Publisher Kalypso Media and developer Gaming Minds Studios have busted out the thesaurus to announce Railway Empire, a new tycoon game centered on railroads starting in the early days of rail transport. The game is scheduled to pull into the station by the end of this year, and they plan on further showing it off at GDC next week. In the meantime they offer this trailer and some more details:

In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition. You’ll also need to hire and manage your workforce if you want to ensure an efficient train service, whilst also develop over 300 technologies ranging from mechanical improvements to the trains themselves to workplace infrastructures and advanced amenities as you progress through five eras of technological innovations.

However, you can’t just build and research your way to the top – the competition never sleeps, and to keep your business on track you’ll have to survive against up to three rival tycoons. To get to the top you may have to resort to more cutthroat tactics as you attack and sabotage your opponents through raids and industrial espionage.

Features of Railway Empire

• Exploit the economic opportunities of the United States in an extensive campaign, working your way step by step from coast to coast across this great continent.
• Lead your Railway Empire to success by establishing a comprehensive rail network and optimizing transportation of passengers and goods.
• Master challenges and objectives through a range of scenarios, or create your perfect railway network in construction mode without any financial pressure.
• Over 40 historically accurate locomotives and more than 30 different wagons can be acquired over the course of the game, and must be put to use in the best way in order to take advantage of their strengths and weaknesses.
• Invest in over 300 new technologies across five different eras to progress and maximize the potential of your rail network.
• Compete with up to three rival companies, and even sabotage their efforts with the use of bandits and spies.