PC Desktop-style All-metal Train Simulator Control Console (with Mechanical Damping)

Discussion in 'TSW General Discussion' started by Spark Chen, May 6, 2025.

?
  1. yes

    40 vote(s)
    87.0%
  2. no

    6 vote(s)
    13.0%
  1. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    This is a new project our studio has been working on over the past six months. It’s designed for the PC versions of TSW and TS — we hope you like it!
    Why You'll Love It:
    1. Full-Metal Build
      This thing is solid — made entirely of metal for that premium, durable feel you can trust for years of simming.

    2. Three Independent Levers with Smooth Damping
      Throttle, brake, and idle — each with satisfying mechanical resistance to bring you closer to the real train-driving experience.

    3. Compact but Heavy
      Roughly the size of a keyboard, but weighs 5kg — so it stays firmly in place no matter how intense your session gets.
     
    Last edited: May 6, 2025
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  2. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    Sorry, I forgot to upload the image. 11.png 12.png 13.png 14.png 15.png
     
    Last edited: May 6, 2025
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  3. Redbus

    Redbus Well-Known Member

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    This looks very promising, thanks for posting!
    (May I just ask that you post in English please)
     
  4. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    Sorry, I've made the changes. I forgot to turn off the browser's automatic translation. Thank you very much for the reminder.
     
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  5. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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  6. dr1980

    dr1980 Active Member

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    That looks amazing! My Raildriver has served me well for 20 years, but I'd would love to upgrade to something like this.
     
  7. roysto25

    roysto25 Well-Known Member

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    Looks interesting - depending on price, as quality has its cost - but where is the usb-c port?
     
  8. The SimTrain Tube

    The SimTrain Tube Well-Known Member

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    This is something I would be interested in depending on the cost and where it's shipped from.
     
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  9. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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  10. aroused by trains

    aroused by trains Member

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    Definitely interested, when do you expect it to be released?

    Also the music on your video is terrible!
     
  11. Emmy_MAN

    Emmy_MAN Active Member

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  12. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    It has already been launched on my independent website.
     
  13. Train Sim Society

    Train Sim Society Well-Known Member

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    Oh my gosh. I need need need!! I’ve been looking for more controllers to review! Thank you!!:)
     
  14. hyperlord

    hyperlord Well-Known Member

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    I would really love a controller like that JUST for PZB :)
     
  15. Train Sim Society

    Train Sim Society Well-Known Member

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    Just finished my review of your new train controller! Great job on the product, and I’ve gotta say, the customer service has been AMAZING. Big props to the team for both the build and the support. Here’s the video if anyone wants to check it out.

     
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  16. dr1980

    dr1980 Active Member

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    I just tried to order one but the only country it would let me select at the address screen was china.
     
  17. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    We've updated the marketplace settings — you can try again now!
     
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  18. noir

    noir Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the review, it feels like a solid product that just needs to do liiittle bit more product testing before it's ready, but once the material problems you mentioned are solved, I'm almost surely getting one. So manufacturer, please keep us updated on what changes you are applying ;)
     
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  19. Redbus

    Redbus Well-Known Member

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    I wonder how this would get on with tap changer controls? Be interested to see the feedback from the first customers.
     
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  20. Train Sim Society

    Train Sim Society Well-Known Member

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    I’m gonna give that a go today actually!
     
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  21. lcyrrjp

    lcyrrjp Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the review, it was very useful. I’m on the fence - it sounds better than the RailDriver (which I have had for years) - but it’s still a lot of money so I’m going to give it some thought. Please do let us know about how it works with tap-changers, as that’s an essential for me. The RailDriver now works well with tap-changes (and it’s very satisfying driving them with a controller).
     
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  22. Train Sim Society

    Train Sim Society Well-Known Member

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    Here’s a quick demo using the tap changer controls! There’s strong resistance, and it holds steady at every level, even when the input difference between taps is really small. Thought I’d attach a video to show you in action! :)

     
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  23. Redbus

    Redbus Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, has anyone tried with the Class 87 from WCML Carlisle-Preston?
     
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  24. 21c164fightercommand

    21c164fightercommand Well-Known Member

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    It looks nice and sturdy, and seems well worth the money for its build quality.
    By looks and presumed operation, I prefer the rotary lever console shown in another thread more. Though it is less compact already.

    The SimHogger US vertical control stand replica is almost USD 1000 complete as a kit, with probably another $500 or so in shipping, taxes and customs duty. It looks rather nice, properly assembled and painted, but 3D printed plastic doesn't seem to have the same 'feel' as those more sturdy vertical or horizontal levers shown here.

    Plus like already mentioned, a controller should be usable for steam, Diesel and electric traction of all kinds. So notches, escutcheon plates, mechanical resistance should be removable/adjustable in the ideal controller.
    Then there is the problem of interfacing to all the different games, sims with their various serial, USB or even proprietary ports and protocols.
     
  25. SGTDRE

    SGTDRE Well-Known Member

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    Looks interesting, the idea of a more sturdy train sim controller that is not all plastic, is appealing, Open source software is stated on the website, which is?, it is proprietary to this device only, or?
     
  26. Emmy_MAN

    Emmy_MAN Active Member

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  27. SGTDRE

    SGTDRE Well-Known Member

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  28. dr1980

    dr1980 Active Member

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    I read through that thread but am still not clear whether an amicable arrangement was reached. It looks like, maybe?
     
  29. redrev1917

    redrev1917 Well-Known Member

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    The program is still not available so I would say no. I'd love to purchase this bit of hardware, however its a large investment which without official support is at risk of being made worthless at any point, which makes me nervous to buy if I'm honest.
     
  30. CobraOne

    CobraOne Active Member

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    After a sucessful conversation with Spark Chen from SimWorkshop, he is sending me a TSC-X for testing and development purposes.
    I have agreed to allow them to continue to direct their customers to my software and I will add native support for their hardware in both my programs.
    I have now reinstated the download links

    Chris
     
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  31. SGTDRE

    SGTDRE Well-Known Member

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    That's good to hear; you were able to get everything ironed out.
     
  32. volvolover1972

    volvolover1972 Well-Known Member

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    Definitely interested. Anyone know how it works with trains that have separate power and brake levers (like the 158 for example)? The demo videos only show it being used as a combined power/brake. Additionally, has anyone from the U.S. ordered one and received it yet? What shipping method was used and how bad were the tariffs on it?
     
  33. SGTDRE

    SGTDRE Well-Known Member

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  34. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    For U.S. customers, we use a bulk air shipment method:
    Your order is first shipped in bulk to the U.S. by our logistics partner, who then handles customs clearance on your behalf. After that, the package is delivered to your address via FedEx.
    This means you won’t need to pay any additional customs duties, and the entire process usually takes around 15 days from dispatch.
    The total shipping and customs cost is approximately $139.11, but you only need to pay $56.96 — we cover the remaining cost to keep it affordable for you.
     
  35. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    Hi there, thanks for your honest feedback — we really appreciate it!

    1. About the Lever Handle Length:
      The longer lever handles were designed to increase travel distance and fine control, especially for simulation users who value realism and gradual throttle or brake input. That said, we totally understand that handle length is a matter of personal preference.

    2. Future Updates:
      Yes, we’re always working on improvements based on user feedback. A future version with shorter or customizable lever handles is definitely something we're considering, especially for users who prefer a more compact setup or play in tighter spaces.
    Even if you’re not ready to purchase now, we’re glad to have your thoughts — they help us build better gear for the community. Stay tuned!
     
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  36. lcyrrjp

    lcyrrjp Well-Known Member

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    I like the long handles. It allows you to get your whole hand on the lever - as you would in real life - rather than having to move it with the tips of your finger and thumb, as you do with the RailDriver (which feels miniaturised).

    The customisable handles thing is interesting though. In real life trains have a lot of different handle types, so the ability to detach a handle and replace it with one which is realistic for the type of train you're driving would be a great addition (either supplied as part of the package, or as an add-on which could be bought separately).

    For example:

    upload_2025-6-8_20-38-47.png
    HST power handle (brake handle is similar, as are handles on class 15x, 390 and many other UK trains)

    upload_2025-6-8_20-41-35.png
    Class 170 power/brake handle (class 377 and many others are similar)
     
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  37. BeanlessBread

    BeanlessBread Member

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    I was never really interested in the Raildriver as it looked a bit flimsy, but now with this more sturdy controller with some nice looks, I gotta say, i'm very interested in this! With some variants for the handle as mentioned in the post above, this is a immediate purchase for me!
     
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  38. OrangeAnon

    OrangeAnon New Member

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    A way to easily add/swap detents would make this perfect.
     
  39. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

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    Thank you so much for your thoughtful suggestion — we completely agree with you!

    We’re actually already working on this idea. The handle on the current TSC-X is fully detachable, and we’ve reserved a modification interface specifically to allow future customization. Swapping it out is very simple.

    We plan to offer a range of interchangeable handle styles in the future to match different types of train controls. Our current plan includes two options:

    1. Purchase directly from us – We’ll produce and ship the handles to you, although please note that international shipping may cost around €40–50.

    2. Download and print yourself – We’ll make 3D print models available on our website, allowing you to print locally. This will likely be a much more cost-effective solution.
    Thanks again for your valuable feedback — it truly helps us make the TSC-X even better!
     
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  40. lcyrrjp

    lcyrrjp Well-Known Member

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    That sounds good. The shipping costs do sound high though. For those of us without a 3D printer handy, would the shipping costs be lower if we bought the main console and the add-on handles at the same time (i.e. could they be packaged together?)
     

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