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Rail-Lynx digital control system
i to wish it had been available 2 years ago
Cool product. I wish I had seen this product before I went DCC. (Which I have never been happy with) Who knows what the future will bring for me…
I’m not quite there yet. This looks as the next thing in making railroading easier.
I’ve operated with Rail Lynx several times, and the results have been very good. Now, if it only had sound…
The system might be interesting to try, especially for a small layout.
Probably my layout would rule out using this system because the layout includes tunnels of 35 and 10 foot lengths, with internal curves.
Terrific system - I’ve been using it for years. It’s true advantage is that it is layout independent. I started using it when our group was using Dynatrol(r) to power our modular layout. Now that the layout has gone to DCC, Rail-Lynx is still serving me well. I have even had the opportunity to piggy-back Rail-Lynx on a DC layout, although that is a little more challenging. One of the layouts I regularly operate on uses Rail-Lynx exclusively for motive power control.
The system has only two drawbacks as far as I am concerned. The sensors need to see the signal (it does ‘bounce’ if you have reflective surfaces in your layout space) so tunnels require repeaters or you lose control of your train. Fortunately (or unfortunately if you’ve derailed!) it continues at its last known command until it sees the signal again. The second drawback is that sound is not currently available, which is the major advantage that DCC has over Rail-Lynx.
A great system and I highly recommend it for anyone wanting the operating advantages of DCC without the typically higher system cost. If DCC is installed on your layout in the future, your investment isn’t lost since Rail-Lynx is 100% compatible - you just can’t MU a Rail-Lynx engine with a DCC engine!
Looking forward to viewing and using this new control @ Amherst Society Railroad Show in W Springfield next month.
Likewise to Dennis, I have not installed DCC yet and this really intriques me, before I take the “plunge”.
Thanks for the review - caught me just in time.
Seems to me this is the step in between that came after, I see no advantage over DCC and a lot of disadvantages one of them being price.
I first experienced Rail Lynx on Lee Nicholas’s layout and was hooked. It was almost flawless. When the Ascape Tennsion and Sulphur Gulch decided to upgrade we went with Rail Lynx and it worked great. I’m not all that skilled in installing the sensors but found with a little creativity I was able to get them into all of my vintage steam locomotives. Try it. You’ll love it. Not only that but it is so easy for new operators to use. Just turn it on and follow your train.
I tried the demo control and engine from Raillynx on my layout.It worked fantastic.Simple to understand and easy t o use.A great alternative to those who don’t want to go to DCC.If your not convinced why not try the demo unit out first like I did.You won,t be disappointed.I ended up ordering the controller and receivers.
Always nice to have full power to the track and to be able to run your loco at the club when your dcc is different than the clubs, but it won’t be anything until and if the manufacturers support it with installed receivers. Also it appears to be limited in fuctions compared to the dcc.
Alberta, Canada. Just getting back into H O after a fifteen year lapse. Its mind boggling, the changes and improvements. This product looks promising.
The Ratpack in Ohio has been using Rail-Lynx well before standards for DCC were set, early 90’s. We like it because we want simple operations without sound. It is good for small layouts, 5 -6 guys and works fine with larger layouts 12 guys or more without a problem. We were using Keller’s onboard and the plugging and unplugging didn’t work. Hands free, tethered lanyard around the neck is what we like. The nice thing about Rail-Lynx is you can use the last 2 or 3 numbers of the engine number. Simply dial that number and only that loco will respond. You can explain that to a newbie across the room and in seconds he has control. I have not found that kind of simplicity with the other systems. It used to be a bit tricky because you had to isolate the motor from the frame. But now it comes with the NMRA plug…even I can wire it! One draw back is placing the sensor on the loco top. If you want a flawless model, you could put two sensors on each side of the cab. Otherwise, you would have to mount it on the hood. It is amazing how few even notice the tiny sensor on the hood. I am very happy to see Rail-Lynx finally reviewed in MR. Thank you very much. And enjoy Model Railroading!
This an excellent product. I have been using Rail-Lynx for several years now on my Burlington Northern layout and it was trouble free right from the start. I like the simple operation of the product.
I’m not worried that sound is not available, as I’m not a big fan of it. Smooth running equipment is more important to me, and here Rail-Lynx delivers.
I highly recomend this product.
Is there a radio or blue-tooth version of this on the horizon? I see it as the next big leap forward.
I as Alan Rice has said we have operated regular sessions on a friends layout without fail. I myself have 6 throttles and over 24 locos running Rail-Lynx…I can run a full track power bus under my railroad and use the same for lighting and accessories without worrying about AC signals or interferring with loco operation signals. I operated for the first time more than 8 years ago on a layout with Rail-Lynx, and just had to have it for cost and ease of use and installation…I have the units in old brass steam to new Atlas engines, Kato, and Bachmann etc.
The more I learn about DCC, the more I hesitate to take the plunge. I run Broadway Limited engines on DC using the Quantum Engineer controller for sound. The Rail-Lynx system seems right for me, but I would miss the sound function. Then again, the Rail-Lynx system allows me to run my experimental battery operated locomotives without track power. I’d like to eliminate all track wiring so I have the most realistic looking track possible. Might have to bring home a Rail-Lynx from the Big E next weekend! Thank you all for your input.