Because of our quality and reputation in the train simulator market, UP chose to consult with us in order to refine their trademark policies as they applied to payware and freeware.The results of which can be seen in their current policies for licensing trademarks for use in software.

Train Artisan also proposed a new interactive display for the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Union Pacific agreed to its value for the museum especially in attracting younger visitors. We developed a formal proposal along with CAD mock-ups to visualize the display cabinet ergonomics. We also programmed a prototype to show how the display would operate automatically when first turned on, then through daily operation, and finally to museum closing and display shut-down. The key here was low-maintenance and supervision.

Union Pacific was very interested in business opportunities with Microsoft through the Train Simulator product. Because of our relationship with Microsoft, Union Pacific contacted us to help them forge a new business relationship with Microsoft.

Train Artisan prepared several conference call meetings to discuss common business goals as it related to train simulation for all three companies. The meetings culminated with an on-site meeting in Omaha Nebraska at the Union Pacific Headquarters. The meetings were all very successful and we were able to develop plans moving forward for all three companies.

Cyrus has been in the video game industry for over 13 years. He started his career at Strategic Simulations Inc., creating many of the monsters and creatures for the Dungeons and Dragons Gold Box line. Cyrus left SSI to found the art department for Crystal Dynamics and become it's art director. Crystal Dynamics became a leader in visual innovations in games for the 3DO game console.

Cyrus later joined Acclaim Entertainment and created the Advanced Technology Group. The group's primary responsibility was to use cutting edge technology to create innovative graphics for Acclaim's video game products. With the success of the department, Cyrus was promoted to Executive Director of Advanced Technologies, then to Vice President of Digital Productions.

Currently, Cyrus is a co-founder of Inevitable Entertainment - a video game developer concentrating on the production of product for the newest generation of video game hardware.

Before his work in train simulations, Cyrus was building and casting custom locomotives for use in Z-scale model railroading.

Cyrus also, serves as the modeler, animator, texturer, and coordinating force behind Train Artisan

Chris has been a long-time, avid railroad fan. His hobbies all have some connection with Railroading whether it is photography, acting as the yardmaster or dispatcher for his model railroad club, or working with the many people in the Train Sim community.

Chris' work with physical train characteristics in the form of .eng files has lead him to become the most sought after .eng creator. His work can be seen in just about every freeware or commercial locomotive release for Microsoft Train Simulator.

Part of Chris' knowledge comes from actual experience in running steam locomotives at Steamtown USA in Scanton PA.

At Train Artisan, Chris originates all of the .eng files that dictate the physical characteristics that a locomotive may have in a Train Simulation product. Chris also is a master at retrieving locomotive reference which definitely aids the rest of the team in creating accurate, prototypical models.

Rob is a very experienced musician, sound engineer, and producer. He has toured with many headlining rock groups which include Dokken, Alice Cooper, Poison, and Great White. During the 1996 Olympic games, Rob was the sound engineer in charge of Live Performances. Rob also plays a total of eight instruments.

Next to his love of music is his love of RailRoading. Rob has been an active HO and N scale modeler for many years. He shares his enthusiasm by organizing membership groups and working with a couple of Railroad restoration and historical societies in the southwestern United States.

Rob is the sound engineer for Train Artisan. With his knowledge and relationships with groups that restore locomotives, Rob has been able to make exclusive recordings that have been incorporated into Train Artisan products. These high quality sounds bring a new and sensational experience to the Train Simulation hobby.

On top of Rob's expertise in engineering sounds to work for Train Simulation software, Rob also has expertise in creating and animating the many lighting effects that are found in Train Artisan locomotives.

Conn has been a long time fan of trains and railroads. His main interests are in the early days when steam ruled the tracks. Of the railroads, Conn's got a deep appreciation for the Union Pacific and the Chicago & North Western - why, as a matter of fact some of his favorite locos are the UP 844 and the UP 3985.

Conn also has favorites in the 1st and 2nd generation of diesel locomotives.

While in real life, Conn is an American Eagle Airlines pilot, for Train Artisan, he models, textures and animates some of our most exciting steam locomotives. When it comes to value gear and side rod movement, Conn can animate their motion to really match their real-life counterparts.

Currently Conn is working on the USRA 4-8-2, 2-8-2, and 4-6-2. He is also spear-heading the creation of the famous 1522!

Verne is a classically trained artists who has a 40+ year career as a commercial artist and illustrator as well as being a fine artist specializing in watercolor renderings of railroads of the 20's thru the 60's. In his spare time, he is a woodworker - building furniture, and a watercolor instructor. Verne grew up watching steam die, and has had a fascination with railroads ever since. Over his career, Verne has create 350 pieces of artwork which ranged from $300 to $1000 a piece. He has had his artwork displayed in many shows such as the .International Railroad Art Exhibition -Massachusetts State Capitol, Boston Mass; "A Celebration of the American Railroad" - California State Railroad Museum Sacramento, CA; Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City and Las Vegas, NV, Caesar's Palace Hotel/Casino, Lake Tahoe, NV; Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort - Rancho Mirage, CA; etc, etc.

His artwork is in the hands of such collectors as: Union Pacific Railroad, State of Nevada, Nevada Governor's Mansion, and private collections in the US and abroad. Past Secretary/Treasurer and member of Jury/Selection Committee - Society of Steam Era Artists of America.

At times, Verne has strayed from Railroads as his artistic subject. One such project had Verne serve as the primary visualizer and painter for the Apollo space program's public relation's department.

These days, Verne handles most of the high quality texture mapping for Train Artisan products. He is also venturing into modeling as well.

Cameron has been involved in the creation of locomotives for MSTS since the beginning. His GG1 and Alco PA's were popular downloads. He also was responsible for a full service website dedicated to supporting his creations.

Currently, Cameron has been responsible for creating Train Artisan's early diesel locomotives which include the RS-11, SharkNose, and GP30.

Adrian comes from a relatively quite rural town in southern Victoria, Australia. Where he is happily married and currently working hard to put his 4 children through school.

Adrian is currently employed as a CAD draftsman in the building industry, specializing in structural steel detailing.

He's worked on construction jobs which range from small industrial factories to massive production and storage warehouses.

Adrian has always had a passion for trains ( within 50 kilometer of where he lives, they have two broad gauge mainline routes and two narrow gauge tourist railways plus numerous model train clubs and even enthusiasts who enjoy live steam models ) Also, having been into HO scale model trains as a teenager, he basically got hooked.

It was through the U.S. "Model Railroader" magazine that he grew to love American Iron. But over the past 10 years or so Adrian's involvement in the hobby had basically stagnated until the advent of Microsoft's Train Simulator.

This gives him an excuse to model some great steam locos, first generation diesels and a wide variety of passenger and freight cars.

Jeremy Hopkin is from Ontario Canada. He's had a passion for visual arts since he was a child through drawing, painting, sculpture,photography, etc.

Although Jeremy's career as of late has been leaning into the field of Graphic Design, and other forms of Digital Art Media, from time to time he uses more traditional means to help him along in several projects; and have found that the traditional media that he was schooled in to be a great asset.

Jeremy is also involved in local historical societies. He volunteers regularily by providing historical photo digital restoration, original artworks based on historical data, and helping the general public use the Society's Archives facility.

There are a few reasons Jeremy became involved in making rolling stock, buildings, posters,and re-skins for MSTS: He gained a great appreciation for Historic Subjects through his passion for art. It seems to him that so many of the designers and artists of the past had qualities that today are rarely matched.

Some of his favorites within the Vintage Railroad World: Artists: Leslie Ragan, Dean Cornwell, Industrial Designers: Raymond Loewy and Henry Dreyfuss Photographers: O. Winston Link And all of the uncredited artists, designers and photographers that railway companies used.