P.I. Engineering RailDriver cab control makes computer railroad simulators more realistic

That single word pretty well sums up my reaction to P. I. Engineering’s RailDriver locomotive control stand, which currently operates both the Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) and Auran’s Trainz simulator. Add-on modules are under development so the controller will also be able to control trains on layouts using DC or Digital Command Control (DCC). It’s an innovative, reliable, and fun device that adds substantially to my enjoyment of MSTS.

The RailDriver controller is a 1/3-scale replica of a modern diesel control desk, complete with reverser, combined throttle/dynamic brake, train air, independent brake, and digital speedometer, among other controls. It also includes a subwoofer speaker. Why a sub? So that, depending on what locomotive you’re running, the controller vibrates realistically. All you need to do to hook it up is plug it into a USB port on an IBM-compatible computer, plug in the included power supply, and reroute your sound cables.

The controller also comes with software to install it on computers using the Windows operating system (installing the software under Windows XP was dead simple; older versions may present greater challenges). The software allows you to use the RailDriver cab to control simulated steam, diesel, or electric locomotives, though it’s most accurate for modern diesels.

I’ve been an MSTS operator since Microsoft introduced the package, and I’ve always enjoyed it, especially when I have a yen for some high-speed running or want to run trains yet remain near my family (my layout’s in the basement). I had memorized all the major key commands, and while I occasionally found myself getting a bit behind the train, for the most part I felt like a pretty competent simulator engineer.

With RailDriver, though, I don’t feel like a simulator engineer – I feel like an engineer. With the ability to really work the big air and the dynamic and to switch views more easily, plus the pleasure that comes from a more tactile experience, I find myself running MSTS more often and having more fun. The only drawback? Going dead on the law, er, staying up past bedtime!

P. I. Engineering’s Michael Hetherington and his design team are still working on integrating the controller with DCC systems, but given the clever solution they’ve found to controlling simulators, I have no doubt they’ll enjoy success in that work also. Once they do, model railroaders will be able to run trains that much more realistically. And with new releases of both MSTS and Trainz imminent, you just might want to put a RailDriver cab control on your Christmas wish list. Nice job, P. I.!