Train control

[gorfang1]

I've been thinking about the method of operating the controls in a trainsim. The best way seems to me to have a good 3D cab view where you put the mouse on the control you want, and then rotate the mouse wheel to move it.
I think this is better than any plugin train controller (regardless of cost), as you feel that you are actually operating the controls of that particular loco.
What does everyone else think?

[Lad491]

I find mouse control far too slow. Unless you have a suitable control unit (like Raildriver for instance) I'm happy with the good old fashioned keyboard

[seern1]

Well, I have to opt for the 'mouse', but since I use a touch pad it is different. With the stable surface of the pad I can slam a throttle from 0 to 100% in about 1 - 2 seconds.

[MuzTrem]

I normally use the keyboard too, but that's only because I prefer to drive the train from the outside. For mice though, I'd hate to be scrabbling that mouse wheel round and round to release the brakes and then set them back to running-I'd have a sore finger by the end of it! I think using the buttons is far more practical.

[NeutronIC]

I find that mouse control in trainz is very effective with such nice cabs and smoothly operating controls. Looked to be similar coming in MSTS 2. IMHO It would need to have equally good keyboard controls though as operating from an external view (e.g. shunting) is a tad difficult otherwise

Matt.

[johndibben]

In MSTS I use a combination of both but for power and brakes in particular, the keyboard takes far too long unless they're applied in increments which is usually unrealstic.

I believe Raildriver isn't much use for steam loco's and even if it is, I can't justify the expense.

[steampsi]

Mouse Mouse Mouse !!

and customisable:

EG
scroll/zoom wheel - throttle/regulator
hold down zoom wheel & scroll - adjust reverser/change gears
right button down - access context menus eg sound horn, change points, injector on, change graphics setting etc
left mouse down + move mouse up down to move train brake control
double click left mouse + hold down - loco brake

also adjustable sensitivity

That way, with one hand, one can drive and operate all aspects of the sim. Would provide responsive but fine analog control, not the horrible keyboard tapping method. Analog control is essential !

Mouse pointing in a cab and 'grabbing' a control or the keyboard should be a secondary option

[NeutronIC]

Yes I had a similar idea ages ago:

Left Mouse Down Left/Right - Train Brake
Right Mouse Down Left/Right - Loco Brake
Left Mouse Down Up/Down - Throttle
Right Mouse Down Up/Down - Reverser/Cutoff

Click Right for options
Mouse-wheel up/down for two tone horn

Matt.

[tinsley]

I will try that now... I wonder how much more I can do with my 5 button mouse..???

[johndibben]

Like the idea of mouse control.

Anything that would apply and release brakes quicker and be more sensitive especially when dabbing brakes downhill.

An easy to configure combination of mouse and keyboard would be very useful

[NeutronIC]

Well, as I like steam shunting, anything that allows me to apply/release brakes and flip the reverser back and forth quickly is going to make life much better

Matt.

[saddletank]

As long as KRS runs with Raildriver I'll be happy

Martin

[leezer3]

Howabout some properly customisable keyboard & joystick support- Not all of us can afford a RailDriver
Anyway, as long as it is properly compliant with the USB controller input standards, then none of this should really be relavant

Cheers

Chris Lees

[NeutronIC]

I think that the Raildriver has definitely proven there is a good market for a £50 controller if someone out there can produce one.

Matt.

[Neptune50006]

Howabout some properly customisable keyboard & joystick support

I'll second that.