Michael Hetherington: Let the Horses Run Halfway, then Bet

Michael Hetherington is CEO of PI Engineering. We talk about how he developed his RailDriver product. RailDriver is a PC train game controller built for Microsoft's Train Simulator, issued in 2000. In future segments, we'll talk about how this initial business has turned into a training simulator for major railroads.

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Filed under: Electronics | Finding Gaps | Michael Hetherington | PI Engineering | Williamston, MI

In this 10 minute segment (download iPod compatible, 54MB), Michael Hetherington, CEO of PI Engineering, describes how he launched the RailDriver product. In 2000, Microsoft launched Train Simulator, similar in concept to the hit Flight Simulator but focused on trains. Michael had been a long time train aficionado and began tinkering with input devices to get something that was more train like than a plain old keyboard. Among the highlights:

• Michael began prototyping first to see if he could find something workable. Then his business partner suggested he set up a budget and a plan.
• At any point in time, PI Engineering has multiple products in prototyping phases. Michael bets further on the horses that seem to be winning.
• RailDriver retails for about $160, and he sells 2,000 to 3,000 units per year.
• Unlike most games that decline after a couple of years, Rail Driver sales have been steady since the outset.

In future segments, we'll discuss how RailDriver has led to a training simulation business.