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What is an Archimedean hand drill?
Posted in: Assembling and gluing, Fix, restore and customize
16th June 2021
An Archimedean drill is a type of hand-operated drill that's often referred to as a push drill.The device looks a...
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What trees are commonly found near a pond?
Posted in: Design and Planning, Scenery
2nd July 2019
In the UK there are a few trees that like to grow next to a water source such as a pond, river or lake, these are:...
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What are slow action point motors?
Posted in: Power and control
23rd September 2019
Slow action point motors are exactly what they say, they are designed to give a more realistic look to your points on...
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What are my options for motorising a level crossing?
Posted in: Power and control
2nd March 2023
There are a few options for motorising a level crossing on a model railway layout: Servo motor: One option is to use...
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What are my options for modelling deciduous trees in winter?
Posted in: Scenery
23rd June 2023
There are a number of options available to Modellers when it comes to modelling deciduous trees in winter for a...
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What is Railcom?

RailCom is a system developed by Lenz that allows two-way communication between a DCC controller and a decoder. The early RailCom system was limited to use with Marklin's MFX standard and has been largely replaced by RailComPlus which is more widely compatible with decoders. Only multi-function decoders that are 100% compatible with RailComPlus standards can carry the RailComPlus logo.

The main advantage of RailComPlus is that you don't need to program each locomotive into the controller. When a locomotive is placed onto a layout the controller automatically detects it, knows its identity and knows what functions are available for use, the system then displays the information automatically on a screen.

The locomotive's unique identity and functions are selected using icons rather than numerical codes on a standardised screen layout making it easier to operate different locomotives.

This is of great benefit when operating your model as a guest on another layout, providing the layout's controller is compatible with the RailComPlus system there is no programming or re-addressing required, simply place your locomotive on the tracks, select it on the controller's screen and off you go.

The two-way communication of the RailComPlus system is also particularly useful when programming CVs onto a decoder because there is no longer a need for a separate programming track. This is possible because the controller can now have a proper two-way conversation with a specific decoder rather than simply barking instructions at any and all decoders that happen to be answering to a particular allocated number.

It is fair to say that the full potential of having two-way communication with decoders has not even begun to be realised yet, so watch this space for an exciting modelling future.

Posted in: Model Railway, Power and control

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