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

    64 vote(s)
    86.5%
  2. no

    10 vote(s)
    13.5%
  1. MaxBenchip

    MaxBenchip Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2023
    Messages:
    657
    Likes Received:
    1,407
    How did you change the buttons to ressemble the PZB controls :o? Would love to have that
     
  2. LCYCowboy

    LCYCowboy Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2021
    Messages:
    101
    Likes Received:
    125
    It was fairly simple. Opening up involves removing the rubber feet to undo the screws holding the bottom on.

    I literally removed the three buttons and put in my buttons/paddles. They are the same diameter so it was a straight swap
     
    • Helpful Helpful x 2
    • Like Like x 1
  3. bogallan1

    bogallan1 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2021
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    46
    I must say my TSC-X is such a step-up from my Raildriver I have had for some years. Good though Raildriver is, it’s not up to the feel and quality of this controller. One thing that did fox me for a bit was there were no instructions in the packaging to get the controller up and running. It says ‘ C-type connection plug and play’ but when you do nothing happens. I had to do some searching on the internet to make the controller work which now I have COBRA’s software, it is fantastic. Big thanks to COBRA for allowing use of his software and making it easy to set up the TSX-X.
     
    • Helpful Helpful x 2
  4. CobraOne

    CobraOne Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2022
    Messages:
    306
    Likes Received:
    276
    • Like Like x 11
  5. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    just ordered one tsc-x today
     
    • Like Like x 3
  6. QNS Chris

    QNS Chris Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2019
    Messages:
    192
    Likes Received:
    412
    You won’t be disappointed. Worth every penny. Has reinvigorated my interest and time spent in the game.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  7. Choo choo

    Choo choo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2019
    Messages:
    157
    Likes Received:
    318
    Hello, I'm a bit of a rookie when it comes to external controllers, so please bear with me :)
    I'm on the verge of purchasing the TSC-X, and when looking at the installation guide from CobraOne, I can see the following:

    Here's the quirk: I don't have such a Railworks.exe file on my computer (yes, I'm on Epic instead of Steam). Would that be an issue to make the TSC-X function?

    Thanks in advance for your help :)
     
  8. Emmy_MAN

    Emmy_MAN Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2022
    Messages:
    157
    Likes Received:
    197
    Hello Choo choo

    You don't need to download the TSC Controller Interface, but rather the TSW Raildriver & Joystick Interface V2.0.1.4.

    Here is a link to the TSW Raildriver & Joystick Interface V2.0.1.4 programme.
    CobraOne has made it so easy with this version that you just connect the controller, start the programme, and there are already 3 profiles in there for the TCS-X controller.

    Here is the link: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/th...joystick-interface.61440/page-18#post-1022066
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2025
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Choo choo

    Choo choo Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2019
    Messages:
    157
    Likes Received:
    318
    Thank you for clarifying ! I purchased mine earlier today :love:
     
  10. kpx1894

    kpx1894 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2025
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Has anyone else received a TSC-X Train Simulator Controller with a non-functioning first lever? I contacted support, and they initially said it would be fixed with a software update, but since then, they’ve gone silent.

    I’m not even sure if this is really a firmware issue. I asked them whether they could assist me in downgrading the firmware - after all, if it is a firmware problem and other people have fully working controllers, I should be able to downgrade (or upgrade) it, shouldn’t I?

    Update: Sim Workshop got in touch with me, performed remote diagnostics confirming that this is not a firmware issue, and offered to send me a replacement controller.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2025
  11. CobraOne

    CobraOne Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2022
    Messages:
    306
    Likes Received:
    276
    I am the creator of both the TS Classic Raildriver and Joystick Interface and the TS World Raildriver and Joystick Interface.
    I received a FREE TSC-X controller from Sim Workshop to help with integrating the controller into my software.

    Unfortunately the TSC-X arrived with the middle lever not working properly and on inspection I found that the support bracket for the potentiometer had broken in transit.
    Spark immediately sent a replacement, which I am happy to say, arrived in full working order.

    I have been using the controller for a couple of weeks now and I must admit, the precision in the levers out performs the Raildriver by a mile.
    I found the levers to be a little stiff for my liking, but by pulling the levers down, you can see the lock nuts holding the levers on. You can use a 10mm spanner on the locknut to adjust the tension to your liking.

    Although there are far less buttons on the TSC-X compared to the Raildriver, I find they are sufficient for my needs. The problem I find with the Raildriver buttons is remembering which do what. I find it very difficult to read the labels too.

    I particularly like the two big buttons for the AWS and Emergency Brake, so easy to find, in fact I have been pretending there is an obstacle on the line, just to have an excuse to hit that red button, so satisfying :)

    For the next version of the controller, I would recommend maybe adding a fourth lever for those driving German trains.

    In conclusion, I find the TSC-X is a much sturdier and more accurate controller than the Raildriver and I would definitely recommend those sitting on the fence to take the leap and get one.

    Although I received my TSC-X for free, I made it clear to Sim Workshop that I would do an honest revue, and that is exactly what I have done.

    CobraOne
     
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2025
    • Like Like x 8
    • Helpful Helpful x 2
  12. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    good to know that you can use a 10mm spanner to adjust it
    hopefully i get mine this week
     
  13. Sharon E

    Sharon E Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2016
    Messages:
    2,152
    Likes Received:
    2,140
    CobraOne, for some reason, it seems that my Zone Alarm is blocking your dl. I am troubleshooting on my end.
     
  14. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    uninstalling zone alarm is an good option too :)
    i have been using that for a few years and later firewall comodo
    i stopped using those because i got fed up with making rulesets and such
    got tired of it

    now with windows 11 i just use the firewall of windows 11 same for virus scanner
    have not ran into any problems yet
     
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  15. Sharon E

    Sharon E Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2016
    Messages:
    2,152
    Likes Received:
    2,140
    Ok, tried opening it in my Chrome instead of Edge and got this. I did a copy/paste on the link so I know its correct. 20250811_111347.jpg
     
  16. CobraOne

    CobraOne Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2022
    Messages:
    306
    Likes Received:
    276
  17. Sharon E

    Sharon E Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2016
    Messages:
    2,152
    Likes Received:
    2,140
    CobraOne, it is weird. The copied link is correct until I hit enter to apply it and some characters do transform into their ascii code. It does it both in Edge and Chrome. I even tried to manually enter it and does the same thing.
     
  18. CobraOne

    CobraOne Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2022
    Messages:
    306
    Likes Received:
    276
  19. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    that is because of certain characters in that link (the url is longer then what shows)
    use copy link instead of copy paste the txt what shows
     
  20. Sharon E

    Sharon E Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2016
    Messages:
    2,152
    Likes Received:
    2,140
    Its definately the Zone Alarm. Guess will turn it off long enough to get it.
     
  21. cwf.green

    cwf.green Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Messages:
    1,160
    Likes Received:
    2,267
    I would love a variant with 4 levers, and I'd pay extra for it :)
     
    • Like Like x 4
  22. volvolover1972

    volvolover1972 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2017
    Messages:
    685
    Likes Received:
    1,802
    Also would be nice if one of the levers had a middle detent to better simulate a combined power/brake lever.
     
  23. Anthony Pecoraro

    Anthony Pecoraro Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    3,795
    Likes Received:
    4,413
    US style controls is my wish.
     
  24. Sharon E

    Sharon E Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2016
    Messages:
    2,152
    Likes Received:
    2,140
    CobraOne , after an exchange of emails with Zone Alarm tech support, was able to dl the file.
     
  25. CobraOne

    CobraOne Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2022
    Messages:
    306
    Likes Received:
    276
    Sharon E
    Are you able to say what the solution was for the benefit of others who may be using Zone Alarm.
     
  26. Sharon E

    Sharon E Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2016
    Messages:
    2,152
    Likes Received:
    2,140
    Sure CobraOne, open your Zone Alarm app and right click on web secure. Once open turn off these 2 items,
    bandicam 2025-08-13 08-31-04-237.jpg
    Then restart your computer to implement. Once that is done you can dl the file. Then reverse the process to get these protestion back on.
    These instructions only apply to Zone Alarm Extreme Security NextGen.
     
  27. Game of Trains

    Game of Trains Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2023
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    43
    As a console player, I'm reading all this with great jealousy. What is the biggest obstacle for bringing this to console players (aside for the obvious answer being Sony and Microsoft)?
    I can already connect a keyboard to the PS5 - would it be possible to map the keyboard controls onto this controller somehow, and make the console think it's just another keyboard? Maybe it wouldn't be perfect, but it's better than nothing.
     
  28. BaleineSSJ

    BaleineSSJ Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2023
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    42
    In theory, it could be doable. The usb controller can say it’s an HID keyboard. They’d probably have to cook a specific firmware though (if the bother is worth the investment)
     
  29. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    received mine today :)
    was lucky the parcel was not stolen
    delivery was by DPD who are not that great on care
    i was not at home and they just dropped it at the neighbors on the front of their house
    out of sight at least that
    but in my email it was saying delivered and signed (not)

    just opened it and everything is looking ok :)
    its about 4kg which is fine by me
    at least it will not move around much by using it then
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2025
    • Like Like x 1
  30. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2024
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    72
    Glad to hear your parcel arrived safely, even if the delivery wasn’t ideal. We completely understand your concern about DPD’s handling and will pass along the feedback.

    Happy to know everything looks fine and that the weight works well for you — it should indeed help keep it stable during use.

    Enjoy, and thanks again for your support!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  31. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2024
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    72
    Just checking in to see if you’ve received the replacement TSC-X controller we sent you.
     
  32. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2024
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    72
    Thank you for your suggestion about a 4-lever variant. We’ll take your request into consideration.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  33. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2024
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    72
    Thank you so much for your detailed and honest review of the TSC-X controller. We truly appreciate the time you took to share your experience, from the initial delivery issue to your feedback after weeks of use.

    We’re delighted to hear that the replacement arrived in perfect condition and that you’ve found the precision, build quality, and design features to your liking. Your suggestions, especially regarding the possibility of adding a fourth lever for German trains, are very valuable to us and will be considered for future versions.

    It’s always great to hear from someone with your expertise, and we’re glad the TSC-X has found a place in your setup.
    Spark Chen
     
  34. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    very satisfied customer here so far :)
    all i had to do is untighten the bolts so the levers where easier to move

    only a small thing for me
    the usb cable could have been 5 cm or 10 cm longer
    I need to look for a longer one
    but that is just a very minor detail
     
  35. Spark Chen

    Spark Chen Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2024
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    72
    We’re glad to hear you’re enjoying it!
    During factory setup, we set the damping to maximum by default to prevent internal mechanism damage during transport.
    Wish you a great time using it!
     
    • Like Like x 3
  36. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    1 part of manual is not very clear
    under section damping control

    it says at step 5 after adjustment ensure that the locking nut is tightened to prevent loosening during use

    but is that not the nut that you turn to loose it ?
    so the levers move easier if you tighten that then it is harder again to move it ?

    unless there is a step i overlook
     
    • Like Like x 1
  37. Thorgred

    Thorgred Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    813
    Likes Received:
    435
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2025
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  38. dr1980

    dr1980 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    Messages:
    164
    Likes Received:
    154
    Mine arrived today, I haven’t had a ton of time with it today but first impressions are very good:

    - setup in TSW was plug and play with the latest version of CobraOne’s utility.
    - I found the default button mapping to be great for UK trains, tweaking it to create a map for US trains was easy. I’ll tackle German trains tomorrow, I need to think how I want to map AFB speed controls and the PZB buttons.
    - as for the unit itself, it’s very solid and the button presses and lever throws are quite satisfying.
    - the lever throws are so much longer and more precise than my Raildriver, making power or brake adjustments feels much more intentional and specific if that makes sense.
    - I also set it up in SubwaySim 2 and for trams in City Transport Simulator without issues, it’s great in those two sims as well.
    - it feels so different than the Raildriver in a great way, it feels like a whole new sim experience.
    - if the plans to produce different lever handles materializes I’d happily buy some.

    Overall I’m quite happy, and if it’s nearly as durable as my 20 year old Raildriver I’ll be a very happy camper.
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2025 at 1:57 AM
    • Like Like x 1

Share This Page