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Is DCC better than analogue?
Posted in: Model Railway, Power and control
17th December 2019
This is really a matter of personal choice and what you want to get out of your model railway. There is a lot to be...
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How does Woodland Scenics Realistic Water work?
Posted in: Scenery
28th November 2022
Realistic Water is a product that is manufactured by Woodland Scenics. It has been specifically designed to allow...
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How do I wire up my first model railway layout?
Posted in: Power and control
29th February 2024
If you’re new to model railways, one of the more daunting parts of the hobby can be figuring out how to wire up your...
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Should I use a brush to apply varnish?
Posted in: Painting
12th January 2022
When applying varnish to protect a model's paintwork, you should aim for a finish that exhibits the least amount of...
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What is PVA glue used for?
Posted in: Kit building, Assembling and gluing
11th March 2021
If you are a modeller, then you have likely heard of PVA glue, but you may not be aware that PVA comes in many forms...
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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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