I had a pretty neat HO DC 4X8 railroad 35 years ago when I got married and started a career. I am now retired and am getting back into the hobby. It seems since I've been gone, the big thing is DCC and I would like to get into this. My situation is this:
1.Because of space requirements, I have to stick with 4 X 8 HO.
2.I plan to run maybe 3 engines.
3. I think I would like to use the DCC to run the engines w/sound and lights, switches, etc.
4. I'm looking at diesels. Steam doesn't interest me. My old layout was "The HO Railroad That Grows" by Lynn Westcott. I'm thinking of sticking with that layout.
5. I am overwhelmed with information on DCC. I understand how it works.
What I am looking for is some advice on which brand/model of DCC to go with. Also, by a DCC kit or separate components. What do you folks think would work best considering the items above? Thanks!
Markteach
I am going to go against the grain here and suggest that you stick with DC and forget about DCC.
I have a 42' x 22' layout that is DCC powered, so I would be among the first to argue in favor of DCC. However, because of your space requirements, just a few engines, and the fact that everything runs so well already with your older equipment, the notion of converting to DCC seems like overkill.
If I were you, I would gradually ease back into the hobby with what you are familiar. You can always convert to DCC later. Even if you buy new equipment along the way, you can purchase DCC-ready engines and turnouts (switches) which can easily be converted later from DC to DCC.
Just some thoughts.
Rich
Alton Junction
I would lock one of the current threads. You're best having one open with the same subject.
As TA462 noted the Zephyr is a great starter DCC system. They recently released an improved version as well. There are a few other manufacturers with excellent offerings that will satisify you as well.
Also google train clubs in your area. Most are holding open houses this time of year. You can get a lot of good ideas at them and get face to face ideas from members there.
Good Luck.
Springfield PA
I have the Digitrax Zephyr to run my small 4X12 layout, and I think it's just great. It does everything I need it to do.
Mark,
If you're only going to operate one locomotive at a time on your 4 x 8, I would just stick with DC for now. However, if you're wanting to operate two locomotives simultaneously but independently (e.g. a through train on a continuous main and a switcher in a yard), or speed-match and MU two locomotives together in order to operate them as one, this would make a good argument for DCC.
I have a modest 4 x 8 and enjoy operating in DCC very much. Given its modest size, I find that operating more than two locomotives (or locomotive units) at any given time is about all my peanut mind can handle.
The Digitrax Zephyr (and now the *new* Zephyr Xtra) would be a very good choice for a DCC system. I'll also put in a word for the NCE Power Cab, which I've enjoyed using nearly 5 years now. I like the portability of it because it's the command station, booster, and throttle all rolled-up-into-one. Both are terrific systems and both have their pluses and minuses.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
The NCE Power Cab or Digitrax Zephyr will work great for what you want to do. I would also take into consideration what your local area uses. If you are in an area that a lot of the users use the NCE system i would recommend using it do to the fact you will have a lot of local knowledge to help you if you need it.
Chris
Check out my railroad at: Buffalo and Southwestern
Photos at:Flicker account
YouTube:StellarMRR YouTube account
Mark, your main question is about the features and capabilities afforded by the various systems, and from that knowledge armed, which one best fits your needs....correct?
If you go to tonystrainexchange.com, find the DCC system table where he compares the systems available. You should think about your layout's requirements. You are not likely to need more than 2.5 amps continuous if you have three sound engines moving about the layout at once. On a 4X8, with the entire train coupled to itself to make a ring around the whole track system, you will only be able to tow maybe 30 cars, depending. With three engines doing this, all with sound, and on a flat 4X8, you will need perhaps 2 amps. I expect that you are unlikely to want to move the three engines at once, but that would be the worst case scenario. Add some really stiff journals in a few cars, and you may get near 3 amps. but I really believe that you are never going to exceed 2 amps.
Would you rather have a bit of a buffer just in case? So, we'll agree on 3 amps? Then look for that system in the table.
Then, how many functions would you like to be able to work with the buttons on your hand-held controller? Modern sound decoders are up over 20 functions. Which throttles will allow you to play with those functions?
What about upgrading? Are you likely to want to build onto your layout, say add another sheet of ply or some shelving. Add another diesel? How will you improve your system in some defined way without having to sell it or shelve it and get a suitable replacement? Some of the basic systems are not upgradable.
And so on. The answer to your most pressing question above can only be answered once you understand what you need from your DCC system. From there, it should be a relatively easy decision.
Crandell
As to your mentioning of ("The HO Railroad That Grows" by Lynn Westcott) do you have a pdf of that layout.
I to am interested in the tighter space HO tracks but haven't found many that can run 3 engines.
I too am new to DCC so any info you have found valuable please pass on.
Thanks for the post. I get this tingly feeling everytime I remember back to the days of block wiring, something I am loath to do again. Money isn't a huge problem, at least on this scale, so I'm going to go with the DCC even if I need to just get some new engines. I like a challenge and am pretty good with electronics so I may just attempt to hardwire an engine, just for fun. Again, thanks for the post.
Mark
I don't have a PDF of the layout - it came out of a great book. I googled the book and found lots of sources. I copied a link from Amazon below that starts used at $2.99! A great investment.
http://www.amazon.com/Railroad-That-Grows-Linn-Westcott/dp/0890245150
As far as info on DCC, you're reading a lot of great info right here on this post.
The "HO Railroad That Grows" track plan is an ideal candidate for DCC. As is any 4x8 track plan that features reversing loops, regardless of whether 2 train operation is intended or not.
Keeping loop and main direction toggles straight on a small HO layout, and throwing them at just the right time on reversing sections that are barely longer than the train being reversed, disrupts continuous running on these layouts and focuses attention on throwing toggles instead of operations.
Wyes are not such a problem for DC (or DCC) because the train stops to reverse direction, and the polarity issue can usually be handled through contacts on the tail track switch machine. But reversing loops that can be run in both directions, and also serve as part of a non-reversing continuous run pose logic problems to automate in DC.
Hence, my recommendation for DCC and autoreversers on any 4x8-sized HO layout with reversing loops. And this is from a DC user.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
Thanks to everyone for all of the replies. I got plenty of useful information. I've decided to go with the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra. I had quite a few posts advising it and I spent alot of time looking at various units. This seems to fill the bill nicely. For those of you suggesting I may want to expand to a larger layout later, I have a 4 X 8 set up in a 8 X 16 hobby room. I built a complete table from plywood and 1x4's, with folding legs, and have it suspended from my ceiling. I found this great garage storage system that attaches to the ceiling and raises and lowers using an electric drill. I swapped the 4X4 metal shelf it came with with the 4X8 table for my layout and it works great in my hobby room. I have a degree in Physics and even I couldn't have designed a better system for a layout that can be raised out of the way. If anyone is interested in the pulley system, here is a link to it (I attached the cables a little farther than 4 feet for better stability.):
http://www.amazon.com/Racor-PHL-1R-HeavyLift--4-Foot-Cable-Lifted/dp/B0009I8AO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295397042&sr=8-2
Thanks again for all of the great suggestions.
markteach Thanks to everyone for all of the replies. I got plenty of useful information. I've decided to go with the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra. I had quite a few posts advising it and I spent alot of time looking at various units. This seems to fill the bill nicely. For those of you suggesting I may want to expand to a larger layout later, I have a 4 X 8 set up in a 8 X 16 hobby room. I built a complete table from plywood and 1x4's, with folding legs, and have it suspended from my ceiling. I found this great garage storage system that attaches to the ceiling and raises and lowers using an electric drill. I swapped the 4X4 metal shelf it came with with the 4X8 table for my layout and it works great in my hobby room. I have a degree in Physics and even I couldn't have designed a better system for a layout that can be raised out of the way. If anyone is interested in the pulley system, here is a link to it (I attached the cables a little farther than 4 feet for better stability.): http://www.amazon.com/Racor-PHL-1R-HeavyLift--4-Foot-Cable-Lifted/dp/B0009I8AO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295397042&sr=8-2 Thanks again for all of the great suggestions. Mark
This will make it clickable.
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Below are some useful links I keep on hand. Store the links for future reference. You might organize your Favorites as you can accumulate a lot of links for DCC.
http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/2-8-0/index.html
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn2/DCC.htm
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/dcc_articles.htm[/urrl]
[url]http://www.nmra.org/standards/DCC/
http://www.soundtraxx.com/
http://www.ncedcc.com/
http://www.siliconvalleylines.com/dcc/presentations.html
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm
Thanks, Rich.
Lots of great input here, from folks who know. I, personally, prefer the NCE system, for its "user friendlessness", but that's just me. Your choice of Digitrax is one you'll not regret . Welcome back to the hobby!