Sim Workshop Console (Multi-Game Unified Controller Software)

Description

Sim Workshop Console 0.0.9 is now available, and this is a pretty big upgrade.
It’s no longer just a mapping tool — it’s now a unified controller console for multiple train simulators. You can handle device detection, control mapping, train profiles, and quick switching all in one place, making the whole setup process much smoother and more reliable.

Supported Games
Currently supported:

  1. Train Sim World 5
  2. Train Sim World 6
  3. Train Simulator Classic
  4. Open Rails
  5. Run 8
    Each game uses its own connection method (HTTP API, RailDriver DLL, local interface, UDP, etc.), but everything is now integrated into one tool — no extra setup needed.

Update 0.1.2 (2026.03.24)
Over the past two days, I’ve mainly been fixing a few general issues across the software.
Path / game interface related

  • Improved path reading and sharing logic for game interfaces
  • Fixed an issue where the main app and sub-tools could end up using different path settings
  • Fixed an issue where manually corrected paths were not always inherited properly
  • Improved compatibility of automatic path detection across different system environments

Input devices

  • Improved input device detection and state synchronization
  • Fixed detection issues affecting some devices in newer versions
  • Fixed redundant entries appearing in the device list
  • Fixed an issue where maintained switches did not correctly sync their current state on startup**

Train control scanning

  • Improved the scanning logic for current train control items
  • Fixed issues where some axis controls were not detected correctly
  • Fixed incomplete scan results in some cases
  • Reduced unrelated items appearing in scan results
    Thanks again to everyone who reported issues and shared feedback.

Update 20260323
Hello everyone, we have updated the software to v0.1.1, fixing the 32-switch detection limit issue found on some devices, as well as the input conflicts that could occur when using multiple USB devices at the same time.
This version also temporarily adds an Input Diagnostics feature. If you still encounter input-related issues, please open that page, select the affected device, and attach a screenshot in your reply. This will help us identify the problem more quickly.

Key Features

  1. Here’s what you can do in this version:
  2. Auto-detect USB devices with real-time axis and button feedback
  3. Full axis + button mapping (throttle, brake, independent brake, dynamic brake, AFB, reverser, etc.)
  4. Multiple button trigger modes (momentary / toggle / step)
  5. Keyboard mapping support for broader compatibility
  6. Save configurations by game / device / train
  7. Automatically detect the current train and load the correct profile
  8. Built-in axis tuning tools and keybinding library for easy setup and optimization
  9. Tray mode, theme switching, and connection status indicators

New: Multi-language Support
This version also introduces multi-language support, allowing you to switch languages directly within the app.
This makes it easier for users in different regions and helps with sharing configurations across communities.

Who is this for?
If you:

  • Use USB controllers for train sims
  • Play multiple train simulation games
  • Frequently switch between different trains
    Then this update should make your setup much easier and more efficient.
    Feel free to try it out, and feedback is always welcome 👍

Quick Start Guide
Before You Start

  • TSW5/TSW6:
  1. To enable the external API interface, the game must be launched with the command-line parameter “-httpapi”. This can be configured in Steam as follows:
  2. Locate the target game in your Steam Library
  3. Right-click the game and select “Properties”
  4. In the pop-up window, go to the “General” tab (this is the default tab)
  5. Find the “Launch Options” section
  6. Enter the following parameter in the input box:
    -httpapi
    Once set, launch the game normally and the external API will be enabled.
  • Run 8:
    Make sure the UDP port configured in the game matches the UDP port set in the software; otherwise, the connection may not work properly.

    Step 1 – Select Game & Connect
    Open Sim Workshop Console and select the game you want to use.
    If the connection indicator turns green, the connection is working correctly.
    Step 2 – Select Your Device
    Go to the Input Devices section and select your hardware (e.g. TSC-X, joystick, throttle, or any USB controller).
    Once selected:
  • The Axis Mapping and Button Mapping panels will display all detected inputs
  • Move an axis or press a button to see real-time feedback
    This is also a quick way to confirm your device is working properly.
    Step 3 – Map Controls
    Assign the functions you want to each axis and button, then click Start Mapping.
    You’re all set — enjoy your drive

Additional Tools

  1. Axis Config Tool
    The Axis Config Tool is designed for trains that are not fully pre-configured.
    It allows you to:
  • Manually assign axis-based functions (Throttle, Brake, AFB, etc.)
  • Modify locomotive configuration files
    How it works
    Different trains use different internal names for their controls.
    To handle this, each locomotive has its own configuration file, stored in the software’s root directory.
    When you open the Axis Config Tool:
  • Make sure the software is connected
  • Sit in the driver’s seat in-game
    The tool will automatically:
  • Scan all available controls for the current train
  • Display them in a list
    You can then:
  • Enable a control
  • Assign it as Throttle, Brake, AFB, etc.
    Once assigned, it will appear in the Axis Mapping panel for binding.

How to identify controls
Simply move the validation slider next to a control and observe what happens in-game.
In most cases, you’ll quickly identify its function.
(Yes — this would be much easier if control naming were standardized… maybe one day 🙂)

Good to know

  • This setup only needs to be done once per locomotive
  • We will continue adding official support
  • This tool ensures you can configure any train yourself in the meantime
  1. Key Library
    The Key Library is a simple but powerful tool based on keyboard simulation.
    It allows you to:
  • Add, remove, or edit key bindings
  • Map any keyboard input to your hardware buttons
    As long as you know the corresponding keyboard key for a function:
  1. Add it to the Key Library
  2. Assign it in the Button Mapping panel

Finally, if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Including screenshots or videos is highly recommended, as it helps us identify issues more quickly.

Installation Instructions

The installer supports one-click installation. It is recommended not to install the software on the system drive (e.g., C:), as system permission restrictions may affect configuration file saving.

Files

Comments

Avatar of Zappaman
Zappaman 24 Mar 2026

Do you have the ability to have 'shift' buttons so that you can double up your button inputs' functionality?

Avatar of SimWorkshop
SimWorkshop 25 Mar 2026

Thanks for the suggestion. Could you describe your use case a bit more — for example, which buttons you’d want to use with a shift function, and in what game or control scenario? I’ll take it into consideration for a future update.

Avatar of Simon
Simon 25 Mar 2026

Hi Spark Chen, Im liking where the control console is going, earlier I was able to create a profile for the BR Class 43, 87 & 801. I mapped each TSC-X axis to mirror the lever above on the screen, and mapped the buttons to my prefered choice; Unfornately, the wipers didnt always work and also the head lights. I believe what is needed is an option like Bar Raiders Pause option, long keypress or Delay (ms) that I use when programming my Elgato Stream Deck for TSW commands.
However, what has really stumped me is when rebooting my PC later the same day and running the same route same locos I cannot reload the same profiles even though they exist eg "RVM_GWR_Class43_C.json JSON File 2KB"
Inside file Sim Workshop console/Profiles/TSW profiles all Sim Workshop software and files stored on a separte (D:) HDD from my main game on (C:) drive
I would really appreciate guidance on how to store a profile specific to each loco then be able to call it up at a later date.
Thanks

Avatar of SimWorkshop
SimWorkshop 25 Mar 2026

Hi Simon,
Thank you very much for your detailed feedback — we really appreciate the time you took to test and explain everything.
It’s great to hear that you were able to create profiles for the Class 43, 87, and 801, and that the overall mapping is working as expected
About the wipers / headlights
You’re absolutely right — for controls like wipers and headlights, a simple button press isn’t always reliable.
Our design goal is to have the software handle these behaviors automatically, rather than requiring users to configure things like delays or long presses.
If everything is left to manual configuration, it goes against our goal of keeping the software simple and easy to use.
We’re currently working on a smarter approach so the software can automatically adapt to different control types while keeping things stable and easy to set up.
This part is still being actively improved.
About profiles not loading after reboot
This is something we’re aware of and currently investigating.
From your description, the profiles are being saved correctly, but they are not being properly loaded after restarting the software — which is something we need to improve.
About per-loco automatic profiles
What you described is exactly the direction we’re heading:
One profile per locomotive
Automatically loaded when entering the cab
This feature is already planned, but not fully stable yet in the current version.
If you run into anything else or have more suggestions, please feel free to share — it really helps us improve.
Thanks again for your support, and we’re really glad to have you involved in shaping this project!
Spark Chen
Sim Workshop

Avatar of Simon
Simon 26 Mar 2026

Thanks Spark Chen for your reply. The fact you have already identified these issues and are currently working on them is very exciting news!! I look forward to future updates and will provide feedback/comment as and when appropriate.

Avatar of Simon
Simon 23 Apr 2026

Hi Spark Chen I was wondering if there will be an update coming anytime soon resolving the issues discussed in your post above?

Avatar of heroeofvio
heroeofvio 2 Apr 2026

Hello,

I bought your TSC-X Controller and I really like it. But I have the problem, that I cannot use the Axis Profile Tool. After the scan I can customize the controls but with no effect ingame. It seems to be that it is not possible to save the inputs. I have a screenshot attached:

The throttle works in most locomotives, but the brakes are all on the y-axis (train brake, direct brake and dynamic brake). The z-axis has no inputs. Can you help me out?

Thanks a lot
Nico

Avatar of raptygb
raptygb 2 Apr 2026

run the software as admin mate, otherwise the save button doesn't work, you will know when it does as it says saved ______.ini or words to that effect.

Avatar of Ocelot
Ocelot 24 Apr 2026

Hiya, been trying to use this program to use my TSC-X with TSW, but it doesn't want to communicate. After a bit of research, I found out that I need to use the Cobraone software from the dovetail forums (I think?) as the regular Sim Workshop console doesn't want to communicate with TSW. However, I'm absolutely at a loss, as the Cobraone software just doesn't want to launch (see image). Any help would be much appreciated!

Avatar of Simon
Simon 26 Apr 2026

Hi you do not need Cobra Ones software for this to work. I read somewhere to install the Sim Workshop software on a separate drive to the game drive and raptygb advises to run in admin mode. I'm not sure if these are necessary however that's what I'm doing and it works. When in the Axis profile SLOWLY move the verify slider up and down until you see the controller on the screen match the movement , then map your buttons and hit save. It will say it has saved a JSON profile in the profile folder.
What I am struggling with is when you come back another day it forgets all previous settings, and I cant work out how to reload the profile from the previous session, you have to start all over again!!! I believe Spark Chen is working on a fix for this now.

Avatar of SimWorkshop
SimWorkshop 1 May 2026

Hi everyone,

We made a pretty serious mistake recently — one of those painful lessons you only learn the hard way.

We originally planned to install Linux to test our latest software builds. Unfortunately, we made the wrong decision to do this on our main development machine. During the process, we accidentally wiped all of our source code.

It’s honestly a tough setback for us, and definitely a reminder of how important proper backups and environment separation are.

Right now, we’re doing everything we can to recover the data and get development back on track as soon as possible. We really appreciate your patience, and we’ll share updates once things are stable again.

Thank you for your understanding.

— Spark Chen

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About this mod

Created
20 Mar 2026
Updated
24 Mar 2026
Game
Train Sim World
Type of content
Utility
Train Sim World Version
Train Sim World 5, Train Sim World 6