I just took down my old dc layout as I purchased a dcc layout from a gentleman. It's approx. 12' x 8' with the two seperate set of tracks. The lower level loops around the entire board and also has some side tracks for industries. The upper level is basically running through some small mountains. Right now it is set up for DCC using the Bachman EZ command system for the lower level and 5 trains. The upper level was wired just with DC and a small tyco controller. I'm planning on redoing part of the upper level and add some more side tracks to it but also going to try and adding a line from one level to the other. Hopefully I can run a train on one level and also on the other at the same time. Then move the trains between levels. would I need two dcc controllers (I'm guessing yes from what I've read to control the speed and such of each train seperate) Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm very new to this.
You should be getting some good advice on this from other, more knowledgable forum members. however...
With DCC you don't necessarily need multiple controllers (throttles) unless you want more than one person to be operating the layout. You might need a booster to not only provide power to the other part of the layout but also to help isolate sections (called power districts).
A lot of people like Tony's Train Exchange <LINK> for information and pricing (the link is to their DCC primer). I might also suggest Allan Gartners extensive set of web pages on DCC <LINK>.
Doc
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
You do not NEED more than one DCC command station, but you may WANT to add more throttles and some power districts. Be careful how steep you make the inclines between levels. I have a couple as high as 4% on my layout. It was a mistake. I recommend no steeper than 2%. If you have to go steeper, add a vertical transition.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Thanks for the replies -
Any suggestions on a good but decent priced booster (don't want to spend alot)- Also how do you determine if you need one other than throwing the trains on and seeing if they run, or is that the easiest.planning on running approx. 3 trains at once - 2 lower and 1 upper. maybe i don't even need one. Also, I want to have my nephews come over and run the trains with me. If I add the Walk around by Bachmann could two kids run a seperate train at the same time? I'd assume that I would never have 3 controlled seperatly with this system. All the nephews will just have to rotate running them. Thanks for any help.
spenn Thanks for the replies - Any suggestions on a good but decent priced booster (don't want to spend alot)- Also how do you determine if you need one other than throwing the trains on and seeing if they run, or is that the easiest.planning on running approx. 3 trains at once - 2 lower and 1 upper. maybe i don't even need one. Also, I want to have my nephews come over and run the trains with me. If I add the Walk around by Bachmann could two kids run a seperate train at the same time? I'd assume that I would never have 3 controlled seperatly with this system. All the nephews will just have to rotate running them. Thanks for any help.
Determining if you need a booster or not is pretty much the same for DC or DCC, it depends on the power draw of your trains. Of course, there's the locomotives, but don't forget to add for lighted cars. The output power (expressed in either Amps or Watts) of the Command Station should be higher than the power requirements of all your trains. If not, you need a booster.
If you plan to add accessories to the DCC system, you also need to add their draw.
spennplanning on running approx. 3 trains at once - 2 lower and 1 upper. maybe i don't even need one
Also, I want to have my nephews come over and run the trains with me. If I add the Walk around by Bachmann could two kids run a seperate train at the same time?