RailDriver is a desktop cab controller for

train simulation A train simulator (also railroad simulator or railway simulator) is a computer based simulation of rail transport operations. They are generally large complicated software packages modeling a 3D virtual reality world implemented both as comme ...

software Software is a set of computer programs and associated documentation and data. This is in contrast to hardware, from which the system is built and which actually performs the work. At the lowest programming level, executable code consists ...

. 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'' is a 2001 train simulator developed for Microsoft Windows. It was released on May 31, 2001, and developed by the UK-based company Kuju Entertainment. It sold one million units worldwide by 2005. Features Microsoft ...

''. N3V's ''

Trainz ''Trainz'' is a series of 3D train simulator video games. The Australian studio Auran (since 2007 N3V Games) released the first game in 2001. The simulators consist of route and session editors called ''Surveyor'', and the ''Driver'' module, ...

'', ''

BVE Trainsim BVE Trainsim (originally Boso View Express) 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 oth ...

'' and ''

World of Subways World of Subways is a series of subway simulations created by TML-Studios. There are currently four volumes. All volumes are standalone programs and can not be modified. Unlike most train simulations, the routes are short and modeled at near-reali ...

'' also support RailDriver. As of December 2020, Dovetail Games' Train Sim World 2 added an open beta for Raildriver on PC. Other software may be controlled using downloadable resources.

Controls

RailDriver includes the basic

throttle A throttle is the mechanism by which fluid flow is managed by constriction or obstruction. An engine's power can be increased or decreased by the restriction of inlet gases (by the use of a throttle), but usually decreased. The term ''throttle'' ...

, reverser, and

brake A brake is a mechanical device that inhibits motion by absorbing energy from a moving system. It is used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, wheel, axle, or to prevent its motion, most often accomplished by means of friction. Background ...

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

sand Sand is a granular material composed of finely divided mineral particles. Sand has various compositions but is defined by its grain size. Sand grains are smaller than gravel and coarser than silt. Sand can also refer to a textural class of s ...

, 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 An application programming interface (API) is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how t ...

included. Therefore, RailDriver uses alternative methods to communicate with the software. It reads settings directly from the

heads-up display A head-up display, or heads-up display, also known as a HUD (), is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints. The origin of the name stems from a pilot being able to view informa ...

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. Zusi 3 provides full compatibility with Raildriver. A downloadable software development kit enables users to integrate other applications with RailDriver, or even use it to control model railways.

References

External links

*{{Official website, www.raildriver.com
P.I. Engineering
– manufacturer of RailDriver Game controllers