Once downloaded, don't just drive the tutorials. Open "Surveyor." Place a single track in an empty field. Then another. Then a station. Six hours will vanish.

It is clunky, the interface looks like it was designed by an engineer (because it was), and the graphics are showing their age. But for free? It is the deepest, most rewarding simulation of heavy industry ever made. Grab your ticket. The train is leaving the station.

And the best whistle you’ll hear today? It is now available via a legitimate (free download) on various platforms.