Atomic Systems

I actually use Cab Controls, Keyboard and F4 Hud, but I primary use my Xbox controller. Just to add further to my post the Xbox Controller does have vibration feedback when going over points etc which gives a sense of realism.

Natvander wrote:My #1 choice isn't there - 2 Saitek throttles on either side of the keyboard gives me 6 levers and 12 switches, and I can configure them any way I like UNLESS the loco has scripted throttle, brake etc.

Slightly off topic - How do you configure the Saitek throttle?
I have seen them on Amazon and they look good - I would have no idea on how to configure them.

Thanks

Peter

To the X-box controller guys, what controls do you have mapped to it? I have one I bought for other games but never considered using it for TS2014. Quite like the idea of vibration feedback when going over points...

Keyboard controls for me (fingers on controls, eyes on the track) but with the F4 HUD a) for the route knowledge and b) so that I can see at a glance how much throttle or brake I have applied.

In locos where the cab layout permits, I like to watch the brake gauges to judge my application but in many (37 and Deltic being prime examples) there's no way to watch both the track and the gauge (without a ridiculous FOV setting, at least).

I have the HUD set quite transparent to help with seeing brake gauges - that was actually a really nice feature for me.

TrackIR would be on my list ahead of a Raildriver, I think (particularly as some of my favourite locos have scripted 'virtual throttles') but it's also pretty darn expensive for something I don't get to play as often as I'd like.

AndyB1972 wrote:To the X-box controller guys, what controls do you have mapped to it? I have one I bought for other games but never considered using it for TS2014. Quite like the idea of vibration feedback when going over points...

I just use the default settings for mine. See page 66 of the TS2014 manual.

749006 wrote:
Slightly off topic - How do you configure the Saitek throttle?
I have seen them on Amazon and they look good - I would have no idea on how to configure them.

Thanks

Peter

I use Cadde's Railworks joystick API for most lever functions (throttle, brakes etc) and the Saitek software for button functions, using one lever as horn and lever functions that are scripted or otherwise don't work with the API.

For me, I wouldn't drive a train without the RailDriver. Incredible is the best word to describe it. Yes it is costly, but worth every cent. I fact, I don't buy routes or scenarios with electric or combination throttles because I have to have my RailDriver.

Trev123 wrote:I just use the default settings for mine. See page 66 of the TS2014 manual.

Thanks for the reply, I might try that tonight... only I'm hearing rumours about some big football match or other...

jimmyshand wrote:
I still think cost is the big issue. If Raildriver was £40 then I bet all the RD bashers would lap one up in a heartbeat. .

I wouldn't. Raildriver just is not something i can bring myself to use and i say this after having messed around with my mates for several hours the cost doesn't factor into it for me
I wouldn't buy one if they were giving me money to use it if i want to use actual levers to drive a locomotive that's what my 7/14 inch gauge petrol hydraulic is there for but for me it has to be keyboard with the f5 hud or nothing when i am running railworks

trainfan11111 wrote:

jimmyshand wrote:
I still think cost is the big issue. If Raildriver was £40 then I bet all the RD bashers would lap one up in a heartbeat. .

I wouldn't. Raildriver just is not something i can bring myself to use and i say this after having messed around with my mates for several hours the cost doesn't factor into it for me
I wouldn't buy one if they were giving me money to use it if i want to use actual levers to drive a locomotive that's what my 7/14 inch gauge petrol hydraulic is there for but for me it has to be keyboard with the f5 hud or nothing when i am running railworks

I agree with Jimmyshand, cost is an issue, I would probably give it a bash for £40.00, but think of the DLC £150.00 would get you. That coupled with the fact that a lot of users don't want to pay the non sale price for DLC to start with suggests that they would not want to part with the current asking price of RD no matter how good it is/isn't.

jimmyshand wrote: I still think cost is the big issue. If Raildriver was £40 then I bet all the RD bashers would lap one up in a heartbeat.

RD bashers? I don't recall reading anything by anyone saying that "the RD is no good, period." but have seen plenty of folk outlining why they can't/won't justify buying one.
That's a world away from a true 'bashing' post such as "it's rubbish' without any rationale, or indeed a reversed 'semi bashing' post along the lines of "you must be mad not to want one"

EngineerKenny123 wrote:For me, I wouldn't drive a train without the RailDriver. Incredible is the best word to describe it. Yes it is costly, but worth every cent. I fact, I don't buy routes or scenarios with electric or combination throttles because I have to have my RailDriver.

Hallelujah, amen brother!

Bottom line is trains are driven by levers not keyboards therefore Raildriver trumps everything.

You can't brake properly with keys. Unless you have the irritating and unrealistic HUD on display then you've no idea if you're braking or not. You could press the brake key 3 times and not know if you're applying brake pressure or still advancing through the lap positions only. Likewise you could press the brake button a few times thinking you've applied a gentle amount only to find you're near emergency braking and shuddering to a halt long before you need to.
With RD you can see and feel what position the brake handle is in so you can stop on a dime.

Trains are indeed driven by levers and handles. Well, and the push of some buttons, too, but not just buttons.

That's why I prefer to use the cab controls.

I do still use the F3 HUD often enough for seeing how much of brakes I'm applying, or how much I'm actually throttling and I have a feeling that I would enjoy using a raildriver - but how well does it actually work for steam engines?

Could one program it to drive the JT Clan well, for instance? Or how well does it work with the "Joystick drive mode" of the ER20, or ChrisTrains NS6400?

How well would it drive heavily scripted locos like those from Dutch Classics or the JT Class 20?

(These are for me serious questions, not meant to challenge any of the RD users but rather to get honest feedback!)

F3 hud and keyboard for me, ideally I'd like no hud and I've attempted that on the Bristol to Exeter route which is my local line, I've memorised some of it but not all so still need the hud from time to time.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

tnleeuw01 wrote:Trains are indeed driven by levers and handles. Well, and the push of some buttons, too, but not just buttons.

That's why I prefer to use the cab controls.

I do still use the F3 HUD often enough for seeing how much of brakes I'm applying, or how much I'm actually throttling and I have a feeling that I would enjoy using a raildriver - but how well does it actually work for steam engines?

Could one program it to drive the JT Clan well, for instance? Or how well does it work with the "Joystick drive mode" of the ER20, or ChrisTrains NS6400?

How well would it drive heavily scripted locos like those from Dutch Classics or the JT Class 20?

(These are for me serious questions, not meant to challenge any of the RD users but rather to get honest feedback!)

The Raildriver works great on all the default steam locos. I'm not a steam fan so can't comment on some of the more recent and complex steam releases because I don't have them. The reverser on the Raildriver has 3 main positions, neutral, forward & reverse with set indents for each, but it is also a variable handle so as well as having the set indents you can move it between positions and simulate the varying of a steam reverser perfectly.

Raildriver is a bit hit and miss with some of the new scripted locos but it does function perfectly with the JT advanced class 20, although not with the JT advanced class 60 which is odd.

Even on scripted locos where compatability is an issue, most of the other RD functions still operate, it's usually only the throttle or train brake that doesn't function properly. You can still use all the other buttons and levers.

What many people fail to realise with RD is that it's not just a set of levers for basic driving,but it also completely replaces the keyboard and has a number of other specialist buttons and levers too. You get a horn lever, wiper toggle switch, headlight toggle switch, sander button, gear change lever for class 101 etc and my favourite a plunger button for AWS reset. On top of this you get arrow buttons for camera changes and zoom and 20 odd programable buttons to cover all other simulator commands. The unit also houses a sub-woofer to give rumble and feedback through the controls.

Driving the class 101 with Raildriver is a particular joy. You get reverser, throttle, gear change lever and fully lapable brake function all from the RD. It's also immensely satisfying when driving a classic loco like a 37, 47, 50 or such like and to have an actual power handle you can whack open then hear the engine thrash up. Never gets tiring! You don't get the same sensation when pressing the A key 8 times.