Railpro on battery power (deadrail)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 78

  • @ldifalco2010
    @ldifalco2010 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    In 20 years or less, this will be the #1 go to method for model railroading. To never have to clean wheels or track again with locos stalling all over the place is a model railroaders dream.

  • @chennaicitymadhanmichael9906
    @chennaicitymadhanmichael9906 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    yes sir no power through the track to the diesel/steam model locomotives is only correct process this dead rail application is really superb i waited for this plan for more than 10 years now i got this thank you sir please upload more RAIL PRO Dead rail application videos to get more ideas from you thank you.

  • @danwolfe7665
    @danwolfe7665 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This should be the standard method. The battery technology we have now makes this a no-brainer!

  • @Narrowgaugefilms
    @Narrowgaugefilms 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I remember back in the 1970s someone did this and wrote it up in Railroad Model Craftsman. The technology being what it was back then he converted an F7 "A" and "B" with the battery and most of the electronics riding in the dummy "B" unit.
    He brought it to a National Model Railroad Association convention, created quite a stir by running it across a bare table at Breakfast!
    It would be nice if you could charge your battery by spotting the unit on a piece of live track after you're done running it.

  • @jamesoctavo3100
    @jamesoctavo3100 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I think it's time for all train layouts to have battery on board power. With modern battery technology and usb charging, realistic modeling can be achieved. Since in real life, powered rails are rare, it would be nice to use 'dead rail' throughout. The most frustrating thing in model railroading is deadspots and keeping all sections live.

  • @DavidGallowayTrains
    @DavidGallowayTrains 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks for sharing. MRH just did an article in the October 2017 edition. The MRH article was my first introduction to RailPro; didn't know it existed. Liking what I've seen, however I'm in N-Scale, so I'll have to give it some time for Ring Engineering to bring the RailPro loco modules to fit in the smaller scale. Like the other commenters, I agree that deadrail is the future of the hobby. Thinking of existing charging technology - you can wirelessly charge a cell phone by induction, why not a loco? Wish I was better with electronics as there is money to be made in providing the solution for running loco's off battery for those modelers that want to go that route but don't have the knowledge.

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It was a good article that MRH ran. Railpro has been around for a while, but flying under the radar. I have had it since 2011. Since then it has improved dramatically, especially in the sound arena. I know Ring Engineering has plans to bring it to N-scale at some point, but when that would happen remains a mystery. I can imagine it would be very difficult to miniaturize everything into something that would be viable for N-scale. The installs certainly wouldn't be plug and play. How Ring will all make it work remains to be seen. But hopefully it can be done because I know quite a few N-scalers who would jump on board if this were made available to them.

    • @Mikey45013
      @Mikey45013 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have railpro for g scale I also have n scale and wish they would release for n scale also. I thought about doing a trailing car with a ho railpro board but don't want to always have the same car behind the engine.

  • @antlorch
    @antlorch 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very cool Kevin. Setting a new standard for the future.... Awesome

  • @buffalop32acdm23
    @buffalop32acdm23 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I always figured that battery powered would be superior at low speeds, and this video seems to indicate that. No matter how good the electrical pick ups are it always seems like locomotives hesitate a little bit at start. Since this is not relying on a pick up but a battery pack, looks like it crawls very very smoothly and realistically.

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I do love that battery power is completely free from pick up problems. Keep-alive will do much the same, but on really bad/dirty track they will drain quickly. But they do help with the startup.
      This particular locomotive isn't as smooth as many of my other ones. That has nothing to do with the battery or Railpro, it's just the drivetrain of the loco. For whatever reason it takes a bit more power to get it started than say a ScaleTrains SD40-2.

  • @richardcolemanjr3749
    @richardcolemanjr3749 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Railpro has a system that's not getting print and airtime. Dcc is about 30 years old and is the standard by the industry. It's going to have to move in Railpro's direction. Battery-powered locomotives in the hobby are coming too.

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You're correct Richard, Railpro doesn't get a whole lot of print and airtime. DCC is still by far the most popular, especially as every locomotive manufacturer offers their locomotives with DCC decoders pre-installed. One of us users really ought to write an article on Railpro installation/operation for MRH. Many people have heard of it but don't know much about it, or are misinformed by detractors.
      I also agree that battery power could become the future of the hobby. Keep alive capacitors certainly have become the norm, and batteries are basically a glorified keep alive.

    • @socallyourmom
      @socallyourmom 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      KPACK, would you be up for joining us on the MRH Podcast and chat with us to your experiences with RailPro and Deadrail? Feel Free to email me back, chrispy_joe@yahoo.com
      -Chris

  • @benzacct1
    @benzacct1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    6 years ago! What about currently since technology is in fast drive?

  • @baldypalmsrailroad
    @baldypalmsrailroad 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice demo. Li-On battery is preferred. Thanks for sharing.

  • @thetwogardens6048
    @thetwogardens6048 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would get into model railroads with this kind of technology . More people in general would be interested too , me Thinks !

  • @csx-nsmodelrailman4098
    @csx-nsmodelrailman4098 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That is cool as hell ! Yes definitely the future of MRR. Or maybe a marriage of ?

  • @jacko9759
    @jacko9759 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Kpack, it's been a month now have you had time to see just how long the battery last yet, most of the guys think it's great idea but worry about not being able to run all day on the layout as we run from 11am to 5pm, it would be nice to be able to run most of it, if not all day but most of it. Jack

  • @ChristinaLarsen-dk1pe
    @ChristinaLarsen-dk1pe 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hey I was wondering if you know what battery c-rating should I get for n scale locomotives that would give my locomotives the same pulling power as my transformer would in full throttle

  • @jacko9759
    @jacko9759 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    That's very interesting, looks like something that would be great for use on a large or small layout, could you charge it through the track by parking it on a live track like it was in a refueling yard? just one more step to working like the real thing....

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hi Jack, as I have it right now you will not be able to charge from the track. In order for that to happen I would need to install another board that manages the battery charging and discharge. I believe Stanton makes one called the BPS. I didn't include it because of the size, and also because I wanted to make a locomotive completely independent of any track power whatsoever. In reality, it would be better to install a BPS in line with the battery so that the battery always remained charged. Perhaps I will do that on the next locomotive?

    • @jacko9759
      @jacko9759 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That's great and thanks for the information, I'm still for Railpro to make thier system for N scale & I like this idea for my trips to San Diego at the Balboa Museum we run on once a month this would be a great way to show off railpro system

    • @mstanco3153
      @mstanco3153 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      i think RailPro and battery power are the future i am either going rail pro or nce leaning twards rail pro

    • @manderschannel2275
      @manderschannel2275 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jack O. I was really thinking about that yesterday and how awesome of an idea it would be to have a few areas on the layout to charge the power in the locomotives at just your diesel fuel area, roundhouse tracks, staging yard lines and for emergency, helper parking, yet still be able to run on a powered track if low on battery, who wouldn’t want that? Just charging from the wheels to 1 track area to get power.

  • @DennisMurphey
    @DennisMurphey 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can tell me what the power convertor is setting the dc power to for the Railpro board. My interest is operating the Railpro on a layout with Vintage AC power only. I have used rectifiers and Volt Regulators to use adapt DC Controllers and sounds, and fan driven smoke and LEDs to my 1950s engines. I want to try the RailPro products in my engines. But i can not afford to convert train power to DC I have 20 or more engines i can not afford to convert.

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I used the Pololu 12V Step-Up Voltage Regulator U3V12F12. I picked it from Litchfield Station. Get some extras...I burned one of them up because I was an idiot and connected it wrong.

    • @DennisMurphey
      @DennisMurphey 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@freewake84 Found it $8 up to $15 but i am unclear how you used it. Would I set that in the engine and take track power thru it and output to the Track Module 3S? This would be awesome if i can create an acceptable power supply from the track power and operate the TM3S via Radio signals. Thank You for your reply Dennis

  • @RonStanek
    @RonStanek 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If you do have a "live" rail, could the batteries be recharged through those as you operate the train on the layout. Either dc or dcc track?

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You could, but you would need to have a circuit board/module that would control that. There was an outfit that made something like that....I think it was Tam Valley Depot. Not sure if they still do. I didn't look into it because it was another thing to fit and it just wasn't necessary. At that point you might as well run a keep-alive because it's essentially the same thing. Just doesn't last when power is cut.

  • @roberthelm5533
    @roberthelm5533 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why do you need a voltage converter?

  • @caseyjones2818
    @caseyjones2818 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    LOVE IT!!!

  • @christtking894
    @christtking894 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Should have the rails powered to be able to recharge the battery

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I didn't do that because I wanted to try full dead-rail. Having power to the rails to recharge the battery is essentially like using a keep-alive. A battery in that sense is just an enormous keep-alive capacitor that really won't do anything different than using a typical keep-alive. Not to mention that I would need to install another piece of hardware to charge the battery.
      I built this locomotive as proof-of-concept that a fully dead-rail locomotive can be done using Railpro.

    • @lanesteele240
      @lanesteele240 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      KPack
      The best way to do it would be to park your train over a wireless charger like cell phones use.

  • @lanesteele240
    @lanesteele240 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have any of the model makers moved to this technology over dcc yet. I think rc battery powered engines would help many new people enter the hobby because of the ease of switching and not having to do complex wiring with frogs

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      In HO scale, no. Large scale yes. I don't see this becoming a big thing in HO scale anytime soon. I do love the concept, and this locomotive still works flawlessly, but it's just so much easier to install a keep-alive and be done. It accomplishes the same purpose without the headache of trying to fit a battery in there.

  • @3006USMC
    @3006USMC 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is awesome.... any updates?

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nothing new. The locomotive still works fine. I haven't done a second one because of the difficulty in finding space for the battery. Milling out the frame is not fun.
      I've more or less standardized on using keep-alive capacitors instead of full dead-rail. They are easier to install and work fine.

  • @ronnied9330
    @ronnied9330 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is Rail Pro only for HO or is for N scale as Well and Can you Consist Engines Together.. To me Kevin this way Neater than D.C.C. plus it's way less likely that you'll ever have to worry about shorts on your Engine or your cars.. from a Hot switch..

  • @caseyjones2818
    @caseyjones2818 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sure would like to talk to you more about this

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      You should be able to message me directly through TH-cam somehow. Get in contact that way and we can talk via email.

    • @caseyjones2818
      @caseyjones2818 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      KPack , you can email through my work. csukanen@hotmail.com

  • @WarDaddy66
    @WarDaddy66 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The real 1778 is in Barstow CA as a switching power

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sounds like it got moved then. It was working central Washington for a good while with its sister unit 1999. Did that unit make it down there also?

    • @WarDaddy66
      @WarDaddy66 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      KPack not sure if it's sister made it but I was on the 1778 last night

    • @WarDaddy66
      @WarDaddy66 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      My bad it was the 1748

  • @Steamer96
    @Steamer96 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yeah I got the warning of a risked fire too. Has any of your engines caught fire yet?

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nope. I totally get that LiPo can be dangerous and that precautions need to be taken. And Ring Engineering needs to cover itself from any liability. I have no problem with that.
      The locomotive is still doing great. To be honest though I don't use it as much as my other locomotives because I'm never really sure where the charge level is at. I charge it so infrequently that I'm sure the battery drains down pretty far before I get to it again.

  • @08trader
    @08trader 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello, I would love to see dead rail become the new standard in HO models. But do these batteries age and lose charge over time, how long before one has to buy a new battery?

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      All batteries will degrade over time and require replacement. I believe it mostly has to do with the number of charge-discharge cycles it goes through. I'm not sure how long these particular batteries will last, but so far so good. I don't run all the time so the battery doesn't go through many cycles.

    • @mpetersen6
      @mpetersen6 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Has there been any standardization of Dead Rail systems. I'm also surprised that this is not available commercially.

  • @richfiles
    @richfiles 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    All this was missing was little scale people freaking out about the runaway locomotive that had hopped off it's rails and was barreling toward them... Hehe

    • @thomream1888
      @thomream1888 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Danggitt! You did that without the legally required "spew alert"... Now I gotta spend the next 30 minutes cleaning soda off my monitor. I'm sending you the bill! Next you're going to tell us all those drunks were right, the train really did come out of nowhere... lol!!!
      Ghost of SP

  • @wheelslip
    @wheelslip 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    KPack have you thought about building locos for customers? I would be first in line.

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for the compliment, but there is no way I'm interested in any commission work. I prefer to keep my hobbies as hobbies and not work!

  • @tschagalaga
    @tschagalaga 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    how many minutes last this battery? and how much mAh it have?

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've never tested it to see how long it will last during one session. I've never had it die on me. That battery I'm using is 700 mAh

  • @PresleyTV
    @PresleyTV 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great information, thank you for taking the time to share. I sure hope this catches on. I would be happy to pay a premium for a locomotive that came with battery power and a built-in charger. This has got to be the future -- I hope. Taking track wiring out of the equation is paramount. What kind of run time are you getting on one charge? Have you consisted two or more? Thanks again!

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Run time has been satisfactory. On a full charge it will run around 4 hours or so, depending on how much it is pulling, etc. I haven't done a second battery-powered loco, but I have consisted this one with all my other Railpro locomotives and it works great. I love how it never stalls!

    • @caseyjones2818
      @caseyjones2818 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      KPack , I am so impressed. Finally we are moving the hobby to a more prototypical operation of our trains. Eliminating the mass amount of wiring should help to open up this hobby to many more people

  • @amtrakpilots8947
    @amtrakpilots8947 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does this mean I can use a DCC model on DC rail due to this running on battery

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Any locomotive that is fully dead-rail should be able to run on any track, regardless of what power source is fed to the track. Full dead-rail implies that there are no wires coming from the wheels to any electronics in the locomotive. If you have a hybrid dead-rail (charging the battery from the rails) then your hardware needs to be compatible with different sources of power (DCC vs DC)

  • @russellloomis4376
    @russellloomis4376 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What was your over all cost in switching over remote? I have older none DCC trains. Is it possible to do this to them? Also great video.

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Russell. There are two different ways you can go to switch over. The first way is to purchase the full controller, which retails for about $225, and some modules which retail for around $75 with sound. A less expensive way to get into Railpro would be to buy a CI-1 (computer interface) for $40, which turns a computer into a fully-functional Railpro throttle. It's a nice way to get involved in Railpro without a large expense right off the bat. I still recommend getting at least one normal controller though.
      You can certainly convert DC locomotives to Railpro. They will need a standard DCC 9-pin harness hardwired into them, which the Railpro plugs right into. There are numerous videos and instruction manuals out there that show how to hardwire in 9-pin plugs. I have hardwired nearly all of my locomotives and it is not terribly difficult once you have done it a few times. If you don't want to hardwire anything yourself there are a few stores that will do it for you.

    • @tschagalaga
      @tschagalaga 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@freewake84 i want do this With a H0 loco With battery and more interresting, see if its possible to get the modul in a N scale loco… tought to put it where the fueltank is, between the trucks and wire all directly on the modul... N scale will be without battery think i, to less space....

  • @legolt7215
    @legolt7215 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What escale

  • @apocalypserailroad9047
    @apocalypserailroad9047 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Need to setup your battery to charge from available track power! Much easier, and never have to touch the locomotive again.

    • @freewake84
      @freewake84  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, but the circuitry takes up much more space and is an added expense. To be honest, I've determined that a good keep-alive is more useful than battery. Zero maintenance and keep-alives fulfill essentially the same function as a battery. Railpro's new keep alive is the one I'm going to start using from now on.

    • @mpetersen6
      @mpetersen6 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@freewake84
      For this to take off it needs a manufacturer to jump in. Start by offering it in starter sets. The extra cost for the locomotive can be offset by eliminating the power supply. Attractive to parents as this no cords to trip over. Simply have an app for a smart phone to handle control functions via Bluetooth. And get rid of the name Deadrail. Simply call it wifi or wireless. For charging on these basic locomotives a plug and a phone charger.

    • @tschagalaga
      @tschagalaga 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mpetersen6 here is your phone controlled locomotive... bluerailtrains.com/ to be honest: every one have a smartphone today. that i have to use so much money for the railpro controllers is stopping me from buying it. if i want a session with friends, is need to have more controllers, and every single one of them cost me money. the bluerail solution is the better one if you already have (decoder) locomotives and want use your phone for controll.... and its a dead rail solution too.... only way to get me to railpro is a much cheaper controller or they adapt it somehow for smartphoneuse...

  • @charlesisbell4340
    @charlesisbell4340 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ehhh, awesome concept but pulling batteries from numerous locomotives after a run and charging them all then reinstalling each one seems cumbersome and I prefer to handle my trains by hand as little as possible, basically for maintenance or derail damage which is almost nonexistent with good track work.

  • @wheelslip
    @wheelslip 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Has everyone seen the new RailPro update with DCC added? Opens new doors for them. www.ringengineering.com/RailProVideosPage.htm

  • @jiaoneal
    @jiaoneal 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Kpack, im selling my ring engineering rail pro with two modules let me know if u know someone interested.. thanks neal j.