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.

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.

My son absolutely loves it

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!

It elevated the sim train driving experience from 1 to 100, it was easy to set up, it was built very well also. The price wasn't cheap but it was very well worth it.

This product is a must have for any train sim enthusiasts, def a cool experience compared to using just the keyboard. My only complaints- and the reason for not giving 5 stars... Well, the design is pretty old and it never got modernized. Lots of QoL things that could've been improved- the horn dongle feels fragile and weak, almost have to be careful not to pull it too hard. Several people from my train groups have told me theirs broke after 1-2 years of use. BIGGEST COMPLAINT- NO NOTCHES FOR THE THROTTLE!!! Man, one of the most important features for the control stand, sadly missing in the RD. This makes it really annoying to get into the right throttle notch- it'll constantly jump between N2-N3 without as much of a breath on it. Some times im trying to run a train precisely and it'll jump around. would've been solved with a basic notch system, oh well, lets hope they someday retire this 15+ year old design and make RD 2.0 one day LOL. It has it's flaws but I still highly recommend it, it's the only consumer grade product thats "affordable" in this very niche simulator market.

I bought this to play TSW5, and it’s brought me a lot of joy. It works well with most train models, but not at all with some—which I suppose is to be expected given how different they are. The analog controls can feel a little jittery at times, which I wish had been smoothed out, especially at this price point. Overall, I do like it, but I’m not sure it’s worth the full price.