I had fun with my big brother's HO train layout in the early 60s. So I wanted to get into railroad modeling again (this time, N gauge).
I purchased an Atlas locomotive ("N C-420 PH.2B LN SILVER MONON #504"). I received it, and the box says "Decoder Ready" and "Sound Ready".
Back in the 60s, we just had a simple device to control the train. Increase the voltage, the train goes faster, reverse the voltage, the train goes in reverse.
So my questions are:
1) Will I need to purchase a decoder to use this locomotive? I'm only planning one train, one locomotive.
2) Will a simple controller work? Like what I used back in the 60s, control speed, forward and reverse. If so, what type of controlller do I need?
3) If I have to buy a decoder, does it have to be brand-specific to work with an Atlas locomotive?
4) Is "DCC" the same as a decoder?
Any advice, suggestions, tips, etc. is appreciated in advance!
Thanks!
J.R. Schwarzenhammer I had fun with my big brother's HO train layout in the early 60s. So I wanted to get into railroad modeling again (this time, N gauge). I purchased an Atlas locomotive ("N C-420 PH.2B LN SILVER MONON #504"). I received it, and the box says "Decoder Ready" and "Sound Ready". Back in the 60s, we just had a simple device to control the train. Increase the voltage, the train goes faster, reverse the voltage, the train goes in reverse. So my questions are: 1) Will I need to purchase a decoder to use this locomotive? I'm only planning one train, one locomotive. 2) Will a simple controller work? Like what I used back in the 60s, control speed, forward and reverse. If so, what type of controlller do I need? 3) If I have to buy a decoder, does it have to be brand-specific to work with an Atlas locomotive? 4) Is "DCC" the same as a decoder? Any advice, suggestions, tips, etc. is appreciated in advance! Thanks!
Nothing stupid, just newbie
Train control has evolved since the 60's. DCC is a different type of throttle system and power supply requiring a DCC decoder in each loco.
DCC ready is a term that has evolved as well. Early on it meant soldering skills were required, at the very least Now decoders have gotten smaller, there are plugs in the circuit board and you pull out a dummy plug on the loco and insert a decoder and plug.
Sound ready, I assume means there is a place in the frame for a speaker.
DCC sound is better than DC sound. Sound is one of the principle reasons to get DCC. The other is that DC controls the track, DCC controls the engine, so you can run a couple different trains at once. That's a big advantage if your layout is so big it requires multiple operators. If you are a lone wolf with a small layout, how many trains can you juggle at once?
No you don't need to buy a decoder
A MRC ebay throttle will work fine with DC. My 40 year old model still works, but capacitors and what not do go bad and schematics are hard to come by for DiY repairs.
If you go DCC, the various brands have different models for N scale vs HO and sound and non sound. The sound decoders need to be ordered from the dealer with the appropriate sound package for your engine.
Since this is all new to you, and you are about to spend money, get an introductory book on DCC from Kalmbach and decide if DCC is something of interest. Not everyone has DC and not everyone likes sound.
Some DCC throttles will let you run DC locos and some will not.
All recently produced DCC engines can be run on DC, but if all you have is a DC throttle, why would you spend the extra money?
You can't run DC and DCC simultaneously.
Your post was delayed because of moderation. to the forum
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Welcome aboard!
Plenty, plenty of suitable DCC-related resources available. I suggest you start here:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/
This gives a ton of useful material about DCC. No, not completely perfect but a great reference to consult often.
A simple DC power pack will work just fine for your one locomotive.
Later on if you decide to get more deeply involved and want to run 2 or more trains then look into DCC.
Paul
Welcome to new technology. Not really new, though. There is a learning curve. Take your time.
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.
One thing to keep in mind for future locomotive purchases is that virtually all engines that come decoder-equipped now have what is called a 'dual-mode' decoder, meaning they work with either DC or DCC-command control. That way if (more likely, 'when') you switch to DCC, you don't have to open up the engine to add a decoder - it will already be there.
Decoder ready and speaker ready just means it is realtively easy to install a DCC decoder if you want to, and they already made a space for the speaker, which is usually the hardest part about getting sound in N scale. Often you need to have the frame milled to make room for a speaker.
Out of the box, it's really just a plain old simple DC loco like the older ones were. On most modern N scale locos, there is a circuit board in the middle that holds the headlights and usually some diodes to make them directional, so the headlight only comes on going forward, adn the rear light only comes on when backing up. This is easily swapped for a DCC decoder if you chose to go DCC, or it just works as-is with a plain DC power pack.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
"one train, one locomotive" means DC to me. But if you get seriously bitten by the model railroading bug, your appetite will likely grow. More locomotives is a good argument for DCC. If I were you, I would not spend too much on a DC power source... you may want to upgrade soon to DCC. And if you continue to buy locos, seriously consider buying them DCC equipped or at the very least DC ready. I work in HO scale, and hardwiring locos (that are NOT DCC ready) can be tedious. I just can't imagine how the N scalers hardwire their locos for DCC!
Simon
Welcome to the forums.
I'll go along with Paul, set it up and run your train like you used to, that's now referred to as DC. If you enjoy yourself and want to explore DCC you can do it while still having a train running.
If you are never goiong to run more than one train DC should be fine,, you just won't have the sound features. If you decide to make a larger layout and run more locos, then explore DCC, conversion of the layout is not hard and new locos with DCC and sound may be cheaper than having someone upgrade the one you have, look into it before you go in either direction.
If you decide to go DCC, read up on each brand and read some of the posts here on these forums about which brand to buy. There are several good brands, a lot of opinions and reasons to go with one or the other. Some brands, their starter sets can be upgraded a few are not. Ask more questions when you have them. If you don't know he answer, there are no stupid quesions.
Have fun,
Richard
Hello All,
Great questions!
Let's take this step by step...
J.R. Schwarzenhammer1) Will I need to purchase a decoder to use this locomotive? I'm only planning one train, one locomotive.
The two main systems used in North America are DC- -Direct Current- -as you described, and DCC- -Digital Command Control.
For more in-depth explanations of DCC there are many websites dedicated to the subject.
Check out:
Many DCC manufacturer's websites offer some not too technical information.
Some of this information is specific to their products and some is more generic in nature. More on that later.
The major North American manufacturers, in no particular order, are:
If you are only using a Direct Current system no decoder is necessary.
J.R. Schwarzenhammer2) Will a simple controlller work? Like what I used back in the 60s, control speed, forward and reverse. If so, what type of controller (SIC) do I need?
If you are using a DC-only locomotive then yes a "simple controller" will work.
If you are even considering a DCC system commit now. I began with DC in 2016 and moved to DCC a few years later.
The cost in DC controllers and wiring would have almost paid for an entry DCC system, with expansion potential.
J.R. Schwarzenhammer3) If I have to buy a decoder, does it have to be brand-specific to work with an Atlas locomotive?
The beauty of the NMRA DCC standard is any DCC component that adheres to the NMRAs Standards is compatible with any other NMRA compliant component no matter the scale or manufacturer.
Many folks on these forums have a preference of DCC component manufacturers that they only use.
I am in the process of upgrading Bachmann DCC diesel locomotives with OEM decoders to Digitrax decoders. The OEM Bachmann decoders are extremely limited in their functions (Configuration Variables- -CVs).
J.R. Schwarzenhammer4) Is "DCC" the same as a decoder?
A "decoder" is a component in Digital Command Control (DCC) system.
Without getting the "propellers on the beanies spinning too hard" with technical info...
Digital Command Control is a system of components and digital protocol that is specific to the control of model railroads.
As you research further into DCC you will understand the relationship of the various control components and protocol.
The heart of the DCC system is still the venerable Direct Current (DC) motor to propel the locomotives down the track.
How DCC achieves this vs. DC is the crux.
As has been said, "With DC you control the track, with DCC you control the locomotive."
Don't be shocked at the upfront costs of DCC.
At first glance, DC might seem the cheaper option but with the interoperability of DCC, in the long run, it will provide you- -the user- -years of modeling possibilities.
Keep the questions coming, good luck, and as always...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
With one post to your credit, I assume that we have not heard back from you due to information overload, so let's keep this simple.
1) No, you will not need to purchase a decoder to use your locomotive.
2) To run your locomotive, buy a DC transformer like an MRC 1370 Railpower for $40.
3) You won't need a decoder unless you decide to change your power supply from DC to DCC.
4) DCC is not the same as a decoder. Model trains can be powered by AC, DC, or DCC.
If you rely on DCC power, then your locomotive needs a decoder to operate on DCC power.
Alton Junction
How big is your planned layout? Walkaround radio control is a fun way to follow your train around a DC controlled layout and they are inexpensive. I have used my Aristo Craft Basic Train engineer (model 5480) for years and recommend it for someone just getting started & wanting to run just one train. I see there are two available on ebay for less than $30 plus shipping. Very easy to setup, only a minute or two!
There is one drawback, The Train Engineer uses Pulse Width Modulation which doesn't play well with a DCC decoder equipped locomotive. Conventional DC is fine for dual mode DCC decoders. Just a thought, a quick way to start with walkaround control for little money. When you convert to DCC, retire the Train Engineer or sell on ebay.