Just getting back into Model Railroading after a 15+ year hiatus AND how things have changed. I am planning a new layout in a 10 x 13 foot room and would appreciate comments /suggestions on DCC vs DC and current reliable manufacturers of such devices. Considering either HO or S with small yard. I am looking to model a Naval Weapons Station that supplies ammunition to ships from bunkers to a pier. Can be either point to point or loop.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Got back into it myself last year about this time after a long hiatus....Read everything I could about dcc and was sold on it....built current layout with a nce power cab system and very glad I did...run two trains simultaneously on the same track with no problem. I am not a electronic whiz so this system was fairly easy for me to get started. Dcc was a little more expensive at the onset but well worth it in the long run...Bob..
I would go with DCC definetly, it's a pricey investment but a good investment, and in some cases it's easier to wire up then a more complicated DC layout. It easy too use and the shear amount of things that can be done with it sold me. With the ability to control multiple locomotives in any way imagineable, operating lighting, sound systems, switch tracks, and more it really brings a larger sense of realism and functionality too the Hobby in my opinion. And makes running a layout much more fun :) as if the hobby wasn't fun enough to begin with :P
I did the DC thing from 1966 (my first two layouts in 64 and 65 were AC) up til near the end of '05 then switched over to DCC. Did it gradually at first, converted a couple of my favorite locos (HO by the way) and got a Bachmann DCC system to play around with. Now with 21 of my 47 locos converted I just recently got a Digitrax DCC system and I wouldn't trade it for anything. With DCC I can run two locos on the same stretch of track at the same time, in oppisite directions even, and control both of them completely indenpendant from the other. Try that with DC. Can't be done, no way, no how.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
If I was starting from scratch (new locos and new layout) and I was building a large layout to handle multiple trains, I would go with DCC for sure.
If it's a small layout for single train operation, DCC is not as important.
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el-capitan If it's a small layout for single train operation, DCC is not as important.
I'd agree with the "single train" part of that statement, but not the "small layout" part. To me, DCC is even more valuable on a small layout.
With a DC layout, the only way to run multiple trains is with blocking and multiple cab control. That's practical on large, club-sized layouts or full-basement home empires, but when you move to smaller operations the blocking concept does not scale down very well. The blocks end up too small and too few in number to work practically.
DCC eliminates all of the blocking, and lets you run multiple trains anywhere, without regard to fixed block boundries. It gives you much more flexibility in layout design and running.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Hmm, we need a "Yeah That" smiley with an arrow on his sign.
If you only ever are goign to run 1 train, DCC may not make sense. But layout size has little to do with it. In fact I agree with Mr. Beasley, DCC is probably MORE valuable on a smaller layout. I've never built any of the smaller Atlas layouts with dual cab control wiring liek they show - I can only imagine the frantic switching of those Selectors as two trains follow each other around a 4x8 layout. All wiped away if you use DCC. No blocks. No cab switches. Just run trains. There are people who fill up their entire basement and run only one train - do they need DCC? Probably not. Then there are people who build a 5x10 and have 3 operators at a time. Do they need DCC? Probably.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I started out with a shelf switching layout running DC. It was awkward at best. Went to a train show, saw DCC, bought it, and the difference was like night and day. DCC is amazing and just plain fun. I can't imagine going back to DC.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!