Diesel Railcar Simulator

Diesel Railcar Simulator is an early-access train simulator developed and published by Lapioware, making its debut on Windows via Steam on March 5, 2018. Conceived by a small, dedicated team—led by a former web developer and aided by volunteers—it channels a commitment to authenticity and simulation depth. At its core, the game invites players to helm vintage British diesel railcars and locomotives, complete with manual gearboxes, torque converters, and dynamic physics that simulate transmission behavior, suspension sway, and track joint response. This level of mechanical fidelity, rare in indie simulations, is the title’s defining strength.

The game places players in the driver’s seat of a roster of accurately modeled rail vehicles—from the familiar Class 112, 117, 122 and 126 railcars to larger locomotives like Classes 03, 37 and 40—each with distinctive handling characteristics. Operational variety is supported through three expansive routes offering over 150 miles of track: a bustling four-track mainline with express and local services, a scenic valley route with suburban branches, and a rugged mountain pass featuring steep gradients. Further replay depth comes from a timetable editor and driving evaluations, where your braking smoothness, economy, and adherence to changing signals affect your score—adding a layer of strategy beyond pure driving.

Beyond core features, the game’s editing tools and Steam Workshop support let the community contribute new trains, liveries, routes, and timetables. This makes Diesel Railcar Simulator highly moddable and extends its longevity. While graphics and environment detail may not match AAA benchmarks, user feedback points to its immersive atmosphere, realistic sounds, and physics as highlights. Fans on Reddit and simulation forums regularly note how “physics-wise” it may surpass other sims, with believable vehicle sway, track interaction, and authentic recorded train sounds creating a deeply atmospheric experience.

As of its early-access phase, Diesel Railcar Simulator has earned overwhelmingly positive reviews—boasting a 94% approval rating from nearly 300 users. It has also seen steady development with regular updates through mid-2025. There’s no prequel, and no formal sequel—yet its emphasis on community support and ongoing feature roadmap—including improved audio, passenger animations, achievements, and expanded routes—suggests this remains a growing, evolving experience. Promotion has largely leaned on grassroots channels: word of mouth among railway sim enthusiasts, positive early-access impressions, and active workshop engagement. The result is a title embraced by fans seeking mechanically rich, immersive rail simulation on PC.