I am not sure if any of you are interested in the simulator side of things, but I am, so will post a few links about some rail simulators I have.
I have MSTS which is a great sim with loads of add-ons, some payware. The ELR and Peak Power ones are available now, as many of you will know, and both are very good.
- www.uktrainsim.com is a great website for FREE add-ons for MSTS, and hosts many, many diesels as well as routes and even EMUs etc etc.
I do however prefer to BVE4 simulator, which has recently changed it's name to BVE Trainsim. The game is completely free, and has some very, very good quality British routes and trains. Although it doesn't offer exterior train views (just the cab), and no activities as such, the quality of trains is superior to MSTS as they feature working window wipers, rain effects on the windscreen, and working AWS and TPWS systems.
Here is a screenshot of a Class 66 on a route I have made for the simulator:

The game can be downloaded from http://mackoy.cool.ne.jp , and BVE4 is the better and latest version.
A list of sites for BVE add-ons cab be see on the links page of my website (sorry for blowing my own trumpet here!

Let me know what you think of BVE, as I know it isn't as well known as MSTS.