Investigating DCC

[Anonymous]

Hi:

First time post here. Though I've been associated with model railroading for some 35 years or so, I've recently been investigating returning to HO and going with DCC.

My current layout space is small (about 9.6' x 12' around-the-room visible shelves).

After taking a break from scale modeling and loosely enjoying 3-rail O for a while, I have discovered that HO is now coming with sound installed, DCC compatible, and so forth, right out of the box. Interesting.

Should I return to HO, the existing benchwork will be used for an urban switching layout that would include continuous through tracks on which to enjoy some simple train watching when so inclined, as well as afford the chance for trains to interact in switching moves/etc. I would like to go with DCC, should this concept become my layout direction.

My current inclination is Digitrax, but what "size" DCC system would such a layout as above truly need?

My main question at this point would be: Where is a great place to learn about DCC?

Any direction you can point me toward will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Andre Ming

[tstage]

Andre,

Welcome aboard! [:)]

Tony's Train Exchamge (http://www.tonystrains.com) has a link on their web page called "DCC For Beginners". It's in .pdf format so you can download it and print it out from your computer. Tony deals primarily with DCC so his web site is cchock fulll of information. He does DCC decoder installations, as well as sells decoders, locomotives, and DCC systems and accessories. www.wiringfordcc.com is another terrific site that has tons of helpful information on it.

The Digitrax Zephyr is a starter set that would work great for your size layout. It's expandible if your layout gets bigger over time. You might also want to consider CVP Products EasyDCC system (http://www.cvpusa.com) It's supposed to be very simple to set up and use, extremely reliable, and is also expandible.

I currectly use the Bachmann EZ Command System for my 4 x 8' layout. It's fairly limite. But for $53, it was a good way for me to get my DCC "feet wet".

Andre, don't feel like you have to spend the money on locomotives that are already DCC-equipped. Some decoder installations are as easy as removing the locomotive shell, plugging the decoder into the board or socket, snapping the shell back on, programming the decoder, and - as Jackie Gleason used to say - "And away we go." Others are a little more time consumming and may require you to isolate the motor from the frame. If you are interested in sound, the locomotives should already be fully equipped.

Andre, it's good to have you with us. Keep those questions coming...[:)]

Tom

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the quick input Tom.

I haven't had the time to thoroughly look at the various websites you've posted, but will do so.

Would you know offhand if the Digitrax Zephyr would accomodate the new Digitrax UT4 Radio handheld unit? Over the decades I've become spoiled to walk-around.

Understand on the DCC plug & play compatibility. Should I do this, all of my leftover HO models will have to be converted eventually. Some of the unpainted leftovers are OEM "DCC ready" (P2K for instance).

My main "want" right now would be a few of the newer engines w/sound installed. I really liked the Broadway Ltd NW2 I heard at a hobby shop the other day. I think one of Broadway Ltd's SW's detailed/painted as a Kansas City Terminal engine would be the bomb. :)

Andre

[tstage]

Andre,

Yeah, the BLI's sure are nice and are impressive. I've heard that the sound on the new SW/NW's is quieter than some like. Someday I would really like to get one of their 2-8-2 Mikes.

I don't know about whether the Zephyr will take the UT4 controller. That's something that may be on either Tony's or Digttrax's web site. You can always fire off questions to them directly either by phone or e-mail. The Zephyr starter set from Tony's will run you about $160. That will include the following:

- DCS50 Command Station/Booster/Throttle combination
- PS315 Power Supply
- LT1 LocoNet Tester
- Easy to Read Manuals

The direct link for that info: http://www.tonystrains.com/products/digitrax_stsets.htm

Adding a wireless throttle may mean only purchasing some kind of add on.

The one nice thing about the Zephyr that I failed to mention is that it has, not one but, two (2) DC connection so that you can plug in your DC power packs and use them as tethered throttles. You can use those to run your "non-DCC" locomotive till you get them converted over to DCC.

By the way, which P2K locos do you have?

Tom

[ereimer]

the Zephyr will work with the UT4 throttle , in fact Loy's sells an expanded starter set that includes the Zephyr , UT4 , panel with 2 throttle jacks and a cable to connect the Zephyr to the panel . nice price too , and NO i don't work there !

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom:

Thanks for more input. Much appreciated.

The P2K's I have are all undecorated and in various stages of modification that I was performing on them when the lights went out on my enthusiasm some few years ago.

They are:

12 GP7's
FA1/FB1

Unfortunately, in addition to the above undecs, the following are also in suspended animation:

4-5(?) Stewart/Kato F's
Stewart VO1000

If I return to HO w/DCC, I will be in no hurry to fini***he above, instead I will pick 'n choose select prepainted models (the paint work on the recent models I've seen is superb) that will be congruent with the fledgling theme I'm mulling over. After some weathering w/chalk and some washes, I'm in business to have some appropriate locos for use as the layout develops.

My main issue is time. (Hence considering prepainted locos.) I don't have the time I used to have to spend on model railroading and will "cheat" (with prepaints) as much as possible in order to have a layout. Was going to do that with 3-rail O, but I find I am missing the scale fidelity and size of HO. (4 times the layout in the same space with HO compared to O.)

Sounds like you're having fun with your layout.

Andre

[Anonymous]

ereimer:

Looks like you replied while I was typing the above! Thanks for the input.

From reading the various Digitrx options available at Loys Toys... me thinks I need to learn more before I can understand all those options!

Thanks again.

Andre

[rrinker]

Every one of those locos you listed will take DCC without problems. Even if some of those P2K's are older ones without the 8-pin sicket, the wiring is fairly clean inside and it's easy to attach wired-in decoders. If any of the GP-7's are like mine, with the 8-pin socket, the EASIEST way to DCC them is the Digitrax DH160L0 decoder, it plugs right in AND includes the current limiting resistors so no light bulbs need to be changed. It takes longer to remove the shell than to install one of these decoders.
For your size layout, the Digitrax Zephyr would be GREAT. Yes, it can use UT4 and UT4R throttles. It can also use the full-featured DT400a nd DT400R throttles. Actually, it can use ANY Digitrax accessory (and then some - there are several companies that make additional hardware that is compatible with the Loconet bus). Should you ever need more power, you can easily add additional boosters. That's where I am now - started with a Zephyr, but I'm going to need more power, and I also want a DT400 throttle - cheapeast way to add more power AND get the throttle is to buy the Super Empire Builder set, it costs less than the individual prices of the components. The Zephyr will still be my command station, the 'brains' behind everything.

--Randy