A Couple of DCC Questions

[Anonymous]

Christmas is almost here and I am considering taking the DCC plunge. (I will still have the DC so the kids can run their Athearns.) Anyway, I have a couple of questions.

1) How is the Atlas system when compared with other entry level brands like MRC, Bachmann, etc...? My layout is small, a 4 by 8 with an extension. Will the Atlas system give me enough power?

2) On my layout I have a bunch of Atlas Snap switches. Are these okay to use with DCC? Two of them are brass -- the price was right and I didn't know any better -- and I know they've got to go, but how about the rest of the snap switches?

3) I have two Peco curved turnouts. I think they are okay. Are they?

[bikerraypa]

I have an Atlas Master system, and it performs quite well. I used it on a 10'x10' HO layout and never had any problems. I'm upgrading to a system with wireless throttles now that I'm doing a bigger layout, but the Atlas has always been a good performer.

Incidentally, my AtlasMaster set is LNIB and I'm planning ebaying it. If you're interested, I'd rather see it go to someone on the forum. Let me know if you are interested. I have all the documentation and stuff as well.

Ray

[selector]

Your snap switches should all be okay. I have EZ-Track ones, and they work fine. I know that they are not considered to be reliable, but so far so good for the two that I have powered.

Also, that curved turnout, if you use it where it will serve you best, should be a fine one.

[MisterBeasley]

If you are thinking of running your Snap Switches through your DCC throttle, be aware that this isn't something that comes for free. Like locomotives, you will need to purchase decoders for the switches. These are called "static" decoders because they sit in one place, as opposed to the "mobile" decoders in your engines.

I run DCC, but I still use an old DC power pack to provide power to my turnouts, which I run the old fashioned way with SPDT switches on control panels. Unlike your DC locomotives, the turnouts are completely independent of the DCC system, and you can keep them that way if you'd like. On the other hand, if you want to add the decoders, you'll be free to "move about the country" with your throttle, throwing your turnouts from wherever you may be standing.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RevMattCNJ
1) ... My layout is small, a 4 by 8 with an extension. Will the Atlas system give me enough power?

The power is determined by the power supply, in this case the "Atlas Master Generator". You can add three additional power stations. That should be much more than any 4x8 would ever need.

I believe the advantage the Bachmann does have over the Atlas is the functions. You will notice the Atlas only has buttons for f0-f2. You have to do some double button pushing, or have a "HandCommand" to get functions f3-f4.

QUOTE:
2) On my layout I have a bunch of Atlas Snap switches. Are these okay to use with DCC?
3) I have two Peco curved turnouts. I think they are okay. Are they?

The turnout "incompatiblity" issue is given much more press than it deserves. In all my years of experience, including converting four major HO layouts to DCC, I have yet to personally encounter a single turnout that had a problem. These layouts included turnouts from almost every vendor even Tru-Scale. You shouldn't have any problems with your turnouts.

Are you planning on getting any locomotives with sound decoders?

[Anonymous]

Are you fitting your Peco switches with Peco switch motors?

If you are BEWARE!!!!! Normal Peco switch motors take so much power they fry decoders. Use the PL10W instead which is not so much a lard-butt when it comes to power needs

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help, guys.

It is very likely that once my layout is converted to DCC that I will be in the market for locomotives equipped with sound. Maybe BLI will put out an SW-7 in Jersey Central paint.

I am probably going to be using manual switch stands instead of switch motors. My layout is an industrial branch line with a coal mine so throwing those switches by hand is prototypical.

[Stevert]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RevMattCNJ

It is very likely that once my layout is converted to DCC that I will be in the market for locomotives equipped with sound. Maybe BLI will put out an SW-7 in Jersey Central paint.

If you even think you'll be getting sound-equipped locos, be sure to consider access to the higher functions (F9 and above), and how easy it is (or isn't!) to add a booster. Trying to run sound with an ill-equipped and/or under-powered DCC system is a sure receipe for enough frustration to drive you out of the hobby.

Steve

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RevMattCNJ
It is very likely that once my layout is converted to DCC that I will be in the market for locomotives equipped with sound.

I think the Atlas controller will be a little anemic when it comes to controlling the sound functions. Of the low end DCC sets I think the Prodigy is the best in this department.

QUOTE: I am probably going to be using manual switch stands instead of switch motors.

Probably a good plan. Our club is converting many of our powered turnouts to manual and it is way bigger than 4'x8'.

[NZRMac]

Which Atlas starter are we talking about? the basic commander is very basic, I have the Lenz equivalent. The Atlas hand controller has more functions ( 8 ) then all the MORE POWER Lenz stuff plugs straight in.

Ken

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RevMattCNJ

Thanks for the help, guys.

It is very likely that once my layout is converted to DCC that I will be in the market for locomotives equipped with sound. Maybe BLI will put out an SW-7 in Jersey Central paint.

I am probably going to be using manual switch stands instead of switch motors. My layout is an industrial branch line with a coal mine so throwing those switches by hand is prototypical.

RevMattCNJ[,


Take a look at these manual throws:

http://www.humpyard.com

It might make throwing turnout switches on your layout even more fun and prototypical.

Tom

[John Richards]

I have just recently moved to DCC, I`ve did a little research into the different types & models,
I felt Sound would be a waste of money as it could become very annoying after the newness
wore off, and I`d always preferred hand throw point operation. My Layout is 20 x 10 x 20 x 10
rectangle and the Humble Atlas Commander handles the workload with ease, I run heavy
Sn3.5 scale Loco`s & trains and still no problems.
What I`m getting at in a long winded way is , work out what your going to run in the future and
buy your unit with the future in mind, You will save a lot of money in the long run.
Best of luck in whatever you choose and enjoy the hobby.
Regards,

[tstage]

John,

With DCC, you can always mute the sound, if you want to.

Tom

[davekelly]

I just received my Prodigy Express (I started a thread somewhere here where I outlined my thought process used to make this decision). I've put a decoder into a Proto S1 and it works great (thanks again Randy). I have two Proto Geeps to get decoders in. When I complete that I will post my results re: power adequacy of the PE, consiting etc. One of the attractions of the Prodigy Express (and Advance) is the number of functions it supports. Saw a good deal on a BLI Mike (CNJ!!!!) won it and will report how the PE does with this guy also.

Matt. I do highly suggest that you spend some time reading the various threads on this forum that discuss the pros and cons of the various systems. I would also suggest that you read the wealth of info contained on the websites of Tony's Train Exchange, LIchfield Station (sp?) and others. Make up a list of what you need, what you may need in the future, what you don't need but think would be cool to have and what you don't need. This should help narrow the field a bit. Then compare the various systems to see which matches your list best. Yeah, it does take time and effort, but I felt very comfortable when I did order my PE knowing that it was an informed decision on my part - based on my evaluation and not on what someone else said would work for me (but based on lots and lots of very useful information, opinions, experiences and thoughts of bunches of people).

I do firmly believe that all the systems out there are good. Some can do more, some can do less. The key is to find which works for you by meeting your needs and wants while staying within a budget.

[tstage]

Dave,

Good advice and well put. I'll be interested in how you like your BLI Mike. I've had my eye on one - with sound, of course. Someday...

Tom

[davekelly]

Tom,

I can't wait to get the steamer!!!! $140.00 including shipping. I couldn't resist!!!!! Of course that's how I got into this whole DCC thing!! I'm running out of the justification "it's an early Christmas present." I think I owe until about 2025 or so.

[tstage]

Dave,

$140!?! .Wow!...That's a GREAT price! Trainworld has them for $169 but...none in NYC. [:(] I guess I'll just have to live vicariously through you. Keep me posted...

Tom

[davekelly]

Tom,

This is the guy I bought it from:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BROADWAY-LIMITED-242-WABASH-2730-USRA-2-8-2-HEAVY_W0QQitemZ6012449600QQcategoryZ484QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I've never ordered from him before, but he appears to have pretty good feedback so I felt comfortable with it. He had several Heavy Mikes listed and originally I was going to get whatever I could, but I got the CNJ unit for like 5.00 more. I figure changing out the roadname on a steamer isn't that big a deal, but it worked out anyways.

There is a guy currently that has a bunch of BLI steamers for "best offer."

Here's two other listings I found. Don't know these sellers as I have not dealt with them in the past.



Heavy Mikado
http://cgi.ebay.com/203-Broadway-Ltd-USRA-Heavy-2-8-2-CB-Q-O-4-5500_W0QQitemZ6011099035QQcategoryZ484QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Light Mikado
http://cgi.ebay.com/Broadway-Limited-MP-2-8-2-DCC-w-Sound-Item-No-123_W0QQitemZ6010767492QQcategoryZ484QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Broadway-Limited-HO-USRA-Light-2-8-2-Frisco-DCC-SND_W0QQitemZ6011634630QQcategoryZ484QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[BRVRR]

I got my BLI NYC Mike for about $160.00 last year for Christmas. Got lucky I guess. It has had the wheels run off of it over the last year and not one problem! Good stuff.

[Anonymous]

Ok, guys I have a couple questions pertaining to DCC. I'm planning on having one main loop with a switch yard in the middle of the table and a few sidings. I want to be able to have a train running on the main loop but be able to have my switchers running in the yard at the same time. Would I have to use DCC? I'm new to railroading and I'm trying to figure out the best things to do before I get to far ahead.

[rrinker]

No, you would not need DCC to do that. You could accompli***his with simple 2-cab control using Atlas electrical components. The main line would be switched to one power pack, and the yard are tot he other, and both locos could be operated independently.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Ok thanks.