Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

track?? whats better for dcc

1161 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 1,206 posts
Posted by mfm37 on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 10:28 PM

As an avid NTRAK'er, I've used Atlas and Peco code 80 rail as well as electrofrogs and insulfrog turnouts. All work equally well with DCC. I've also got a couple of sections on my modules that have Peco 55 and Micro engineering code 55 traack. It supposed to be against the rules, but no one has had any problem operating on it. I'm also the DCC guy for the club, btw.

We have a new Onetrak division that uses Atlas code 55 track exclusively. These layouts are 100% DCC and no problems have been encountered except occasional rough track work that would stop a train on DC or DCC.

We constructed a layout for the B & O musem that uses Kato Unitrak. That stuff is almost bulletproof.

While any of the tracks and turnouts offered will work equally well on DCC and DC, my personal; favorite for appearance and affordability is Atlas code 55. Micro Engineering code 55 looks very good but the turnouts are like finding hen's teeth.

Martin Myers

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 10:11 PM

Either will be fine. BUT, good soldering and proper feeder installation will be very important.

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.

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 8:14 PM

mmr1229
i was wondering what type of track would be best for dcc.

Irrelevant, at least as far as the manufactures you mentioned.  They will all perform equally as related to DCC.

The insulated frogs vs hot frogs on turnouts is going to be an issue with either DC or DCC, so in relation to your question irrelevant. 

The best type of track for DCC would be made of solid silver Evil because that is the best conductor of electricity. Such track would be very bad for other things.

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 8:07 PM

The track makes no difference to the signal.  The difference, if it is going to be noticeable, is due to mechanical defects in connection, not in the metallurgy or its configuration and shape.

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Harford County, Maryland
  • 86 posts
track?? whats better for dcc
Posted by mmr1229 on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 8:04 PM

im getting ready to replace all my track, and i was wondering what type of track would be best for dcc. i've heard good things about peco and also atlas not sure on the turnouts weather they should have insulated frogs or electric ones the track i am replacing is kato unitrak so im fairly new to different types of track, codes, etc. all my trains are n scale kato. any help is appreciated. thanks

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!