Airwire vs RailBoss?

T

tbruch

I'm New, Please Be Gentle
First off, I am new to G Scale and getting ready to start construction of my first outdoor layout. I have decided that I love the idea of battery power. After much research on various websites and forums, it seems that Airwire and Railboss are the two most popular for G Scale, and to me the most straightforward as I have no previous experience with DCC. I really am after the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) railroad set up!

My plans eventually will be to be able to have a couple of locos (individual trains not consists) running at the same time, but initially one. I currently own a USAT NW-2 and an older Aristo FA1 but will be expanding to additional, larger diesels. Having said that, what are the pros and cons of each, Airwire vs Railboss?

Thanks for any and all input, advice and suggestions!
Tom
 
Hello and welcome.

Firstly I don't think RailBoss has anything to do with DCC.

Secondly although RailBoss would be legal here in the UK because it works at 2.4GHz, as far as I know it isn't sold directly here and I don't know anyone who uses it.

Thirdly AirWire can't be used in the UK because it doesn't work on a frequency that is legal here (although I know there is some debate going on as to if that is actually still true). I believe one of our Aussie members uses it and may be able to help.

I think you may have to rely on the US forums to get the information you need on this subject.

Sorry I can't help more.
 
Tom I take it from the flag on your header, that you live in the U.S.? If so AirWire is legal and much used. The support for the product is superb. If you use the AirWire drop in modules, it is simple. I use one whenever I am Stateside. Just wish they were legal over here.
I have no experience with RailBoss.
 
I have no experience with Airwire products. I have been using Railboss since 2010, when I converted to battery power. I have some of his Critter Controls mounted in powered units like trolleys and rail buses. I also have his Railboss Plus Hobby units mounted in trailing battery cars. I have had great success with all of the products I purchased from G Scale Graphics. His technical support is first class and he will often answer a question within hours of your inquiry.
 
Of course I recommend the RailBoss 4 system. ;D since I am G-Scale Graphics.

If anyone has any specific questions about our products I would be glad to answer. We have RailBoss systems running in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries. RailBoss 4 is about two years old now, and by far the best system we have ever produced. It will be our flagship product for years to come (hopefully). It is selling well, and we have had lots of positive feedback.
 
Without doubt Railboss is the simpler and cheaper system. On the other hand, Airwire will give you almost all DCC features, a knob for speed control and arguably more realistic sounds (dependent on the DCC decoder and sound project used). To hear what I mean compare these two:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHUHKZYZKn8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJjNry70mZM

I have this Davenport with Airwire and it really does sound that good. At this point I would say stay clear of the Airwire Convrtr with internal antenna. I'm having problems with it, but could be my install.

Railboss can only control one loco at a time. To switch locos you need to turn them on and off. Airwire lets you select several from the Tx.

If you want KISS try Railboss, if you want more sound realism try Airwire.

Installation is not plug and play for any battery power system. You need to install and wire switch, battery, charging socket, etc. Some soldering is required. You may have to drill holes in your loco's body.
 
Just to add another option to the mix, as an alternative to the Airwire system (as far as "dead-rail DCC" is concerned) you also have the Tam Valley DRS products - now legal on both sides of the Pond - as discussed at some length in this thread here:

https://www.gscalecentral.net/digital-%28dcc%29/anything-else-that-will-do-what-the-drc300-promised/

The Tam DRS works with any standard DCC decoders (including full function control over sound decoders) but it does still require EITHER a DCC central station OR a handheld like the Stanton S-Cab mentioned in the thread. Might be worth a few minutes reading through that thread, as it contains a wealth of info following extensive trials by Cliff and others......?

Jon.
 
Del Tapparo said:
Of course I recommend the RailBoss 4 system. ;D since I am G-Scale Graphics.

If anyone has any specific questions about our products I would be glad to answer. We have RailBoss systems running in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries. RailBoss 4 is about two years old now, and by far the best system we have ever produced. It will be our flagship product for years to come (hopefully). It is selling well, and we have had lots of positive feedback.
Click to expand...

Thank to everyone for their advice and input! I appreciate all the replies, regardless of the 'side of the pond'!

Thanks for the info Del. I am leaning toward Railboss as it does seem simpler. I was on your site and checking out the myloco sound info. However, comparing that card and the Phoenix card, seems the Phoenix has better sounds for US Diesels. Will the railboss system handle a Phoenix card and am I correct in that assessment?

Then to be clear, to control two different locos at the same time would require a transmitter for both, correct?
 
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