Is RailDriver Cab Controller worth it??

[Stringbean]

Anybody got one of these? I've Googled and this item must be quite a niche product because there's hardly any outlets that sell them here in the UK.

It apparently isn't supported by CSX Heavy Haul (TSW) but how compatible is it with TS18? Are these things worth the momey?

[OldAlaskaGuy]

I have one and it works well for most of locomotives on TS. A bit more realistic than a keyboard/mouse or joystick. There are a few advanced scripted locomotives that all functions do not work. It has several pre programmed buttons that can be customized. All in all I do enjoy using it. It makes it a bit easier to play without the HUD running.

[Axe]

Be aware that many of the Armstrong Powerhouse products have this notification:

"Please note, this pack is NOT compatible with any external controllers such as the XBOX or RailDriver."

[Gleann Sannaig]

I have RailDriver and I use it a lot and it works with a majority of locos (including steam trains) in TS2018. Much easier than using the keyboard controls.

Just make sure you download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website, not the supplied disc that came in with the box.

Also like Axe said above, RailDriver do not work with some of 3rd party developers such as Armstrong Powerhouse. Not a big issue for me since I don't play a lot of AP products.

[cathyhowat]

There is a thrid party utility avaible on UKTS for it as well, also it will be compatible with TSWW in the new year, or so I understand

[Marius]

It's surely worth it. I really hope someday we will see a 'true' raildriver with force feedback like all the racin sim stuff has.

[Axe]

Maybe TSW will prompt this action after a number of years as a serviceable software/product but after so long with TS I think we have seen the best it can offer so far.

I would like to see TSW do well and generate a whole new entrepreneurial set of programmers which further extend into the hardware market to service the clientele of what may become in theory at present the mainstream Train Simulator go to product.

It's not an idea which is out of reach if DTG play their future cards right...

[Stringbean]

Where can I buy one here in the UK that's a trustworthy seller? There aren't many sellers of this product when I Googled. Even Amazon (UK) haven't got one.

[MaTT]

Originally posted by Axe:

It's not an idea which is out of reach if DTG play their future cards right...

conspiricy theory time

Its the likelyhood they didnt play their cards right in the past which is why Raildriver is not universally compatible with TS TSW ...
DTG have stated in the past that they could not come to an agreement about licensing with RailDriver.
It may have just been an excuse (it is stock) ... but ... Given that RailDriver offers driver software for most train simulators freely (including TS), and it is basic business sense to make their product compatible with as many Train simulators as possible for the widest possible market, I can only surmmise, (and this is my opinion only) that DTG wanted paying for native compatability in TS, and was thus rightly told to shove it where the sun dont shine.
For DTG compatibility is no skin off their nose as RailDriver is unlikely to appeal to the majority of their target fast turnover low retention customer demographic ...
No one can prove any of this of course, but cast in the light of statements by DTG/RSC on the subject there is no other logical reason for TS or TSW not natively supporting RailDriver ...
Its also a plausable reason why the remapping of keys is not offered in TS and Its even more bizarre that TSW dosent have one of the most asked for features included from day one either ...

[Axe]

Well based on your long experiences with TS and my short experiences it's one that could easily pass muster.

If that be the case I'd like to think that any new RailDriver product may be regarded with different eyes by DTG. But...

... based on your long experiences with TS and my short experiences... You get the idea.

[cathyhowat]

P I engineering who make raildriver, told me to expect TSW compatiblity in the new year

[talcarnan]

I hust checked Amzon UK there are 2 available from two resellers at £239.99 + £6.50 postage from CSL Software or £249.32 (free delivery) from Gameseek - otherwise the "official" site is US based giving "RD-91-MDT-R" priced at $199.95. The "RD-1384-DCTS-BU" (for TS2017) is $209.95. Doesn't say how much shipping charges are however. IMHO way too expenssive for my budget. I'm happy to play with keyboard and mouse (except for the tendancy for the mouse to sometimes cease to function in the middle of doing something delicate then reconnect "some moments" later - very annoying). If you can afford to buy it then go for it.

[Axe]

I certainly would get one if possible :-)

[Stringbean]

Well Matt Peddleston answered my query on YouTube. This is the place to get RailDriver.

https://www.excalibur-publishing.com/collections/peripherals/products/cab-controller

[solukas]

Do you think if we can get it from Aerosoft shop from Germany? They are the official dealer in Europe.

[Stringbean]

Originally posted by solukas:

Do you think if we can get it from Aerosoft shop from Germany? They are the official dealer in Europe.

Can you provide a link please?