I am just getting started. I did a lot of research. I have decided to go with N scale. I love the size. I was HO as a kid but now being retired, I seem to have a lot of time. Online blogs have a thousand different opinions. I found this home and I think I am in the right spot. I would really love a place to go about power and train control. I see DCC mentioned a lot. Are there controllers that not only control the loco but also accessories like signals, lights, etc? Is there such a thing as wireless control? Do you buy locos that already are set up for control? Also sound control? I don’t want anyone to use their valuable time for my questions but rather steer me in a direction to perhaps get answers. Also is EBAY a great source or is it better to buy from an established dealer? Thanks for letting me join. David.
This is the perfect place to ask all of your questions. Don’t be shy. There are DCC systems which can control all of the bells and whistles, also lights on your locomotives, cabooses and passenger cars. They can also control turnouts and more. I don’t know if they control signals. That might be a different type of control. But there is control for signals. There are wireless throttles available. Some use an radio frequency signal like a RC car or plane. Others use Bluetooth and can use your smart phone as the throttle. Some locomotives come with DCC and sound cards already installed. Others have to be modified with after market parts. A brick and mortar hobby store is good if you find one you like. Also there are a lot of established dealers on eBay. There is also a lot of second hand dealers that are not as reputable. Check their feedback before you buy. Also carefully check the description and photos to help avoid the eBurn.
There are any number of folks on this site who will gladly and unbegrudgingly answer your questions, but I am not one of them because I am electricity challenged. There are also any number of vendors out there with an internet presence whose customer service and technical support people will spend time on any of your questions. The web sites are chock full of information, pictures, wiring diagrams, manuals etc. etc. etc.
Be advised however, that the folks on here may sometimes offer conflicting advice since everyone will have their own way of doing things and their own favorite control systems.
I used to frequent a couple of other online model railroading blogs, but now I forget what they are called since this is da place I go to exclusively. Also do not underestimate the power of youtube. Lots of videos of the how to hook up unit X to your layout variety.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
There is a lot out there. Better do a lot of research before jumping.
There is cable controlled DCC, wireless DCC, Bluetooth control, DCS form of DCC control, RailPro wireless.
No Bluetooth in N scale yet as far as I know. Some systems use on board batteries which are an issue.
You can work via a PC also.
Rich
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.
DCC gives you a whole new experience where you can operate your trains like the real thing. There is a lot to learn, but sites like https://dccwiki.com/Main_Page can get you going in the right direction.
With respect to buying your equipment, you would be better buying from a local dealer who can assist you. He can recommend things and accessories that will work with your system, and help with technical issues. You can buy N scale locomotives equipped with DCC decoders.
As to accessories, there is a new NMRA standard called LCC: https://dccwiki.com/Layout_Command_Control
If you can join a local club, that can help you as well.
Welcome to the forums.
Since most of your questions have been answered, I'll just add a few things.
Our host has a number of good books on the questions you ask. Go to the top of this page to SHOP on the heavy black line and look around. Most of the books have a brief discription of the contents. To find Model RR Groups, Events and some dealers, go to the upper right corner and find small gray printing, go to Rescources. Click on the appropriate term below that, put in your zip code, select a milage limit and see what you find.
Goiing to train shows can be very informative. You can see things, touch some of them and ask questions of club members, dealers and other show goers. Most shows have operating layouts for you to look at
The list of dealers is only a small number compared to what are actually out there. At the Walthers web site there is another listing of some of their dealers. Walthers, Modeltrainstuff and Trainworld are a few of the better known online dealers. Ebay has good and bad deals, just like in any other catagory.
One book that many consider the bible of model railroading is John Armstrongs "Track Polanning for Realistic Operation" which contains a wealth of information.
Enough for now, look, read, think, then come back with more questions. As you can tell by the above comments there are many folks here ready and willing to answer your questions. Also, as mentioned above, you may get several different answers to one question. There are many ways to do things and you will just have to decide which is best for your situation.
Good luck,
Richard
One more thing, do NOT buy anything until after you have a layout plan of the layout you are going to build and perhaps the benchwork constructed, and an idea aas to how many locomotives will be running at one time. That will give you an idea about how much current ou will be drawing and also if you may need a booster if your wiring busses are too long.