One thing that might not be obvious when you first start out is that although it can seem intimidating at first, it's actually much easier to wire up a DCC layout than a DC layout. With even a small DC layout, if you want to be able to run two engines independently, you'll need several blocks, each with a toggle to go between two powerpacks. With DCC, you can run both engines independently on the same track. Also buying two good powerpacks, toggles, etc. isn't going to cost much more than a good DCC starter system from Digitrax, CVP, NCE, etc.
It seems that most layout books have plans that can get wired for either DCC or DC. I started on DC to save costs and get me into the hobby. After climbing the learning curve for DCC, I never looked back. DCC forced me to become more attuned to details and consistency. You definately have to ensure the wiring works with feeders, proper soldering, etc.
How you approach the hobby is yours to decide. There's nothing wrong with starting simple and then tearing down. On the 2nd layout (my current one), I apply lessons learned from the 1st one and enjoy a more realistic and larger layout. Instead of tearing down, you can start on the original layout and then expand it later. The choices on doing that are endless!
I'm a fan of books and I suggest John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operatio, which has nothing to do with DCC.
If youtube is any indication, wooden skewers have replaced Kadee uncoupling magnets. That statement is a little controversial, because some people don't like to poke sticks at intricately detailed rolling stock.
In the effort to be comprehensive, I think some of the DCC books are misleading. You and your son are not a club with a dozen people operating. You don't really need 4 or 5 boosters running separate power districts. You don't need snubbers.
Blocks are not important in DCC, unless you want to park unpowered locos somewhere. If you have a reversing loop, you do need to understand where to put insulated connectors.
Wiring is not that hard. You need a large gauge bus, stranded, because solid is not as flexible and 22 ga solid feeders. Religiously stick to a color code in your wiring, don't use scraps of whatever you might have on hand.
Signaling is hard and expensive. I haven't figured it out, myself.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Hey Sean!
Welcome to the forums!!
Here is a website that will help a lot, particularly when it comes to wiring turnouts for DCC operation:
http://wiringfordcc.com/
As the others have said, please feel free to ask your questions, the more specific the better. I have never built a layout myself (back problems) but I am heavily involved in building a new permanent layout at our club and the forums have been a huge source of excellent information. You will likely get different opinions in some cases about how to do any particular thing, but like most things, there is usually more than one way to do what you want.
It's great to see that you are doing this with your son. It will answer the question of what to get him for Christmas for several years!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
There are many good sources out there, such as this one:
4dpnr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DCC_Wiring.pdf
A few things to watch out for in DCC: power boosters, number of feeder wires, wiring return loops, and switches. As Mel says, specific questions would help the gurus around here help you.
Simon
I'm starting out with HO and looking to build a layout with my son. While I have a technical background, I have little experience with DCC and layout wiring. I've ordered various books to help me along. What I would appreciate is any guidance on a layout (maximum size of 6x12) that will expose me to wiring for signals, turnouts, blocks, etc.. While there are some good layouts in the track database, none seem to have wiring instructions which would be helpful for me to learn with. Maybe I need a simple layout to learn with and ultimate tear down and replace once I have the confidence for a more complex layout.
For my son, I want to make sure I'm not simply building loops rather create something with decouplers/yards so he can operate the engines to move cars around for greater imagination in addition to some larger loops.
I doubt there is an easy answer to what I'm seeking but hoping those who climbed this learning curve have a good idea on starting out.
Thanks
Sean