RailDriver USB Desktop Train Cab Controller, Drive your Train with realistic throttle, brake, reverser, and switch controls. (Windows PC)

Last year I acquired a Train Simulator that runs on my PC. Not only does it come with pre-packaged routes and sessions, but one can create their own with an endless supply of user-friendly elements and building tools. It’s like having a vast amount of real-estate and resources to build your dream layout. I have been totally immersed the creation aspect of this simulator, but not completely satisfied with the way one controls a train while driving it. Out of the box, driving/controlling is accomplished using a keyboard, mouse, and an option to incorporate a game controller. Not being completely satisfied with this interface strategy, I began to look for a solution.I have some experience with fabricating and/or modifying simple controllers and interfacing them to a ‘PC Port’ but undertaking such a task for this application seemed a little daunting. I then stumbled upon the P.I. Engineering RailDriver controller which is designed specifically for a number of train simulators currently on the market. Being that the purchase price is little over $200 US dollars, I took my time evaluating the product by reading reviews on many compatible train simulator user support sites. Fully convinced that this device is for me, I made the jump. I have no regrets. In my opinion, this controller makes a world of difference and enhances the driving experience 10-fold. I am very pleased with this controller. Now let’s see how it holds up.

The build quality is quite good. The only complaint I have on the build quality is that the "train brake" handle is slightly askew instead of perfectly straight. I suspect it's an uncommon defect and has no effect on gameplay or function.I'm not a fan of having to install stickers because usually the stickers are much smaller than the space for which they were designed. The RailDriver, however, has sized the stickers appropriately and the application of them is easy with the indentations on the hardware which they fit into.I am using the RailDriver with Railworks Train Simulator 2013. There are locomotives that don't work completely. For example, one of the Amtrak loco's the train brake doesn't work. The Amtrak train on the NEC route doesn't work much at all with the RailDriver. I wouldn't consider these deficiencies as a comment on RailDriver quality but on the lack of Railworks Train Sim programming. RailDriver has made available to developers an SDK which they can use to fully integrate RailDriver functionality throughout the game which Railworks so far hasn't done. There are locos that do work completely which seem to be the default ones.Running a train with the RailDriver is much more immersive...and fun! I always had trouble controlling speed especially coming downhill requiring variable dynamic braking settings. With the RailDriver it is simple to control speed in examples like that and many others. I like being able to do an entire scenario without having to touch the keyboard and only using the mouse to manipulate the 2D map and occasionally the camera which seems to be easier than using the RailDriver camera panning buttons.Kudos to P.I. Engineering for not only creating this great piece of hardware for train simulators but also for doing it so well. Delivery was very fast. The RailDriver arrived 2 days after ordering - 6 days EARLIER than Amazon's estimated delivery date.UPDATE: Since the review I wrote above, I have changed to the Run8 train simulator - [...] - which was designed from the ground up for using the RailDriver. Everything works fantastic, none of the problems that I experienced when using the Railworks Train Simulator as described above.

I've been driving TS scenarios with the keyboard for years. Finally spending the money on this controller has changed the game and it certainly gives a much more interactive feel. The controller is certainly heavy enough and is seemingly well constructed, with the exception of the whistle knob. Be gentle when sounding the horn. I was expecting a good deal more rumble and vibration from the so called woofer but there is some vibration which gives a bit of sensation. I choose not to use most of the stickers. The only ones I used were the reverser and throttle stickers. The stickers look a little toyish IMO. Speaking of the throttle, it is scripted much too loose. Perhaps with more breaking in it will tighten up a bit, barring that, I have found file mods online that supposedly will fix the throttle issue, but it looks complicated. Which raises another concern. RD has no real competition. They have been rolling out the same hardware for more than 10 years with few software upgrades. They know how to fix the throttle but apparently would rather let novice script writers attempt to fix the problem for them. For $200 plus dollars, you might think that RD would have improved the throttle in house years ago...hmmm. However, that said, it's still better than driving a train with a keyboard. Overall, I'm happy I spent the money. Is it worth $200? Probably not, but like I said, there is no competition in the train driving console market.[edit]In the settings tab I inverted the throttle and the response is much improved. I give the controller 4.5 stars.

for the price id rather a plastic frame and quality switches and controls rather then the reverse that we have here.needs constant recalibration. small plastic controls feel cheap and flimsy... and the 3 way turn switch controls constantly trigger themselves in train sim world 5 and classic. very annoying to keep hearing the switch in game being activated, and randomly turn on when other controls are used. wiring and sensors must be extraordinarily poorly made.id return this garbage but they have the monopoly unfortunately!

This is a game changer. I play Run8 train sim and it has made the sim so much easier versus a keyboard. It's a lil pricey but worth it. Made fairly well and has some weight to it.