Adding a loco and driving

In the last step you add a loco and a train, place the train in the track plan and drive the first lap – first by hand, then on its own.

Adding and placing a loco and train

Here, too, the order is fixed: train classes before trains, locos before trains. You work in the “Vehicles” tab.

1. Train classUnder “Train classes”, create a train class, e.g. “Personenzug” (passenger train). A train refers to it. If you create it only afterwards, the train shows “— none —”.
2. LocoUnder “Locomotives”, click “+ Add locomotive” and choose “New Loco manually”: name, address, protocol, speed steps. If a LoDi-CV-Programmer is ready, the dialog also offers “DCC scan” and “mfx scan” – LoDi-Aura then reads the data from the decoder.
3. DimensionsUnder “Dimensions”, enter the “Length over buffers” and the two overhangs: “Front overhang” and “Rear overhang”.
4. TrainUnder “Trains”, create a train with “+ Add train” and attach at least one loco to it under “Consist”.
5. Place itIn the track plan, click “Gleis 1” (track 1) and choose the train in the block menu under “place from the depot”.
6. Check the noseIf the nose points the wrong way, press “🔃 Turn” in the block menu.

Everything about locos, cars and trains is described under Locos, cars and trains.

The first run

Now comes the part you shouldn't skip: by hand first.

1. Power onSwitch the layout online and the booster to “ON”. Keep your hand on the emergency stop.
2. Drive by handIn the train menu, choose the “✋ Manual” mode. Open the throttle and start the loco slowly. You set turnouts by clicking them in the track plan.
3. A full lapDrive a full lap by hand. This checks three things at once: do the feedback sensors respond in the right order? Is the direction of travel right? Does the loco run smoothly at low speed steps?
4. InterlockingOnly when that works: “🚦 Interlocking”. Drag the train onto a destination block – the route is set and locked, and you keep driving with the throttle. The throttle now shows “to destination” and “secured”.
5. AutomationAnd then “🔄 Auto”: drag a destination or press a glowing departure arrow – and let go. Now LoDi-Aura drives.

The three driving modes are explained in detail in Driving.

What's still missing

The stopping point is rarely exact the first time. That's normal: LoDi-Aura doesn't know your loco yet. Have it calibrated – after that it stops to the centimetre. Things only get really interesting with a second train: then block protection, trains passing in the station and the collision guard come into play.

Where to go next: Driving explains the three driving modes in detail, Stations, shunting and staging yards covers operation with several trains, and Automation your own sequences.