TS Controllers work tirelessly testing different components to develop the closest possible desktop cab experience. The aim is to offer affordable, quality hardware that can be collected in stages to build a modular, customisable, fully immersive simulation experience.
TS controllers, started by Dan, a lifelong Rail enthusiast, began life in 2020 with the humble AWS Plunger for TS Classic and Train Sim World. This turned out to be incredibly popular, with the Door Panel releasing soon after.
The PBC (Power Brake Controller) launched in 2021 and surpassed all expectations in terms of sales and customer feedback, with the all new PBC Pro launching in 2026.
All products are handmade in the UK following extensive research and development to ensure the best quality vs price experience.
TS Controllers specialises exclusively in hardware for train simulation.
Unlike companies that produce a wide range of gaming peripherals, our entire focus is on one thing: creating high-quality hardware for train simulation.
This means 100% of our development, knowledge and experience is dedicated to this great hobby, while also allowing us to support the wider railway industry with specialist simulation hardware and solutions.
From individual enthusiasts building their own home simulator to professional training organisations and railway preservation groups, TS Controllers is passionate about providing realistic, reliable and innovative controls that bring the experience of driving a train to life.
The TS Controllers Difference
What makes TS Controllers unique? It’s the combination of craftsmanship, innovation, realism, and support that goes into every product.
- Every controller is carefully handmade with precision, care, and attention to detail.
- All software is developed in-house and continuously updated to deliver the best possible experience.
- Designed to “just work” straight out of the box — no complicated configuration required for individual add-ons.
- Industry-leading personalised customer support whenever you need it.
- Built to replicate the look and feel of the real thing while remaining flexible and compatible across most add-ons.
- Updatable controller firmware allows new features, refinements, and performance improvements long after purchase — your controller keeps evolving.
- Exceptional attention to detail in every product, from premium components and materials to the authentic design and tactile feel.
TS Controllers products are built for enthusiasts who demand realism, reliability, and a premium experience.
Supporting UK Railway Preservation
TS Controllers has provided simulation hardware, electronics, software development and technical services to railway preservation societies across the UK, helping preservation groups bring authentic train cabs and controls back to life in a new and engaging way.
Two projects that particularly stand out are the Class 442 simulator for The Cab Yard and the Class 507 simulator for the Class 507 Preservation Society.
For both projects, TS Controllers provided the conversion work and associated services free of charge. I wanted to use the experience and expertise to give something back to the railway preservation community, while helping these organisations create unique experiences that allow the public to interact with and experience historic railway equipment in a completely new way.
These projects combine authentic railway hardware with modern simulation technology, preserving the original controls while giving visitors the opportunity to experience what it was like to operate these trains.
Class 442 Cabsim Project for The Cab Yard
The Cab Yard, based in Wales, is home to a collection of authentic UK train cabs. When they decided to turn their Class 442 cab into their first train simulator project, they approached TS Controllers to bring the idea to life.
TS Controllers offered to undertake the project free of charge. After numerous trips to Wales, the cab was transformed into a fully functional and highly realistic train simulator, while retaining and making use of the original cab controls wherever possible.
TS Controllers designed and installed the electronics needed to interface all of the cab’s existing controls with the simulator. Multiple custom modules were installed throughout the cab, all communicating with the TS Controllers Interface Software — the same software platform that powers the controllers available from the TS Controllers website.
The result is an immersive simulator that allows visitors to experience what it is like to operate a Class 442, using the original controls from the train itself.
The Greatest Gathering
The completed simulator was taken to The Greatest Gathering in 2025, where it was made available to the public. Visitors had the opportunity to climb into the cab and experience driving the Class 442 simulator for themselves.
Accessibility was an important part of the project. The simulator was designed to be accessible to as many people as possible, with ramps and a wheelchair lift provided to allow wheelchair users to access the cab.
Where to Find It
The Class 442 simulator now has a permanent home at the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway, where it is opened to the public on selected dates.
The project is a great example of what can be achieved by combining an authentic train cab with modern simulator technology — preserving the original controls and character of the Class 442 while giving visitors the opportunity to experience it in a completely new way.
Mobile Class 507 simulator.
The Class 507 Preservation Society is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Class 507 electric multiple units. As part of their work, they wanted to create a mobile simulator that could bring the experience of driving a Class 507 to events and transport shows across Merseyside.
Similar to the Class 442 project, TS Controllers offered to undertake the conversion work free of charge. All of the parts and controls required for the conversion were transported from Merseyside to the TS Controllers workshop, where the simulator was developed over several months.
The original controls were carefully wired into custom electronics modules, with the software developed specifically to support the simulator. Full integration was created for both Train Simulator Classic and Train Sim World, allowing the simulator to accurately replicate the driving experience across both platforms.
Once completed, the simulator made its public debut at The Greatest Gathering in 2025. Since then, it has become a regular feature at local transport shows and events across Merseyside, giving members of the public the opportunity to experience driving a Class 507 for themselves.
As a mobile simulator, the Class 507 cab can travel to a wide range of events, helping bring the experience of these iconic Merseyside trains to new audiences.
Keep an eye on the Class 507 Group’s social media to find out where the simulator will be appearing and when it will next be open to the public.
Providing industry with lower cost training solutions
Several railway industry training organisations across Europe have approached TS Controllers to provide cost-effective simulation solutions as an alternative to the high costs associated with traditional, industry-standard training simulators.
TS Controllers has provided both bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions, tailored to meet the specific requirements of each organisation. By combining realistic physical controls with flexible simulation software, these systems provide an effective and accessible training aid without the significant investment typically required for full-scale professional training simulators.
Whether a customer requires a customised solution built around their specific training needs or an existing TS Controllers product configured for training use, we can provide hardware and software solutions to suit a wide range of applications.
