DCC in N scale, help please!

[Anonymous]

I am still in the process of developing my layout in N scale. One of my major questions is whether or not to incorporate DCC. I'm completely inexperienced in DCC, and can not afford to spend more than $500 max. I have about 20 locos mostly lifelike, kato, and atlas. The layout will be a 6'x20' dogbone. My main concern is $$$ and the risks associated with tinkering with tiny locos. I can't really afford to replace one if it gets damaged by working on it. Doing the whole thing in DC is not a problem for me, I just wanted to know what's better in the long run. And yes I know there was just a post on this, but i am specifically concerned with N scale. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Also, is it true that with DCC I can use non DCC equipment and have only one or two connections for the whole layout?

[Anonymous]

Martin, given your budget I would stay with DC and jump to DCC when it increases a bit more. I just got a Digitrax Zephyr for my N-scale equipment. The cheapest decoder will cost you $16 so right there is $320 IF you plan to hard wire them in. I know some of the Atlases are DCC ready so you can get a drop in decoder. Those will run $28 each. LifeLikes are not DCC ready so you'll go with the $16 job.

Now, this doesn't include the cost of the console unit. A Zephyr will run you $150-$175 depending on where you buy it. You can also opt for the Bachmann one for $75 or so but I don't recommend it since you have a fair number of locos.

Of course someone will chime in and say you don't need to get everything at once and start with a few converted locos. You can use ONE non-DCC loco on a DCC layout but the performance is lack luster. Before you say this sounds great in getting in slowly, I can tell you from experience that those locos that are sitting on the sideline will be talking to you really fast "Please convert me" "Please convert me". Nothing sucks more than having a big fleet yet only a few loco can be used.

Lastly, how good are you with a soldering iron and electronics? Hardwiring decoders can be easy or hard depending on your skills. It is pretty tricky in N-scale where things are small as they are already. Most of the locos will require milling of the frame - cutting away metal so the decoder can fit. The DCC ready ones can be done in minutes by replacing the light board with the decoder but you can definitely not do this for LifeLikes.

I just converted and think it's worth every penny but I don't have a large fleet, less than a handful. Don't let me discourage you by what I said. You need to evaluate the entire situation (which I think you are doing by asking here).

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot for your input. I was having doubts especially about the idea of soldering in such a small scale. I just wouldn't want to make a mistake there and have to drain my budget to buy a loco I destroyed. I am pretty confident that I can manage a successful layout in DC, and I also assume that when I get the money it will not be too much more difficult to upgrade. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Martin,

Build your layout for DC, setting up blocks. It is a simple matter to convert to DCC if your cab layout is wired correctly (simply connect two wires to the A - B busses, turn all your blocks on and away you go).

What I would recommend would be to buy the Bachmann system (@ $75), an inexpensive loco (@ $25, I suggest something big like a F8/9) and a decoder (Digitrax DZ123 @ $16). You can practice on the loco and only be out $40 if you screw up. You can replace your cab with the DCC by switching 2 wires. To go back to DC just unhook the Bachmann and reconnect the cab.

If you find you can't live without DCC you can buy a better DCC system and use the Bachmann for your test track. Hope this helps...

[:)]

[Anonymous]

I think the Bachmann system comes in an outfit where a DCC equipped loco is included so you are ready to run out of the box.

[n2mopac]

Another consideration is that many Life Like N scale models are not good prostpect for converting to DCC. Most of the professionals I know that do this job for people will not even touch most Life Likes or Bachmans. Their motors are often not electrically isolated and the frams have to be milled and they are just not build with this in mind. This is especially true for models that are a few years old. When I build my new layout and converted I had 6 LIfe Like n scale locomotives and I was only able to convert one because it was one of the higer quality Life Like's with an isolated motor. This is not to say that the others cannot be converted, but it is much more difficult and the risks of damaging the locomotive are greater.

Ron

[Anonymous]

Yep, been there, done that! :) I converted two LL GP-18s. Not a split frame model (older version). It took longer but in the end it did work. Obviously I would avoid these if you can.