RSC: Railworks Control Device

[bGriff]

I was never really impressed with the already existing Raildriver. I didn't like the layout - it feels like the controls are so squished together, I didn't like the general look, a lot of people lament how it doesn't work with some add-ons or DLC and in fact looks more apt to MSTS than TS2012.

I'm wondering wether RSC have put any serious thought into developing their own Raildriver type device for TS2012? and, how many people would actually consider buying such a product if the price were reasonable.

To me..£150 for RailDriver is...well...expensive.

[jimmyshand]

Interesting point you raise. I have a Raildriver and an excellent piece of kit it is too, however my only gripe is that it is based on a US locomotive. I would love to see something based on a UK loco like a 47 layout for example. That would be awesome.

The biggest let-down with Raildriver is that half of the throttle lever is set up to be a dynamic brake which means that you only get limited range of movement for regular throttle use. Would be far more fun and immersive to be able to hang off a full range of movement 47 type handle!!

[KIERANSHAUN]

I agree

[TElsmore]

That is not a bad idea that! I would most certainly seriously consider buying one!

I used to own a raildriver a few years ago but i sold it when it got to the point where it would'nt work more often than it would!

Cheers
Terrone

[chrisiveson]

There's one or two of us that post regular on the merits of RailDriver, you either love it or hate it.
I'm one of the former and wouldn't be without it, there's only a handful of trains that can't be controlled with it.
The dynamic brake comes into it's own when driving most US diesels, ( if you own a P42 DC "Genesis" try descending Cajon with just the dynamics, works a treat. )
RailDriver layout is based on a standard "Wabco" desktop controller fitted to most third generation GE & Electro-motive diesels around the world.
( just look inside the cab of a Dash9 or SD 75 etc. and you'll see a familiar layout. )
Having said that, I find the Raildriver works just fine with most steam, diesel and electric trains, ( I can live with the ones that don't respond. )
As for a dedicated RW controller, I think it's time to take off the rose tinted specs. ( just can't see that happening. )
At least one guy has built his own control system with bits from a real class 47.

C.

[Padsterdood]

I cannot understand why some people are still having problems with Raildriver. I suppose it all depends on the loco you use it with, but for me it works very well, particularly with the Thomson Interactive class 455/9 on which everything works: the wipers, the alert button, the lights, throttle, reverser, brake and horn (although I have to use the keyboard if I want the two-tone horn). The Raildriver also drives the DT 4MT rather well too, and of course, since RD is modelled on the controls of a Dash 9, it should have little problem driving that because the controls are identical.

The controls are 'squished together' to make RD compact enough to fit on a computer desk. Any bigger and it would get in the way.

You can find cheap RD's on e-bay, that's how I got mine. Using the price as an excuse to bash RD is a bit of a misnomer now.

And please do remember that while Britain invented railways they are not confined to these shores anymore. Why would a company choose to limit its controller to the stock used on a wet little island in the Atlantic when it could spread its net wider for maximum customer interest?

Best wishes,
Padster
(Raildriver no.1 fan and loving it)

[chrisiveson]

Descending Horseshoe curve, in complete control using the dynamic brake and not touching the train brake,
( which incidentally, doesn't work with RD. )



C.

[OrpheusRocker]

...As for a dedicated RW controller... just can't see that happening...

Guaranteed, I think. RW is a moveable feast. Which manufacturer in their right mind would produce a piece of hardware for an application which has is no API or has no programming guidelines? I also suspect that RW is not tested with RD.
If I had to suggest a future for RW and a useable interface, I'd re-host to XBOX 360 and SmartGlass. Apart from anything else, there would be more standardisation of consumer hardware.

[67016]

Lets say someone like me where to make a few Limited Edition Railworks Contorllers in the style of a class 37 or 47 or HST, that had Reverser, Loco Brake, Train Brake, Throttle and a few programmable buttons. They would be scaled down so that it would fit on a desk. How much would people be willing to pay for them?

Edit: I would also include software so it would be plug in and drive

[jimmyshand]

I'd love to have a miniature class 37 based controller. As a ball park figure I guess I'd be willing to pay the same as for a Raildriver unit, maybe a bit more if it was accurate enough. Judging by the amount of people on UKTS who DON'T have a Raildriver then I'd guess that the £150 price tag is a step too far for most. Can't quite understand why Raildriver has never taken off as a must have item because once you've tried it then it really is a must have. Nobody would consider playing flight sim without a joystick/yoke, same applies to Raildriver in my book. So good and so convincing that it's a must have. Can only be the price that's killing sales.

[TElsmore]

Lets say someone like me where to make a few Limited Edition Railworks Contorllers in the style of a class 37 or 47 or HST, that had Reverser, Loco Brake, Train Brake, Throttle and a few programmable buttons. They would be scaled down so that it would fit on a desk. How much would people be willing to pay for them?

Edit: I would also include software so it would be plug in and drive

Hmm, sounds interesting. Depends on the quality i suppose.......

Cheers
Terrone.

[OrpheusRocker]

Ooooh,
If it could communicate analogues with RW, cope with combined controls and was (for the most part) future proofed, I'd pay £100. I can still use my RD for steam locos and I don't tend to use the stuff the shermans drive.

Did you have something in mind?
Andy