As far as paid software goes I think the railmaster is actually pretty good. You get quite a bit of functionality and obviously the phone app is very useful. Not a fan of the UI but I'd be happy enough with it. I was at a show recently looking at the DCC Automation stand. They had a nice little demo showcasing some control software called iTrain. Everything was running automatically and it was great to watch but it implied that the software was all you need. I had look under the table and saw perhaps the most electronic 'stuff' I've ever seen under a layout! Shows just how much you need to invest in hardware under the boards if you want to fully use PC control. Even so it was impressive... I'm still re-spacing sleepers! While to go before I sort out my control setup! Cheers...
I mean, I guess it'll be advanced block detection current sensing stuff or something like that. Sounds like it'd be fascinating to work with but a nightmare to troubleshoot when something goes wrong!
Thanks Dave downloaded the manual & found the fix being click & drag within dialogue box to reveal 29 functions. Lang Toun , wondered if name Dean Park came from there. Me, my brother & sister all born in Templehall & went to local schools sister still lives there. Stay safe Cheers Norm Maxwell
After some great assistance from Brian Hughes , I run Railmaster with Elite. On track plan I have 15 pint motors Colbalt, no problem, so very happy so far. When I get Dapol semaphore signals again operated by Railmaster.thanks for showing video , very good.Richard
Good timing Dave as I met a friend at York show who wants to know about this system. I told him to check your uploads but now I can send him a link to this which I am sure he will find useful. I use a Z21 system on tablet myself and find it very easy to use and set up. Like you I only run the trains with it, I like my switch panels too. Also I got my Lady Diana Spencer last week. Well pleased with it.
I am with you keeping points, signals and trains separate electrically. I have 27 tortoise motors so far controlling my points so the load just to keep them snug is getting significant. I admire you for sticking with Railmaster until you have it successfully working on your layout. As you know, I went to the Z21. Rob
I use the Lenz 100 system with a computer interface allowing it to work with any software via a PC/Laptop/tablet/phone. Although I don't have a proper layout yet, when I do, I'll be using the JMRI software which I used to great effect on a club layout. The nifty thing about JMRI is that it does everything the Hornby Railmaster can do... but it's free! However, its layout design aspect isn't as user-friendly as the Hornby one... but once you get the basics and an understanding of how Panel Pro works, it's fantastic. The nice thing about JMRI is that you can custom design the buttons, lettering and backgrounds, for a unique design. In addition... and I think this is the best bit... you can set 'macros' for routing your trains. So imagine each of your platforms for your station... you can have a button for each track and press a button which will then talk to point decoders and flick each point to the desired route to go all the way around the layout, or from the fiddleyard to the station and back again. So imagine a layout with 10 points (numbered 1 to 10) around a single route from platform 1 all the way around the layout and back to platform 1... you set it up so that the route pathway goes though the tickbox list of points that need to be set and which don't, and when they are, whether they go straight on, or get thrown taking them left or right. 1: Straight 2: Thrown 3: Thrown 4: Straight 5: Not used 6: Straight 7: Not used 8: Thrown 9: Not used 10: Thrown The same applies to signals, etc... and it is expandible, so if you have block detectors, you can keep a track of where your train is on the layout, and even set it up so the track will change colour for the route and the icons will move around the layout as the decoder and block detectors say "I am here". Personally, I don't like using a computer to 'run' trains... I prefer the Lenz handsets to control trains, and the PC to set routes, but JMRI allows you tu use it anyway you wish.
Hi Dave Nice and informative video and a good refresher for those of us who use Railmaster. (Mine is with an elink). I converted over since Christmas and had no issues. My elink and railmaster was cheaper than the select controller so would recommend going this route rather than a dedicated controller (assuming you have a computer of course!) I to do not use the points, but do use the train tech signals on the railmaster which makes controlling fun! The best part though for railmaster in my opinion is the programming. I set lots of small programs then set them to run to the timetable function. This way you can set the trains running in an hour long sequence. You can set pop up to remind when the point changes are due so you can just sit back and let the trains drive themselves and be the point switcher. Have you thought of using the programming function to run shorter loco movements joined together using the timetable functionality? For example run a 47 from the station for one lap to arrive, then schedule a HST to leave one it arrives .... and so on!
Hi, nice to see Railmaster in use, it's been my choice for an upcoming layout too. I must say it looks rather cramped on the laptop screen, if you use a computer monitor then you can fit a lot more things at once, though that might mean sacrificing touchscreen which is probably more important to you. Anyway keep it up, great layout and thanks for videos :)
Nice video Dave. Thanks for sharing. I guess it's like most kit for whatever out there in that each has its merits and each its drawbacks. I'm looking to kick mine off using RailMaster via the eLink just 'cause i have the kit but I gotta say the Z21 lit that I've seen others use looks good too. Anyway, thanks again......... Philip.
Top video again I use the Hornby E link and sometimes struggle with programing. I have a selection of Hornby and Bachmann at the moment and use only Hornby and Bachmann decoders. I put a tts sound chip in a Hornby Northern Belle. But can not get all the functions and can not turn the sound up too. Would be great if you could do a video doing both Hornby and Bachmann sound decoders cheers Richard
Hi Dave, very well explained. I run Railmaster, and as you say it has it's limitations, but it works for me. Do you think you'll change to another controller at a later date? Cheers John.
I have a copy of railmaster, but never got around to using it as yet as I've yet to get a elite or elink. However, since I've built a merg DCC system and intend to use jmri with the merg DCC and the merg cbus system for points etc.
Hello sir. A very good video as usual. Although i know nothing about this kind of......er, thing, it was still very interesting. You'll love what i have, a wire going into one rail of the track and one going into the other, and a controller with a knob to go or stop. But you can alter the speed of the loco if you turn the knob left or right, that's the really cool thing about it. How about that? Excellent stuff, looking forward to the next vid.
Question if I may, so, you can add points and lights etc to the software. Can it be programmed so that the train will automatically stop if it reaches a red signal? Or say a turnout isn’t set correctly which could cause a derailment?
Hi Dave once you set up railmaster on your computer do you have to run the railmaster program on each running session to run it off your Apple app. Just curious.thank you Alan
Great information video, can you tell me how to when on expanded individual train tab on railmaster displaying 16 sound tabs how to select which 16 will show, i know how to tick for the initial 6. On another note you sound like a Fifer or at least east coast, i am originally from Kirkcaldy, lived in Western Australia last 40 odd years Cheers Norman Maxwell
Hi Norman, I’ve no longer got railmaster and I must apologise, as I can’t remember how to expand it. I’m was born in the Lang Toun as well! It’s a small world. Cheers Dave
Hi Dave, thanks for another great video. I use RM also, can I just highlight a couple of functions that I'm sure you already know about but for the benefit of others and then I have a question for you if I may. Of you want to move the order of locomotives, there are up down arrows in the single engine screen, (where you would add a locomotive) to move into groups etc, very straight forward and quick to use. When you double click your loco throttle from the side screen to access other functions, there is a red arrow at the bottom of the exploded throttle, this will scroll down to all other functions. You can also click and drag to expose the extra functions in the throttle when expanded. Now, a question. I use e-link and have major issues, however, I also use the iPad app. Often I find I can't grab a loco off the RM screen of it is already in use, any ways around this please? Thanks, Tim
Thanks tim....I didn't know this......I will go and play around with that extra function thing. The order of the locos, yes there are up and down arrows at the bottom left, but I find this a pain, why isn't there a button to click where they would all automatically shuffle into the correct order?! As for the issue with the app....I have had this issue too....I didn't cover it in the video, but it just seems to be one of the minor issues with RM. Cheers. Dave
DaveClass47 glad to be of a bit of help, yes the arrow is a pain but you can hold and shoot up the list. Not just me with the hand held cliche then...... Good luck with the red arrow, let me know on Facebook how you get on or if I can help at all... Tim Delahay
Slight off topic the ease of masters add remove dbl heading is amazing only shame it can’t auto uncouple I use Dapol n gauge 15X with scharfenberg coupling for 2 units if that could be auto uncoupled would be ten fold(I know unlikely in n but 00) roco have a DCC system where that happens and also opens doors and has guards whistle that plays form back end of train(last carriage or loco depending from pushed or pulled).
It looks reasonably intuitive but would not be for me. Its 'Hornbyness' for a start - I think you have a Peco 3-way point on the right hand entrance to the station but guess you had to recreate it on the layout by putting a RH next to a LH as there'd be no support for Peco hardware on there! But ultimately, they all just make trains go round!
Thanks for another great video Dave. Interesting points about the software, I too am of the opinion that I want the tactile feel and pleasure of pulling switches on a control panel rather than using a computer screen. I have a Lenz controller but maybe one day would like to swap it for an ECOS. Interested to hear your thoughts on what you would upgrade to?
I have just moved from the ECoS to the Z21 i have had a few different system to play with now but i do find the Z21 the best, really easy to set up, it works on any Tablet i have it on my very old IPad 1 and a Galaxy tab. The ECoS was a bit "Stationary" !! good if you want to sit around, however i'm starting to do some scenic work now and i like trains running whilst i work! Cheers Ian
I have a railmaster to use when I finish my layout but want to know Can u use Bachman with a Bachman style elink. Issues with hornby DCC is it only built to work hornby accessories ie it can’t hornby only do 2 , 3 aspect signalling so it only allows it. 2,3 aspect. I want feather signals and don’t accommodate that. Rail master should do is allow you to like MERG so say it’s feather set it as 2 signals so a on off for the feather and a 3 aspect signal in one click. I don’t use but 3 way points should be able to say point add 2 together say a left right and have standard so can say flick left flick right or standard. Plus is on if use accessories you can tell them how to be set when u turn it on a kind of reset so you don’t need to check them that’s a good help. Have they set up the detection part yet. I like hornby master for me who will have 8 sets of points 4 sets form running to terminus station 4 in fiddle yard and 7 locos/units running its ideal. Saying all that and how it’s designed just for hornby accessories it dose allow me to unlike others convert to N gauge so the clock at bottom works to n gauge scale and all the mph setting convert to n gauge sale speeds not OO witch others don’t. So I agree with u it’s good limiting. Once they more signals and other accessories railways have it would be amazing
Railmaster will run any DCC accessory, not just Hornby. On my layout I use DCC Concepts cobalt point motors, Dapol semaphore signals, a MERG accessory decoder for the building lights and traintech signals. If you are in any doubt whether a DCC accessory will run on Railmaster, just visit the Hornby forum and ask, plenty of very helpful people there.
Hi Dave, I guess theres a fine line between having it fully automatic & having fun driving the trains yourself, take it too far and you may as well get a train simulator.
Due to the many annoying features with the hornby railmaster and the fact it can’t handle a vast amount of locos at once and thus becomes unresponsive, I have ditched the hornby railmaster for the roco Z21
Could that be to do with the power of the controlling PC and the power supply? Also, if you have lots of background processes, that can interfere with foreground stuff. I turn off anti virus/firewall and network connectivity when I do sound recording/mixing so that the PC has the most processing power available. Makes a big difference.
was using my phone as a controller add on and it was non responsive at times , especially when you have to pay for the add on licence and the overall user interface is not very friendly, particularly on the laptop when the control box then overlays on top of the layout controls map.
As far as paid software goes I think the railmaster is actually pretty good. You get quite a bit of functionality and obviously the phone app is very useful. Not a fan of the UI but I'd be happy enough with it.
I was at a show recently looking at the DCC Automation stand. They had a nice little demo showcasing some control software called iTrain. Everything was running automatically and it was great to watch but it implied that the software was all you need. I had look under the table and saw perhaps the most electronic 'stuff' I've ever seen under a layout! Shows just how much you need to invest in hardware under the boards if you want to fully use PC control. Even so it was impressive...
I'm still re-spacing sleepers! While to go before I sort out my control setup! Cheers...
I mean, I guess it'll be advanced block detection current sensing stuff or something like that. Sounds like it'd be fascinating to work with but a nightmare to troubleshoot when something goes wrong!
Thanks Dave
downloaded the manual & found the fix being click & drag within dialogue box to reveal 29 functions.
Lang Toun , wondered if name Dean Park came from there. Me, my brother & sister all born in Templehall & went to local schools sister still lives there.
Stay safe
Cheers Norm Maxwell
After some great assistance from Brian Hughes , I run Railmaster with Elite. On track plan I have 15 pint motors Colbalt, no problem, so very happy so far. When I get Dapol semaphore signals again operated by Railmaster.thanks for showing video , very good.Richard
Good timing Dave as I met a friend at York show who wants to know about this system. I told him to check your uploads but now I can send him a link to this which I am sure he will find useful. I use a Z21 system on tablet myself and find it very easy to use and set up. Like you I only run the trains with it, I like my switch panels too. Also I got my Lady Diana Spencer last week. Well pleased with it.
I am with you keeping points, signals and trains separate electrically. I have 27 tortoise motors so far controlling my points so the load just to keep them snug is getting significant. I admire you for sticking with Railmaster until you have it successfully working on your layout. As you know, I went to the Z21. Rob
Great video, really useful. Thanks.
I use the Lenz 100 system with a computer interface allowing it to work with any software via a PC/Laptop/tablet/phone.
Although I don't have a proper layout yet, when I do, I'll be using the JMRI software which I used to great effect on a club layout.
The nifty thing about JMRI is that it does everything the Hornby Railmaster can do... but it's free!
However, its layout design aspect isn't as user-friendly as the Hornby one... but once you get the basics and an understanding of how Panel Pro works, it's fantastic.
The nice thing about JMRI is that you can custom design the buttons, lettering and backgrounds, for a unique design.
In addition... and I think this is the best bit... you can set 'macros' for routing your trains.
So imagine each of your platforms for your station... you can have a button for each track and press a button which will then talk to point decoders and flick each point to the desired route to go all the way around the layout, or from the fiddleyard to the station and back again.
So imagine a layout with 10 points (numbered 1 to 10) around a single route from platform 1 all the way around the layout and back to platform 1... you set it up so that the route pathway goes though the tickbox list of points that need to be set and which don't, and when they are, whether they go straight on, or get thrown taking them left or right.
1: Straight
2: Thrown
3: Thrown
4: Straight
5: Not used
6: Straight
7: Not used
8: Thrown
9: Not used
10: Thrown
The same applies to signals, etc... and it is expandible, so if you have block detectors, you can keep a track of where your train is on the layout, and even set it up so the track will change colour for the route and the icons will move around the layout as the decoder and block detectors say "I am here".
Personally, I don't like using a computer to 'run' trains... I prefer the Lenz handsets to control trains, and the PC to set routes, but JMRI allows you tu use it anyway you wish.
Super footage Great scenery
Great video Dave
Admire your work and love your channel but don't always comment, but I actually thought you presented this really well.
Nice review and insight into this system. Although it’s far from anything I’ll ever have. 👍🏻
Robin.
Hi Dave
Nice and informative video and a good refresher for those of us who use Railmaster. (Mine is with an elink).
I converted over since Christmas and had no issues. My elink and railmaster was cheaper than the select controller so would recommend going this route rather than a dedicated controller (assuming you have a computer of course!)
I to do not use the points, but do use the train tech signals on the railmaster which makes controlling fun!
The best part though for railmaster in my opinion is the programming. I set lots of small programs then set them to run to the timetable function. This way you can set the trains running in an hour long sequence. You can set pop up to remind when the point changes are due so you can just sit back and let the trains drive themselves and be the point switcher.
Have you thought of using the programming function to run shorter loco movements joined together using the timetable functionality? For example run a 47 from the station for one lap to arrive, then schedule a HST to leave one it arrives .... and so on!
Hi, nice to see Railmaster in use, it's been my choice for an upcoming layout too. I must say it looks rather cramped on the laptop screen, if you use a computer monitor then you can fit a lot more things at once, though that might mean sacrificing touchscreen which is probably more important to you. Anyway keep it up, great layout and thanks for videos :)
Nice video Dave. Thanks for sharing. I guess it's like most kit for whatever out there in that each has its merits and each its drawbacks. I'm looking to kick mine off using RailMaster via the eLink just 'cause i have the kit but I gotta say the Z21 lit that I've seen others use looks good too. Anyway, thanks again......... Philip.
Top video again I use the Hornby E link and sometimes struggle with programing. I have a selection of Hornby and Bachmann at the moment and use only Hornby and Bachmann decoders. I put a tts sound chip in a Hornby Northern Belle. But can not get all the functions and can not turn the sound up too. Would be great if you could do a video doing both Hornby and Bachmann sound decoders cheers Richard
Hi Dave, very well explained. I run Railmaster, and as you say it has it's limitations, but it works for me. Do you think you'll change to another controller at a later date? Cheers John.
I have a copy of railmaster, but never got around to using it as yet as I've yet to get a elite or elink.
However, since I've built a merg DCC system and intend to use jmri with the merg DCC and the merg cbus system for points etc.
Hello sir. A very good video as usual. Although i know nothing about this kind of......er, thing, it was still very interesting. You'll love what i have, a wire going into one rail of the track and one going into the other, and a controller with a knob to go or stop. But you can alter the speed of the loco if you turn the knob left or right, that's the really cool thing about it. How about that? Excellent stuff, looking forward to the next vid.
Question if I may, so, you can add points and lights etc to the software. Can it be programmed so that the train will automatically stop if it reaches a red signal? Or say a turnout isn’t set correctly which could cause a derailment?
Hi Dave once you set up railmaster on your computer do you have to run the railmaster program on each running session to run it off your Apple app. Just curious.thank you Alan
Great information video, can you tell me how to when on expanded individual train tab on railmaster displaying 16 sound tabs how to select which 16 will show, i know how to tick for the initial 6.
On another note you sound like a Fifer or at least east coast, i am originally from Kirkcaldy, lived in Western Australia last 40 odd years
Cheers Norman Maxwell
Hi Norman,
I’ve no longer got railmaster and I must apologise, as I can’t remember how to expand it.
I’m was born in the Lang Toun as well! It’s a small world.
Cheers
Dave
I used Railmaster but the iPad ‘app’ was a bit flakey, it would do things all by itself - not ideal! Moved on to z21 with multimaus
Put an ad at the jobcentre for a layout control person
Fascinating Dave, but it's all beyond me as I'm still on Analogue....Regards....Bob
I'm with you Bob!
Hi Dave, thanks for another great video.
I use RM also, can I just highlight a couple of functions that I'm sure you already know about but for the benefit of others and then I have a question for you if I may.
Of you want to move the order of locomotives, there are up down arrows in the single engine screen, (where you would add a locomotive) to move into groups etc, very straight forward and quick to use.
When you double click your loco throttle from the side screen to access other functions, there is a red arrow at the bottom of the exploded throttle, this will scroll down to all other functions. You can also click and drag to expose the extra functions in the throttle when expanded.
Now, a question. I use e-link and have major issues, however, I also use the iPad app. Often I find I can't grab a loco off the RM screen of it is already in use, any ways around this please?
Thanks, Tim
Thanks tim....I didn't know this......I will go and play around with that extra function thing. The order of the locos, yes there are up and down arrows at the bottom left, but I find this a pain, why isn't there a button to click where they would all automatically shuffle into the correct order?! As for the issue with the app....I have had this issue too....I didn't cover it in the video, but it just seems to be one of the minor issues with RM. Cheers. Dave
DaveClass47 glad to be of a bit of help, yes the arrow is a pain but you can hold and shoot up the list.
Not just me with the hand held cliche then......
Good luck with the red arrow, let me know on Facebook how you get on or if I can help at all...
Tim Delahay
Do you also control the signals with this system? Greetz, Onno.
Slight off topic the ease of masters add remove dbl heading is amazing only shame it can’t auto uncouple I use Dapol n gauge 15X with scharfenberg coupling for 2 units if that could be auto uncoupled would be ten fold(I know unlikely in n but 00) roco have a DCC system where that happens and also opens doors and has guards whistle that plays form back end of train(last carriage or loco depending from pushed or pulled).
Not investigated it yet but reading through the ESU Lokmaster docs, there are functions to do coupling/uncoupling movements of the loco/stock
It looks reasonably intuitive but would not be for me. Its 'Hornbyness' for a start - I think you have a Peco 3-way point on the right hand entrance to the station but guess you had to recreate it on the layout by putting a RH next to a LH as there'd be no support for Peco hardware on there!
But ultimately, they all just make trains go round!
Thanks for another great video Dave. Interesting points about the software, I too am of the opinion that I want the tactile feel and pleasure of pulling switches on a control panel rather than using a computer screen. I have a Lenz controller but maybe one day would like to swap it for an ECOS. Interested to hear your thoughts on what you would upgrade to?
I will upgrade to the ECOS....that's in the pipeline, but it is expensive. Dave
I have just moved from the ECoS to the Z21 i have had a few different system to play with now but i do find the Z21 the best, really easy to set up, it works on any Tablet i have it on my very old IPad 1 and a Galaxy tab. The ECoS was a bit "Stationary" !! good if you want to sit around, however i'm starting to do some scenic work now and i like trains running whilst i work!
Cheers Ian
I have a railmaster to use when I finish my layout but want to know
Can u use Bachman with a Bachman style elink.
Issues with hornby DCC is it only built to work hornby accessories ie it can’t hornby only do 2 , 3 aspect signalling so it only allows it. 2,3 aspect. I want feather signals and don’t accommodate that.
Rail master should do is allow you to like MERG so say it’s feather set it as 2 signals so a on off for the feather and a 3 aspect signal in one click. I don’t use but 3 way points should be able to say point add 2 together say a left right and have standard so can say flick left flick right or standard.
Plus is on if use accessories you can tell them how to be set when u turn it on a kind of reset so you don’t need to check them that’s a good help.
Have they set up the detection part yet.
I like hornby master for me who will have 8 sets of points 4 sets form running to terminus station 4 in fiddle yard and 7 locos/units running its ideal.
Saying all that and how it’s designed just for hornby accessories it dose allow me to unlike others convert to N gauge so the clock at bottom works to n gauge scale and all the mph setting convert to n gauge sale speeds not OO witch others don’t.
So I agree with u it’s good limiting. Once they more signals and other accessories railways have it would be amazing
Railmaster will run any DCC accessory, not just Hornby. On my layout I use DCC Concepts cobalt point motors, Dapol semaphore signals, a MERG accessory decoder for the building lights and traintech signals. If you are in any doubt whether a DCC accessory will run on Railmaster, just visit the Hornby forum and ask, plenty of very helpful people there.
Hi Dave, I guess theres a fine line between having it fully automatic & having fun driving the trains yourself, take it too far and you may as well get a train simulator.
Due to the many annoying features with the hornby railmaster and the fact it can’t handle a vast amount of locos at once and thus becomes unresponsive, I have ditched the hornby railmaster for the roco Z21
Could that be to do with the power of the controlling PC and the power supply? Also, if you have lots of background processes, that can interfere with foreground stuff. I turn off anti virus/firewall and network connectivity when I do sound recording/mixing so that the PC has the most processing power available. Makes a big difference.
was using my phone as a controller add on and it was non responsive at times , especially when you have to pay for the add on licence and the overall user interface is not very friendly, particularly on the laptop when the control box then overlays on top of the layout controls map.
You look so much better in the dark.x
Who's this commenting?, I cant see, its dark!
Lol
och aye mate! lol.
Loco group good it u want to run 2 masters at once one can console express and one can controls locoal etc