WITH its state-of-the-art graphics, realistic engine sounds and fully operational driving controls, it could be described as the ultimate computer game.

But this is no mere toy for techno-nerds - it's a deadly serious, multi-million pound piece of kit designed to ensure that countless travellers reach their destinations in comfort and safety.

First TransPennine Express are rolling out their new fleet of Class 185 trains - 51 three-car diesel units that are capable of reaching speeds of 100mph.

The super-modern trains, built by Siemens in Germany, have cost the rail company £250m, and will be introduced in the North-East in the autumn.

But the staff need to be trained and, in keeping with the size of the project, First yesterday unveiled the most sophisticated train simulator yet built, to teach both existing drivers and new ones how to handle the Class 185.

The cab is no imitation - it was provided by the manufacturer and is authentic in every way, right down to the upholstery on the seat.

All the controls work and are attached to powerful computers that also generate and interact with the crystal-clear graphics on a huge screen which dominates the user's view.

The instructors can throw almost any situation in front of the trainees in their virtual-reality world - from a fire on the train or a cow wandering onto the line to an all-enveloping blizzard.

And a five-minute drive in blue-sky conditions was enough to convince journalists yesterday that even stopping at the right place on a station platform takes a lot of skill and concentration.

Simulator project manager Mark Wardell said: "Together with our new computer-based training programme, this is putting us ahead of railways elsewhere in Europe.

"It's a lovely feeling that people are coming here to see our technology. It's usually us going abroad."

The simulators can also be used to train and test drivers on their ability to interact with the computerised train management system and to find and rectify faults aboard the train.

Two of the machines have been built by French-based Corys with input from Siemens and First. One is at Ardwick, Manchester, and the other in York.

The latter is housed in the National Railway Museum and will move to a new training depot nearby later this year.

But until then, those grown-ups who have never lost the childhood urge to be a train driver are being given the chance to make those dreams come true by the museum.

An individual afternoon's training session includes a meal and two hours training on the simulator. The cost is £275 and the session must be booked in advance. Profits go to the National Railway Museum. More information is available on (01904) 686263 or at www.nrm.org.uk