Trains.com

Recommendation on small DCC-ready G-scale or O-scale loco

1935 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    October 2015
  • 188 posts
Recommendation on small DCC-ready G-scale or O-scale loco
Posted by passenger1955 on Monday, November 9, 2015 12:31 PM

I'm looking for a recommendation on a DCC-ready G-scale or O-scale starter loco. I'm looking for a low-amperage loco (something will a stall current in the 2 amp range). I saw Bachmann Davenports used to be available, but don't really see those anymore (or a trolley would be nice). 

This would just be something to get my feet wet and experiment with hooking up my own DeadRail solution. I'm looking for something low amperage that is DCC-Ready in either scale for a test project I am working on.

Thank you.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: State College, Pennsylvania
  • 462 posts
Posted by PJM20 on Saturday, November 14, 2015 2:14 PM

There isn't really any DCC ready locomotives in G Scale since there are not that many people who run standard DCC. If you are just looking for a good engine to go dead rail with that is cheap and reliable, Bachmann's new Lil' Big Haulers: http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=255_639_641 would be a good start. You really don't need an engine to be DCC ready to go dead rail with it.

Modeling the Bellefonte Central Railroad

Fan of the PRR

Garden Railway Enthusiast

Check out my Youtube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/PennsyModeler 

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
  • 3,092 posts
Posted by ttrigg on Sunday, November 15, 2015 2:43 AM

As PJM20 said, there are no ready to run DCC unit from the manufacturers. There are a few shops out there that sell new units they have equipped with DCC. A great number of the units on the market are ready to receive DCC. My experience is that they are from the upper end of each manufacturer. For a small engine to start with I would suggest any of the readily available starter sets. an engine, two or three cars, a low amp power supply and a small oval of track run in the $250~$400 range.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: North Coastal San Diego
  • 947 posts
Posted by Greg Elmassian on Sunday, November 15, 2015 5:00 PM
The easiest way is to buy an Aristo loco, and then plug in a decoder, it has a socket. Digitrax, QSI, Aristo Revolution all plug in. ESU, Massoth and Zimo make a decoder and supply cables that make it pretty easy. greg

Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.

 Click here for Greg's web site

 

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy