Raildriver. Worth the buy?

alourenco

New member
Hello,
I would like to know the "reviews" of the owners of Raildriver (using MSTS and Trainz). Does it really worth buying it? I'm thinking of buying one but I really would like to read some users reviews! :)

Thank you very much in advance.
Cheers


EDIT: Sorry just realise that I post this in the wrong sub forum. Any MOD please be kind to move this? Thanks.
 
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One word : YES.
its definently worth it, if you like driving.
If you are more into building, you should give it some serious thinking through.
I bought mine a while back, and it gives me a lot of good time.

Lars
 
...if you wish to drive...

8)...yes!

RailDriver is compatible to TRS2004, and TRS2006.

Some of the features, like wipers, sand, are not active, because of lack of scripting with the locomotive.

Lights, bell, horn, camera, Drivers(up to 7), and all the Heads Up Display features on the screen, plus Screen Labels(switch labels), and pause, are all controllable.

There are several discounts offered occasionally, Walther's offers it at a discount periodically...wait and see.

My favorite feature, is it offers a way to directly control speed of the train, in a way you may be able to relate to better than by keyboard.

You have the Automatic Brake, and the Independent Brake, as in a real locomotive.

As Auran Trainz has set up the configuration of train operation, everything is accurate, and merely studying operating manuals, teaches you the "Dynamics of Train Handling."

And on accurate DEM map routes, this is very important.

But only if you wish to drive, frequently.
 
I love driving:)
For your words I think you'll buy one. I found it for 195 Euros. Not cheap but if I buy it outside the EU (European Union) I can get it for 165 USD plus customs (lot more than 195 Euros).
 
RailDriver: Is it Worth It?

I have everything from MSTS to TC3 and it works good with all of those programs, although it has some problems with steam and some newer engines.

I would say that it is very worth while buying, if you like driving trains....:cool:


rcamp42
:udrool:
 
Hi,

my experiences with the raildriver are completely negative... . The controls are giving a very cheap feeling (If you open it, you see, it's not just the feel) and it's very inprecise with loads of hysteresis in the throttle. Currently mine is stored away in the basement... . But with the low dollar rate, it gets cheaper and may become worth a look, if you can life with the problems (perhaps it's just mine and two others I've seen at other people over the last years).
 
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...I've been doing some homework..

:cool: I'm no James Alfred Ewing...but the ergonomics of RailDriver are more practical than the repetitive motion of trying to control everything with a mouse and keyboard...

How many people use a keyboard & mouse without dropping there wrists down to rest whilst navigating? This is the greatest contribution toward repetitive motion injuries.

I've lately been involved into researching the config files of not only locomotives, but default and third party content on the matter of mass and product load weight.

The locomotive enginespec files are for the most part based on real world perimeters, and are pretty accurate.

However have you ever placed a loadable rail car in Surveyor along with a locomotive nearby(Quick-Drive will not work without a locomotive placed), and then go to QD, and check out the details?

The "loaded" hopper is no where near the max allowable weight of 286,000 pounds(143tons).

You then have a consist that does not cause the locomotive enginesound to work properly(authentic enginesound), let alone the performance of the loco is way more power than needed.

Researching mass weight of different freight cars and load amounts is complicated to say the least. This is one of the good points of open-end software. You can alter the performance of just about everything except the rendering engine.

And remember that mass & product weight in config.txt files is in kilograms, which must be converted from standard weight(US-America).

1 kg = 2.205lb

Standard Unit Conversions

143 tons = 129705.215kg
Typical SD40-2@ 360,000lb. = 163265.306kg

I of course round off to the decimal point for config files.

And...so...

These are some of the factors that affect the performance of the throttle controls on a locomotive, and yes RailDriver has no "dentent" points delineated on the throttle or brake controls=you need the HUD to determine throttle position, brake application pressure & brake release pressure, just as you would in a real-time locomotive control operation.

For Diesel fans World of Trainz(payware) currently has the most complete desktop displayed in most every type of locomotive offered. The gauges operate, and most of the time I use the HUD only when I wish to know the speed limit in the block I'm operating in. Some (WofT) desktops include an accelerometer(if ordered by the particular road), that tells the increase or decrease of speed per minute. With all weights correct, this is when it gets really good! A calibrated RailDriver is really responsive to control the train.

These factors are only important to a dedicated train simulation. I'm happy if your happy.

I just wish all content offered had at least as much controller gauge feedback as the Auran Default Gen interior(kuid:-1:101475)!
 
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You got me...

:cool: I don't suppose I should be ashamed...I didn't live in the steam era.

Trainz steam as I know it to run in cab mode means you must plan stops for coal & water...and there must be facilities to do such.

That's an area I have not dedicated much time to, however I have used AI Drivers to run steam.

I have several Challengers, a Big-Boy, a mountain 4-8-4, several consolidations, a pacific or two, but since I ran the Big-Boy out of fuel one night, I haven't used steam.

Save for one cool Black Five, on RS.

So I can't give much advise on backhead detail, however I have heard RailDriver doesn't interface with steam like it does Diesel-electric or electric.

I apologize...:o
 
I guess he likes duck meat...

:cool: ...& duck down.

A lot of research went into what you have read.

When you have a question, problem, etc. post constructively!
 
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