I am working on two layouts at the same time: one is being developed for a child with some physical challenges ( this one being worked on with child's father and a couple of our friends)that is along some basement walls into a center peninsula, and a small 30"x8' shelf layout. What I/we are looking at is a DCC system that can be used between these two layouts(the other being approx. 35' along the walls,with26" depth and a 45' peninsula.). Just imagine scale of latter layout mixed with Little layout---any ideas/suggestions?
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
Are they in the same room? Sorry if I missed that.
If they are, you could use ANY DCC system; either quick quick connects, or a three pole switch to diverte the power. Actually, if they are, you could ignore that, and just run them as one large layout with two distinct blocks. Wireless throttles and or wired ones would make local control easy.
Per the system, I can't recommend CVP's Easy DCC enough.
TG
I'm trying to model 1956, not live in it.
I would agree with some of the above comments that most any DCC system would work on both layouts by unplugging the DCC command station from one layout and moving it to the other.
If you are looking for a DCC throttle for a user that is physically challenged, the Digitrax UT-4 is very easy to use, and wireless (radio) throttles are even better. To add a wireless throttle to any Digitrax system, you need a Digitrax radio receiver (UR-91), and a wireles throttle such as the UT-4R.
Most of the DDC companies have great web sites with photos and free instruction manuals for thier products.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
UT4 radio by Digitrax sure does work nice. Most everyone could use it. Not the cheapest, but it works. I have mine on the Superchief. Not the cheaspest, but it works. Many will recomend the Digitrax Zephyr with the UT4 added. Make sure the savings is worth the fuss if you go the Digitrax route.
Hmm, I guess Roco no longer makes the Lok-Mouse system. Limited though it was, for a child with physical issues, the big giant red knob would be a much easier to use controller than most of the others.
A UT4 on a Digitrax system comes close, but if there are issues with fine control it might be tough to turn the dials to select a different loco. If assistence is required and rendered for that function, then the big knob and large toggle to control speed and direction should be good.
As for the large layout - that sounds like it would certainly need more than a Zephyr to run it. Depending on how many trains are run at the same time, it could very well need more than one booster to power it all. Now here's the nifty trick - Super Chief and possibly additional boosters for the big layout, and a Zephyr set up as a booster for the small layout. The Zephyr console will function as a cab when configured this way. That also has a large knob and handle to control train speed and direction. And by equipping the small layout with it's own booster, a derailment there won't stop the fun on the big layout (or vice versa - kids can be better at avoiding derailments than adults sometimes ).
--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 hadn't thought about the control for the child; as the specific problem wasn't discussed. However I'd again recommend the CVP product, their throttles are easy to hold (light), with an uncomplicated interface. Running trains on this and accessing functions is as easy as pressing a button.