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

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.

Plug and Play! Huge improvement over using a keyboard!

I use this with Train Simulator 2015. As of now (Aug 2015) it works with all the locomotives I own in game (which is around 75% probably). There was recently a patch that fixed the issues it used to have with many of them. I do love it and am very glad I finally bought it, but there are a couple of negatives that prevent me from giving a full 5 stars. The first is that the reverser has "steps" in it (as does the throttle but it's not much of an issue). There are many of them to be sure, but the first one is around 9%. This makes running steamers a little awkward if you're cruising down level track and want to run at 3% reverser. It's pretty minor and I only mention it for the most picky. When I bought it, I fully expected the reverser to be just forward/N/backward, so it's really not bad. The 2nd issue is again fairly minor, but annoying. The decals/stickers are very poor quality. They look very good, and feel thick/heavy/good quality. However, with very little finger touching the paint/ink/whatever it is comes off fairly rapidly. I emailed them and this is a known issue. So why have they not fixed it? *shrug* But they'll sell you a new decal sheet for 6 bucks. (Don't forget the 12 or 13 dollars shipping!!!) They'll give you the layout so you can print them yourself though. That's probably what I'll end up doing. The rest works awesomely and I can't imagine having to go back to driving my trains with a keyboard and mouse. I do highly recommend it!!

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.

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!

Run8 is a train sim that's fairly hard to master - LOTS of key combinations on the keyboard. Run8 has "built in" support for the raildriver, so I picked up a raildriver right away and it's been great and gives wonderful control. Another huge bonus are the 28 buttons on the front - with labels, thats 28 key combinations I don't have to remember! Overall it's been a great addition. Another option I've not tried, but I think could be worth looking into is the Elgato Stream Deck Pro, these are about $50 more - and while they don't have levers, there are 32 programmable keys, that could be customized for Run8 plus many other sim games.

This controller has been great once I found a youtuber that has a proper calibration setup for it. It is a must if you enjoy train sims because it really immerses into the game to a much more entertaining level that had me giggling with joy :) I found this controller to be very solid in build and is so stable on the desk that it didn't move around on me once. It also has some weight to it so when you lift it, it seems like it is stuck to the desk with suction cups. Works perfectly with Train Sim World but not yet added to SimRail but planned for a future update.

OK, All I can say is it sort of works. I suspect the issues I have seen, some examples below, are a combination of mediocre hardware combined with firmware and driver issues. I have tried to use it in Train Simulator Classic and in Train Sim World (5). The best I can say is it doesn't seem capable f fine control. If, for instance, the Reverser has more than three positions (and a large percentage of them do) it is difficult to position the handle since it only calibrates for three. Another issue is the throttle. Whether it is used only as a throttle or as a throttle/brake system, it is not really possible to have fine control and it isn't consistent. For example, any trains use an 'infinite position' system. These systems work the best since moving the handle increases or decreases speed and brake, though the position of the is not remotely consistent as to where a particular throttle/brake amount might be. In other words, the control is 'loose' as opposed to using the KB/ or on-board controls. The brake handles function similarly with significant inconsistencies. Now, for units that have notches on the throttle, this isn't too noticeable with a small number (say 4 or 8 ) but is worse with a large number of notches (say the DB BR155 or the GR 4/4 III) It becomes impossible to keep the speed, especially on the GE as the notch controls the speed.I have not tested on some, like the DB BR 111, 112, 114, 143, but suspect the issue is there as well. The same degree of sloppiness in the controls is also apparent in the two dial controls and the alerter/aws/sifa button as well.