Ring Engineering Railpro Update

This video highlights a few of the major updates to Railpro over the past year or two. It has been several years since I originally reviewed the Railpro system. Much has changed during that time, though the basic premise remains the same: two-way radio control, allowing automatic load sharing, and near-instantaneous communication between Railpro products.
Major updates include Railpro software that makes it possible to load files to Railpro products, as well as load your own custom-made files. Also, a program that allows your computer to act as a Railpro controller. New high-quality sounds, with completely redesigned sound mixing and playback. New functionality allowing more realistic train operation. New prototypical lighting effects.
Railpro has improved dramatically and will hopefully continue to improve as time goes on. I personally would like to see more sounds available, and would like to see an accelerated software release schedule.
For further information see www.ringengineering.com.
A forum dedicated to Railpro users can be found here: www.rpug.pda.ca.

[@MrHotrodf1]

Been hearing a lot about DCC and then ran across this as another option. Seems like the ideal setup. My son and I were also commenting on the realistic graffiti on those boxcars. My goodness that's such a real detail, one that I don't think I've seen much of (admittedly been out of the hobby for a few years). Beautiful work, and nice video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@freewake84]

Thanks! Weathering is one of my favorite parts of the hobby, and a fun challenge. Railpro is still very enjoyable as well.

[@218422100]

This was an exceptional video!!!!!! Great information and very well explained. I'm getting closer to buying my first RailPro system. And your detail and weathering on your engines is outstanding as well...💯🔥😎

[@freewake84]

Glad you found it helpful. At some point I need to do a couple more in-depth videos.

[@218422100]

@@freewake84 I'll be waiting to watch them!!! Can you run RailPro on a DCC layout?

[@Tealo951]

@@218422100 yes you can. You can run it on a DCC layout using the RailPro controller, however you won't be able to control any other equipment on the layout. But you can control the RailPro engines using the DCC (as long as you have it enabled) and it'll run just like any other DCC engine (no active load sharing with that though)

[@3006USMC]

Awesome information as I have researched all dcc, im getting back into it after 15yrs. I am starting from scratch and I really think this is the way to go. Thanks for the update.

[@freewake84]

Railpro is a great way to go if you are starting from scratch. It's easy to use and enjoyable. Installation is fairly straightforward if you have "DCC-ready" locomotives. If you have some soldering skill then hardwiring the modules in the best way to go. Check out the "unofficial" Railpro User Group forum for more info.

[@MrKWiley918]

If i hadn't been sold before i am now

[@user-bh6vr9kz9d]

Another good RailPro video by KPack. I also use RP, and everything stated in this video is right on the money. A highly recommended system.

[@freewake84]

I'm loving the new changes! Hoping that we see some more new sounds soon.

[@dbottita]

Great video, well executed! So often review videos like this are nearly impossible to get through as the commentary is horrible. You did an excellent job here, so much so that I have pulled the trigger and I have a system coming my way. Thanks for the effort, you cleared up many things for me and helped me in my decision to buy. Cheers!

[@freewake84]

Dave, glad I could help. I'm no videographer, and I'm pretty bad at putting together a coherent video, so I'm glad this worked for you. There is so much to talk about with Railpro. I had to condense it down to the most important things and try to discuss them quickly. You'll like Railpro once you get it up and running. Ease of use, intuitive, automatic load sharing, etc. Lots to like. You ought to join the (unofficial) Railpro User Group....just Google it. It's the main hub for Railpro users where questions are answered and tips shared.

[@tommcdonald616]

Good video! Ive been rail pro(ing) in Nova Scotia modeling the Rock island of 1979 going on 6 years.The new sounds are good 3 different controllers various pictures are hard to set up,on the old controller ,but still .Easy to operate.... Beer in one hand throttle in the other. kids ,there switching cars in minutes .So easy to use..Thanks again.

[@freewake84]

So easy to operate. The controller is a bit large, but I've gotten used to operating it one-handed. I need to put a lanyard on mine so I can hang it from my neck when not in use.

[@kenzieska9148]

Great video, great way to know where to look for the new features I downloaded.

[@ron045]

Thanks for making this. Your engines and equipment are weathered beautifully. I also like the use of molding as facia.

[@mr.e1944]

Great video KPack! I have wanted to get RailPro for years and was inspired from your battery power videos. I have recently sold one of my cars and I am going to order the handheld. I was going to get only the CI-1 usb to start, but I think now I am going all in. I spent several days this last week listening to the sound files and now with your recommendation I think the sounds are really good. I like that load feature as well. It really takes the toy out of the train and makes it feel like real life. Thanks, and don’t wait another two years for another video.

[@ralpho37]

Love my RailPro system! Great video!

[@3006USMC]

I just ordered mine ! Cant wait !!!

[@RockyMountainBrewer]

Beautiful equipment and layout. Thanks for the review.

[@freewake84]

Thanks. The layout with the run-by's is a friend's layout, based on the Keddie Wye. His layout is to be featured in Trackside Model Railroading soon. The small switching layout is mine, and I use it as a test-bed. Currently I don't have enough space to build the layout I have planned, so I make do with a small one.

[@genegreen9613]

Thank you. I am considering buying this system. Have more to learn but your video is a great first step.

[@allenlandis4504]

thanks for the updates and for sharing

[@actx9433]

Alright, you sold me. I really like the concept of a dead rails

[@freewake84]

This is about as easy as it gets if you want to do dead rail. 3 components: battery -> voltage converter -> Railpro module. Works great.

[@edwardskerness9226]

I am super impressed with your weathering. I love seeing fleets that are dirtied up. Having seen brand new locos when I was working for the RR, they are weathered the minute they hit the rails! Thanks for the review, this is what I'm going with. No reason not to with the DCC capabilities.

[@freewake84]

DCC compatibility is nice, though I the only time I've used it is to test it. It almost felt like a step backwards....after being so used to controlling with Railpro, DCC felt so odd.

[@SheltonDCruz]

thanks for the video!

[@jolliemark6294]

Great vid video! Just wish they had an n scale to the line now but sm thinking about changing my HO engine to rail pro for when I rin in San Diego museum. Thanks for sharing 😀

[@williambryant5946]

Very cool.

[@phil36310]

Hi Kpack, A great video overview on the new features ! Thanks for sharing. I'm a NCE Power Cab user for the moment but this system seems to have so much more to it than the DCC-systems I was checking out in order to upgrade my control of trains. My loco roster is mainly steam and sound equipped - since I model the 55 area on my 'AnneliesVilleRR' (My blog is on MRH). I need to check this out more deeply. Any advise from you is most appreciated ! Thanks & greetings, Filip

[@jonnyspeed]

Thanks for the review. Question, the engine seems to jutter when starting. is that your camera or is the acceleration not smooth? can you shoot a video at 60fps? That would help as this video is only 25fps. Thanks

[@freewake84]

The locomotives are very smooth for the most part. I have a couple that aren't totally smooth, but that is a problem with the locomotive drivetrain rather than Railpro. Part of the video was recorded at 25fps, and part was 60fps. The conversion and compression to load to KZbin messed up some of the footage, especially the run-by's. While running the trains are completely smooth. Most of this issue is due to my very amateur videography skills. I have some new equipment that I'm learning to use, but need to improve my lighting in order for it to be effective. I'll probably need to invest money and time into a new video editing program as well.

[@billpavlick69]

Hi Kevin, Great video, you have me convinced! I have been admiring your rolling stock work on the The Weathering Shop for years now and am wondering if you would comment on how you created such realistic weathered track on your switching layout. It looks as convincing as the engines and cars! - Bill

[@freewake84]

I painted the entire track and ties with Krylon Camo Brown, then weathered individual ties with acrylics. Ballast is N-scale Arizona Rock and Mineral. The final step is brushing the sides of the rails with some powders.

[@waynemiller7382]

@@freewake84 I don't understand why sooo many modellers use so called 'HO scale' ballast as you only have to put a piece of most makes of HO scale ballast next to a HO scale people figure to see the ballast is bigger than the hand or 1/3/-1/2 as big as the face of the figure, so therefore too big. I use n scale ballast like you do and it appears correct in every sense.

[@Superseanbarry]

Great job! Does RP support steam and older diesel sounds? Thanks.

[@freewake84]

Railpro does have some steam sounds, but not nearly enough. I'd say the steam side of things is still in it's infancy. What they have now would work fine for most applications, but what I'd really like to see if Railpro integrating a chuff cam. Right now you have to fiddle with the speed table to get the chuff to match across speeds, which is a chore. The hardware is already there for chuff cam, but the software is not. There are earlier diesel prime movers available, and more have been recorded and will soon become available. Currently there are several Alco prime movers, the EMD 16-645 roots, and the EMD 16-567. Still have lots of gaps to fill on the older diesel side.

[@miachevydude]

I've been looking at this system alot,but gotta be one of the most important issues with me is the sound.Unless the sound quality exceeds that of a Lok Sound v5 decoder,i'm not sold yet.What i hear in the video does sound good.

[@freewake84]

That's a tough one to answer. On one hand, Railpro's newest sound files are superior to Loksound in many ways, including quality of recording and mixing that eliminates any looping. It really gives the prime movers a natural, "living" sound. On the other hand Loksound has far more sound files available.....horns, prime movers, associated sounds. Their library is far larger at the moment. Railpro is slowly building up, but I would like the sound library to grow faster. Loksound has Drive Hold, which is a cool feature to control prime mover sound and speed. Railpro has their "True Motion" tech, which allows you to set the load on the train, and the prime mover responds accordingly. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Both are good systems. They don't have to be mutually exclusive....you can run both Railpro and Loksound on the same layout. You can even run Railpro locomotives with your Loksound locomotives by turning Railpro's DCC-mode on.

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

I will be very interested in Railpro - when it works with N scale and Mac OS. ...Roy

[@freewake84]

You're not alone. I know of several N-scaler's who would jump all over Railpro if it came out for N. I know Ring Engineering has talked about it, but I think the big struggle has been how to make all the components fit within a package that will work. I think it will happen someday, but I couldn't tell you when that will be. I'm hoping though.

[@Tealo951]

I agree about the Mac OS... I currently have it loaded on the Windows BOOT CAMP partition of the computer. Have to restart it every time I want to switch OS. kind of a pain in the butt, especially since we only have the one computer at the moment... I can decide if I'll buy a second Mac (for other reasons) or just get a simple PC (laptop or cheap desktop). a lot of decisions.

[@Tealo951]

Can you have a consist with say two head end engines and a mid train helper, being controlled together? Or would the helper need to be controlled separately? Does the load sharing work with the engines not being directly coupled to each other? Thanks! And great video. I’m converting to RailPro. Can’t wait!

[@freewake84]

Yes, you can do that. Earlier this week I ran a 2x2x 1 on ~35 cars and it was fine. The locomotives communicate with each other despite where they are in the train. There will likely be some bunching/slack of the cars as the locomotives sense and adjust the overall speed. You can also run manned helpers easily, if that's part of your operating scheme. Of course you'll need a separate throttle for that. Welcome to Railpro. You'll enjoy it I'm sure. Ask any questions you might have over at the Railpro User Group. Lots of knowledge over there.

[@DARKKNIGHT56999]

great video I need to update my system, raailroads been on hold for awhile :(

[@freewake84]

Life certainly gets in the way sometimes. If it's been a while since you've updated then these ones will take some time. Update your controllers first, then the locomotive modules. Also make sure Railpro Assistant is the newest version. That can be found on the Ring Engineering website.

[@DARKKNIGHT56999]

@@freewake84 Thanks Again will do!

[@railfan220]

Great video! That's some really good information to hear, but I really need to stop watching these. You're going to convert me. -Cam

[@freewake84]

There's nothing saying you can't enjoy Railpro and DCC at the same time. Pick up a couple of LM-3S modules and a CI-1, and you're off. Glad you liked the video!

[@Superseanbarry]

Thanks, great job. Is the computer interface compitable with apple mac computers? Also does the new power supply have the same power as the old brick?

[@freewake84]

The Railpro software isn't compatible with Mac at the moment. Most guys with Mac's are using either Parallels or Bootcamp, or just using an inexpensive Windows laptop. The new power supply is 56 watts of power, as opposed to the older PWR-75 which had 75 watts of power. The new PWR-56 is much less expensive....you can buy two for less than the PWR-75 cost, which gives you more power than the PWR-75 had. Plus the PWR-56 is solid-state, which means it makes zero noise unlike the older, larger power supply. And it was much smaller and lighter. Overall a much better product.

[@Superseanbarry]

@@freewake84 I concur, inexpensive Windows laptop

[@danielmireault1229]

N scale !! We out in the cold!!

[@jonnyspeed]

Couple more questions questions for you, Are the sound files full frequency spectrum including low end or do they roll off the low frequencies? I'd love to see a Railpro hooked up to a Scale Sound Systems speaker. Or even a Tang Bang speaker module if there is room in the model. Lastly, have they improved their steam sounds yet? The last steam video I saw wasn't very good. Thanks

[@freewake84]

The sound files are full spectrum, CD-quality sound. Most model speakers can't reproduce low frequencies, and if they do the recording equipment won't pick it up adequately. I do have a locomotive with a Scale Sound Systems speaker, and it sounds great, but any recording I've made of it fails to capture how it really sounds. If you want to hear what the real recordings sound like, go to Ring Engineering's website and watch the video on Railpro. There is a section that plays the EMD 16-645E3 file through all 8 notches. Listen to it with good speakers or headphones. That is the quality of sound that the new recordings offer, but we will always be limited by small speakers in locomotives. The steam sounds are still meh. Not great, not terrible. Ring has not put a lot into the steam files, probably because most of their customers are using diesel locomotives. Lots of new diesel sounds, but we still need many more.

[@billroach2393]

I'm in Australia and currently use NCE Procab to operate my 30 odd locos. Do you know the maximum number of locos that the RP system can operate at a single time? I operate alone, but can occasionally have 3 trains operating...each with 3 locos...so 9 locos all up. Is the RP system capable of this sort of number? Great video....great weathering on locos and rolling stock!!! Thanks

[@freewake84]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the max number at once is 12 from one controller. There is no realistic max on the number of controllers operating at once, which means you could theoretically have dozens upon dozens of locomotives operating simultaneously from many throttles. 3 trains to control at once from a single throttle will certainly keep you busy! Thanks for the compliments also.

[@waynemiller7382]

Hi KPack, which manufacture makes the CRYO-TRANS boxcar? Thanks, love your work!

[@freewake84]

Thanks! The CryoTrans reefer is made by Walthers, but I had to do a ton of work to modify it to match the prototypes that have been cut down. No one makes a CryoTrans reefer correctly unfortunately.

[@waynemiller7382]

@@freewake84 thanks yeah I thought only Walther's made one. It seems no manufacturer will want to make a detailed model of these as it's a one-off so sales appear to be limited in terms of opportunities. They can't do a second run after the investment in a different road name etc so I'm not sure if we will ever get a modern manufactured model of these cars.

[@sergioimaraschin7697]

Really like the Ring product but wish it was a little less in cost.

[@freewake84]

It's not as bad as you might think. Direct from Ring Engineering is expensive. Buying from distributors is much less. For example a LM-3S module (locomotive module with RF and sound) can be had for $75. That's far less than a normal DCC sound decoder, and way less than if you were to pair that DCC decoder with an add-on radio and bluetooth module. The Railpro controller can be had for around $225. The Railpro controller is analogous to a DCC controller+command station+wifi or radio integration. That usually ends up far more than the cost of a Railpro controller. So if you are looking at full Ring Engineering prices, yes it is expensive. But all the distributors sell for the prices I listed above and it is far more reasonable than you think.

[@3006USMC]

Now that I have RAILPRO and love it, its time for block detection. Trying to find a non dcc block detection is frustrating. I am looking for a IR detector/block signaling utilizing BLMA aspects.its own power source (Ring eng accessory module) because maybe deadrail is in the future. What do you recommend?

[@freewake84]

Glad you finally picked up Railpro! And I'm glad you're enjoying it. The question you asked regarding block detecting and signaling is probably best answered by the guys over at the (unofficial) Railpro User Group. I have zero experience with signaling, but I know there are a couple of guys over there who have been messing with it.

[@3006USMC]

Logic rails technology… They have everything that I need. I had forgotten about them. Keep your videos,, they're very inspirational.

[@waynemiller7382]

Will locos with a Railpro module work on another DCC set up, i.e. a NCE controller or will Railpro only work with Railpro control and vis a versa ?

[@freewake84]

Yes, Railpro locomotives can be controlled by DCC controllers if you would like. Railpro modules have a "DCC mode" that enables them to be controlled by DCC. Turn the mode on, determine what number the DCC controller will control, and set the function button numbers how you like. Then you're good to go. Keep in mind you will lose all the benefits of Railpro when using DCC....no load sharing, no two-way communication, etc. But it does allow Railpro locomotives to be consisted with DCC locomotives if you really want. I'll bet that you'll end up just running Railpro locomotives together. See my video that shows Railpro's DCC mode

[@SheltonDCruz]

Question with the braking - can you set the brake to say 30% for a while, then set it to 80% for a while so as to let the train slowly come to a stop

[@freewake84]

That's not part of the software currently. I'd love to have that feature too. Right now it's a simple press and hold, and the brakes ramp up to 100% if you hold it all the way there. You can use it to feather the brakes by pressing and releasing as needed. Keep in mind though that the brakes will only activate if the throttle is at 0%. This means the train will already be slowing down due to momentum, so brakes aren't super important. I use them a lot in switching moves, and that's fun.

[@SheltonDCruz]

@@freewake84 thanks - also - is it possible to "coast" the sound locos meaning the sound RPMs from the engine are next to IDLE while loco is at a good speed?

[@Dark2-Light]

Will this operate N-scale? I would assume.

[@brock50pullingvideos]

So let me get this straight, I have to replace all of my DCC decoders with railpro modules in order to use this controller on my locomotives?

[@freewake84]

Yes and no. Yes, because the Railpro controller communicates solely through radio signals, and Railpro modules are the only thing that communicate that way. Railpro controllers cannot communicate with DCC locomotives. No, because Railpro modules (not controllers) are in fact dual-mode capable. When a Railpro locomotive is on a DCC track, the module is capable of reading and using the DCC command signals. See my video on Railpro's DCC mode. Railpro locomotives can be controlled by DCC controllers, and run together with DCC locomotives, when they are in "DCC mode". Most guys who have large fleets of DCC locomotives end up keeping many of them as DCC, then convert the ones they want to Railpro. You will have two separate controllers doing this, but it has worked for most who have done it. Typically they convert a few of their locomotives that would run in consists in order to take advantage of Railpro's automatic load sharing. Most keep their switchers and locals as DCC. It's an option. I had a small investment in DCC, so it was easy for me to make full transition to Railpro.

[@vincenttolve9756]

I very much want to use RailPro in my large scale (G) locomotives but I am electronically illiterate. Does anyone know a competent installer in the Chicago area? Thanks.

[@apocalypserailroad9047]

OK, here's a question... couldn't I simply take an CI-1 RailPro Computer Interface, along with an LM-3 or LM-3S receiver, and use that as a starting point? In other words, do I absolutely need their power supply, wouldn't my current 14-16 volt 2 amp power supply to the rails work as is? This would be a much cheaper way to get into RailPro and see if I really want to spend the extra money to upgrade my entire system as apposed to spending $400+ up front money.

[@freewake84]

You're absolutely right, and that's the beauty of the CI-1. Railpro doesn't care where the power comes from. Lots of Railpro guys use computer power supplies because they are filtered DC (like Railpro power supplies) and they are dirt cheap. The only thing you will loose by not using a Railpro power supply is the ability to act as a repeater for the radio signal. Not a big deal on a small layout. I typically advise guys to start with 2 LM-3S's and a CI-1. Get used to Railpro and enjoy using it that way, then get a few more modules and a controller after that. Cheap and easy way to get started.

[@MrKWiley918]

What part of the country are you in Kevin?

[@freewake84]

Northwest

[@MrKWiley918]

Cool, i need to get back to my hometown of Wiley city outside of yakima one of these days. Havent been since the mid '80s.