Someone just made the world's most elaborate Train Simulator controller and it even includes real dashboard components from 'Class 80x' UK trains

Date:
Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:30:00 +0000

Description:
Think your train simulator is impressive? This custom-made UK Class 80x cabin recreation uses real train parts for next-level accuracy.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter For some, peak simulation is slipping their Wii remote into a plastic steering wheel; for others, it's outfitting their controllers, chair, and body with haptics to feel the
action; and for the most avid enthusiasts, it involves creating a perfectly accurate setup to mimic the real controls of a train, plane, or automobile theyre virtually piloting.

Thats the camp Christopher Mitchell falls into. On his blog, he details the painstaking efforts he has gone to create his dream UK Class 80x passenger train simulator which includes a real dashboard and components used by the vehicle hes reconstructing, and custom-made parts that as closely as possible match what youd expect to see in one of these UK trains cabins. Im not the biggest simulator nerd its an area of gaming Ive dabbled with but never been enraptured by but after a colleague shared Mitchells blog with us where he details the over three-year-long journey he has been on to construct this simulator, I cant help but be impressed by the dedication and beauty of his creation. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

I mean, cmon, look at this side-by-side comparison of a Class 80x cabin and what Mitchell has produced. (Image credit: Christopher Mitchell / DCA Design) Theres a delightfully analog nature to this simulator which supplements its charm juxtaposing the racing sims Ill sometimes see in my feed with half a dozen giant monitors wrapping around the users head and pristine cockpits which make you feel every trick and turn your simulated flight takes. You may like I finally got the gorgeous yet grueling Flight Simulator 2024 off the runway This modder just built the most ludicrous gaming PC I've ever seen
Best PC racing wheels: rev up your desktop with a dedicated sim racing setup Ready to build your own? If youve ridden on an Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, or London North Eastern Railway service (plus a few other operators) in the last couple of years, it has likely been on a UK Class 80x passenger train.

Clearly Mitchell has a passion for this class evidenced by his efforts to replicate them as accurately as possible but some online despise their very existence, ranting about their narrow carriages, terrible suspension, and
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Once Mitchell has completed the dashboard, perhaps his next job should be to mount it and his chair on a platform that will mimic the Class 80Xs
much-hated shaking.

If youre keen to mimic Mitchells setup, youll, of course, need to also copy his dedication, as this isnt a train simulator you can just buy. Though with his blog as your guide, you may find you can build your very own hyper-realistic UK Class 80x passenger train simulator in no time. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/computer-gaming-accessories/someone-just-m ade-the-worlds-most-elaborate-train-simulator-controller-and-it-even-includes- real-dashboard-components-from-class-80x-uk-trains


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