DCC? What is the best to start with?

[BNSF_conductor]

So here is the low down.  My layout was in storage, got it back up and replaced the old damaged wood and tore up all the atlas 100 track, and now waiting on funds to get it up and going again.  It was all DC and had blocks.  So, none of my locomotive fleet are DCC equipped but when i can i want to start putting decoders in.  Should i build my layout with blocks and standard DC operation or should i build it just to deal with DCC?  Or can i build it standard DC with blocks and have it ready for DCC?  If so, how? I never delt with DCC and have no idea on it. All i know is DC and i don't know much.  What would you all do?  Thank you.

Brian

[richg1998]

This subject shows up regularly. Apparently you have not read this forum before.

http://cs.trains.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?q=the%20best&f=NzQ0&u=

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm

Rich 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

You can build a regular blocked layout as I did (layout was built for DC) and simply hook the DCC system up to the wires that went to the power pack. I like having the blocks because I can use my spurs to 'park' other locos and turn the spurs off so those locos don't take power away from those that are running. It also enables me to keep the rest of the layout going if there's a short circuit in one of the blocks.

[rolleiman]

My , take it for whatever you think it's worth.. You can block your layout for DC Cab control if you want and then simply replace the power pack with the DCC. It does have it's advantages in being able to shut down parts of the layout (just be sure to double gap, no common rails). That said, if you are planning on going there anyway, just jump in with the DCC. Set your self up a track (a single piece of flex will work), get your DCC system, and start installing decoders. I would NOT try and mix the two (DC and DCC), if that's what you may be considering.