In 2004, steam loco sims didn’t come any better than SpoorSim
Microsoft Train Simulator, BVE, Trainz… in 2004 the PC rail simmer had far fewer choices than they have today. Oddly, one of the most realistic options available to desktop train drivers back then featured South African rolling stock. If you’re as ancient as I am and love all things locomotive you may be interested to hear that Charl Vockerodt’s SpoorSim is still available, if you know where to look.