Without the sort of space available only in an abandoned warehouse or aircraft hanger, it is difficult to model a representation of more than a minute fraction of a long distance train's journey. However, by extending a model railway layout into the realm of the virtual, computer simulated, a far greater proportion of railway, and variety of operations, can be represented.

In this video, we see how this can be achieved on this, work in progress "N" gauge (1:148 scale) model railway layout, set in southern England in 1989.