Do I want DCC??

[Anonymous]

I am planning a small, around the walls HO layout as you may have read in my first post to this forum. Total length will be about 40' with a width of 18" to 24". My main interest in model RR is creating interesting and realistic scenery. Train operatioins are a distant second, but should I plan for DCC? My interests may change once I get trains running? What's involved and how much cost will it add?
Thanks for any advice

[Anonymous]

To answer the question on your post - YES. From there I would spend a considerable amount of time doing some research on the topic of DCC and how it will best work for you. There are many choices and not one size fits all. Maybe you should invest in a decent DC throttle and go from there. You may find that straight DC is sufficient for your layout. DCC is more for complex operation and running of mulitple trains. If scenery is your thing as you stated, DC would be best for now.

As for the cost of DCC. I've spent $260 on a Digitrax Super Empire Builder, and approximately $25 per decoder (I currently have 15 engines wired for DCC). From there, there is the cost for a power supply, another $40, and the various rolls of wire for wiring the whole thing. There are less expensive system and more expensive systems (as you add options to them, eg, wireless, multiple cabs, etc.). I would guess my system tends to be in the middle price range.

[Anonymous]

I recommend DCC for small layouts. Switching between blocks isn't as much a chore on a large layout, but on small layout you may feel you are always switching cabs. Rather than planning blocks for cab control and the extra wiring and switches needed, you can wire the small layout as one block w/DCC and still run locos independently. Even if you are concentrating on scenery, you may wi***o run more than one loco at a time, and DCC makes that easy, especially on single-track lines.

Cost is the usual reason people stay away from DCC. I've met modellers with over 100 locos, and the cost of fitting them all with decoders is prohibitive. If you're just getting started, though, you can budget for decoders. I recommend Litchfield Station, http://www.litchfieldstation.com/, as Bruce is extremely helpful for deocder recommendations and DCC advice. It's possible to get decoders for $12-15 dollars.

Now's the time to buy DCC on a budget. I bought a MRC Command 2000 for $50 from a modeller who was upgrading his system. While not the best system, it is a cheap way to get into DCC, and works fine for a small layout. I sold it for $50 when I upgraded. The Atlas Commander, the MRC Prodigy, the Roco Lokmaus are all available used (and sometimes new!) at discount prices. If you wi***o buy new, many here recommend the Digitrax Zephyr for small layouts. MRC is bringing out a new Prodigy and Bachmann is releasing a simple DCC system, so you've got options.

Finally, if you know anyone with DCC, ask if you can see it. You may decide you don't need it, but I was hooked.

Gary

[jhugart]

As near as I can tell, DCC is suitable for all layout sizes and scales. That is, you will find its features equally valuable in different situations.

However, whether or not you will find those features personally useful is another question. Consider: Would you want to run multiple trains at once? Would you want to do multiple-consists of engines? Would you want to leave different engines idle on the layout while operating only one of them?

To me, that's the central appeal to DCC: you control one engine, wherever it goes. I know how to do all the standard wiring tricks for a regular DC layout, and not having to worry about manipulating that during operation is a benefit to me.

You get into other cool features -- I'm really eager to hear a DCC-controlled engine's sound system. Being able to take an engine that doesn't start on DC until you give it half-throttle can be adjusted in DCC so it starts like you want.

My next layout will use DCC from the beginning.

[michealfarley]

My layout sounds very much like what you plan, and I switched to DCC around 6 weeks ago. So far I am very satisfied with my switch. I made a decent-sized initial investment to purchase the system and decoders for 10 locomotives. It's a good base that I can live with for a while. If you save up a little cash, and make one large order from one of the many suppliers, you can get quantity discounts on decoders. Mine came out to less than $15 each.

Anyway, it's easy to "plan" for DCC. I would however, advise against using power-routing turnouts, as DCC systems DO NOT like shorts. They can burn up decoders or entire systems. Otherwise, I was pretty much able to unhook the DC power pack, hook up the DCC system, and off I went.

[orsonroy]

With the relative cost of DCC systems and decoder friendly (or equipped) engines going down, I'd say yes. DCC is great for any layout, since it eliminates the need for convoluted block wiring. It allows you infinitely more flexibility on how you run the layout.

Since you mostly want to run trains and build scenery, you can get away with a very simple system. An Atlas Master or Digitrax Zephyr will only cost around $150 or so, a spare walkaround throttle for either can cost as little as another $90, and basic decoders are going for $17 apiece. You can get started for as little as $300, and be able to run three trains at once.

[bcammack]

I have a 2'x4' N scale layout. I want DCC. [:)]

[Pennsy58]

I went to DCC about a year ago when I came back to the hobby after many years. I am a one man operation and dcc serves me well. No blocks, odd wiring etc. It does take a bit of patience to figure out how to convert some engines. But it was fun. I went with the much be-rated prodigy system. It has also suited me well for my requirements. Play with my trains, do not have to take engines off the track to run others, simplified wiring. Forward/reverse lighting. DCC is a very nice modernization of the hobby. Do it !!!