RailDriver is a desktop cab controller for train simulation

Train simulator

A train simulator is a computer based simulation of rail transport operations.-Industrial train simulations:Like flight simulators, train simulators have been produced for railway training purposes...

 software. It replaces keyboard and mouse operation as far as possible to provide a more realistic train driving experience. It is designed to be compatible with Microsoft Train Simulator

Microsoft Train Simulator

Microsoft Train Simulator is a train simulator for Microsoft Windows, released in July 2001 and developed by UK based Kuju Entertainment, and is available for purchase through Amazon.com.-Gameplay:...

, Auran's Trainz

Trainz

Trainz is a series of 3D train simulator computer games developed by Australian game developer N3V Games . First released in 2001, the series has a large online community that creates and shares user-created content. The game has been released in several versions, including localized versions...

, Rail Simulator's RailWorks

RailWorks

RailWorks is a train simulation game. Developed by Rail Simulator Developments. It is a successor to Rail Simulator, and was released online on 12 June 2009 and in stores on 3 July 2009....

, BVE Trainsim

BVE Trainsim

BVE Trainsim is a Japanese three-dimensional computer-based train simulator. It is notable for focusing on providing an accurate driving experience as viewed from inside the cab, rather than creating a network of other trains—other trains passed along the route are only displayed as stationary...

 and World Of Subways. Other software may be controlled using downloadable resources.

Controls

RailDriver includes the basic throttle

Throttle

A throttle is the mechanism by which the flow of a fluid is managed by constriction or obstruction. An engine's power can be increased or decreased by the restriction of inlet gases , but usually decreased. The term throttle has come to refer, informally and incorrectly, to any mechanism by which...

, reverser, and brake

Brake

A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....

 levers as separate control handles that mimic generic operation of real locomotive controls. Frequently used switches for lights, sand

Sand

Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles.The composition of sand is highly variable, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, but the most common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal...

, bell, and whistle are also included, with programmable switches for other frequently used functions. For operations such as camera movement the RailDriver has a four-way pan pad with zoom rocker switches.

Compatibility

Microsoft Train Simulator does not come with an Application Programming Interface

Application programming interface

An application programming interface is a source code based specification intended to be used as an interface by software components to communicate with each other...

 included. Therefore RailDriver uses alternative methods to communicate with the software. It reads settings directly from the Heads-Up Display on the screen, which therefore must be in view at all times when using the hardware. To operate RailDriver with Train Simulator it is necessary to run additional software supplied with the product.

Kuju Rail Simulator announced in August 2008 that they would make their product compatible with RailDriver.

A downloadable software development kit enables users to integrate other applications with RailDriver, or even use it to control model railways.

External links

• RailDriver Official web site
• P.I. Engineering – manufacturer of RailDriver