Well, before we can talk about rail code, we need to establish what scale you are using.
I work in N scale and use code 55. If I were in HO, I’d most likely use code 83.
As for what the track is made of, I have not seen brass in over 30 years. Alas, I am old enough to remember it well and have used it.
Oh, and I've been around here for years and been modeling trains for probably 43 years and I am still in the dummy stage.
- Mark
Go with nickle-silver track. It's just a whole lot easier than dealing with the others.
If HO, code 83 is what I use for my standard gauge main. I also have some dual gauge code 70, but you didn't say anything about backdating to model the Bedford & Bloomfield
However, code 70 works fine in HO standard gauge, too.
There's really nothing special about track for DCC, except the wiring. The same applies to wiring DC track for reliability though, just that you really don't want to compromise too much for good DCC operation. Make sure there is a drop to your power bus from every separate section of track or rail. It can be as small as 22 gauge if kept short. Make sure that you only rely on rail joiners for mechanical connections. Make sure your power bus is adequate, which really mean at least 12 gauge, 10 gauge is even better, but usually overkill unless you have long runs from your command station or boosters.
Have you tried out the Zephyr or another Digitrax system yet? This is the biggest choice you make with DCC, and it comes right at the beginning when you know the least, unless you've had a chance to try it out first with a friend, at a club or a show. I highly recommend doing that. If it works for you, then really that's all that counts. On the other hand, if you are relying only on advertised features, etc with no hand's on experience, then it's a really good idea to try several systems to see what they work like and choose the best for you.
I say that, while still being a NCE partisan. Which brings up another consideration if you plan to operate with others. Brand may be a consideration. Everyone else around that I operate with uses Digitrax. Oddly, most chose it because "that's what everyone uses" not because we were operating together then, but mostly just because. I'm the exception, so I need multiple NCE throttles when we operate here, where the other guys can bring their own and need to have fewer to host everyone else.
So a lot to think about there. If you've already done it, you're good. If not, it's worth not jumping in and taking your time in doing your due diligence, even if you end up sticking with what you wanted in the first place.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Use nickel silver track. (Which is not made of silver.) Code 83 in HO. Code 55 in N
I like NCE for DCC
NSrailmodeler...My question is, what is the best code of track to run and which type, brass,steel, etc. for DCC systems...
As others have said, use track made of nickel-silver. As far as code, there is no "best code" for DCC systems. DCC does not care what code of track you use, so it will have no bearing on which one to select. I am an N-scaler and I personally prefer code 55 for it's closer to protoypical look, but some people prefer code 80 because they consider it easier to work with or they have a lot of older equipment not compatible with code 55. Ther are also many users who prefer Kato Unitrack, which only comes in code 80. There are also N-scalers who use handlaid code 40 track. You have to pick the code according to your needs, and you can even mix codes if you want, but again, DCC has no bearing on it.
Nickel Silver track is easier to care for. I prefer code 100 for mainlines. But Atlas has had a lot of problems with production the last year and they were the big supplier. I understand Bachmann bought the factory in China, don't know for sure. Atlas was very affordable. To start now is therefore going to be more costly. I would probably go with Walther's code 83 if I had to start before Atlas hit the market again.
Richard
Think you have gotten most of your answers, but I would add an endorsement to finding out what type of DCC systems are in use in your area. Even though you may be a lone wolf at the moment, you might run into someone that would like to come to your place or invites you to his. If you have compatable systems, you can easily add ones cab to the others system.
When I was looking, the dealer knew of a layout that hosts operating sessions. I had visited the layout and was leaning toward the NCE system. When I found that my hand held came with a cord that would connect me to his system if I choose to take a loco there, it sealed the deal.
Many folks have other systems and like them, so pick what others have. Though it is kind of a go with the flow system, should you ever want to share, it's the way to go.
Good luck,
NSrailmodelerI live in southern Indiana and have 2 railway systems in my area. Norfolk/Southern and Indiana RR, which I plan to model together. My question is, what is the best code of track to run and which type, brass,steel, etc. for DCC systems. I plan on using Digitrax's Zepher system and multiple engine configurements.
The long answer is two fold. First if one thinks of the rail as a wire then the answer is clear. The larger the code of rail the "better" for DCC for the same reason a larger gauge of wire is good for a bus. Larger carries more current. Unfortunately nickel-silver is a pretty poor conductor compared to (here comes the second part) brass. From a strictly electrical conductivity perspective brass would be a much better material for your rails. The problem with brass rails is that the locomotive is not soldered to it and must depend on surface contact. The surface of brass oxidizes and makes surface contact poor, so in the bigger scheme of things the oxidation is a much bigger problem than electrical connectivity. Copper and of course silver would be the ideal rail for electrical reasons, but both would be too soft for good rails.
But all that is why people run good conducting copper wire as an electrical bus along with the rail.
The kind of track you use is irrelevant as far as DCC is concerned. Choose whatever brand, code, and style that fits your needs. Wiring your bus is a whole other topic.
Any time you mention your intention to purchase a particular brand of DCC system you will hear from many who believe you have made the wrong choice. It is the Ford vs Chevrolet argument. Each person believes the system he has is best. That is, after all, why he chose it. Only you can decide which system meets your needs. I have the Digitrax Super Chief and wouldn't change. It does everything I need, and everything I can imagine ever wanting. Most people will say the same thing about their particular brand choice. The advise to see what others in any local clubs use, is good. Interchangeability and advise if you have a problem are worth a great deal.
No one is born containing all knowledge on all subjects. Everyone starts at the beginning. The only dumb question is the one unasked. No one in here will judge you for your knowledge or lack of knowledge. People in here love to help each other.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow