jyotirmayAny other useful materials online for a starter to learn the nitty gritty of DCC...
A good, online primer about DCC from Tony's Train Exchange web site:
DCC for Beginners
You can either read it online, or download it onto your computer as a .pdf file.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Yes I agree with earlier posters about starting small...although with your space limitations, you'll probably have to anyway!!
With DCC you can run two engines at once now with what you have, but you may only be able to control one at a time. The DCC system you have ( and the decoders in the engines ) are pretty basic; in time you'll probably upgrade to a better system from MRC, Digitrax, NCE or others that will allow for more features. By the way, before expanding your trackage, I'd replace it down the road with Kato Unitrack.
I'd work on a small layout to 'learn the ropes' and help prepare you for that "dream layout" of the future. For now even a 4' by 6' layout, or a shelf layout, will allow you to work on learning DCC, doing scenery and track, and learn how to do things like install Kadee couplers, sound decoders etc. Keep in mind that in HO, 18" radius curves are very sharp, and not all equipment will handle it - and some that will, won't look great doing it.
You may find too that many folks start with the dream of an automated layout, but end up going the other direction over time. For many of us, using some sort of handheld walkaround or radio/infrared controller to walk along with a train, throwing turnouts, coupling and uncoupling cars as we pick up cars at an industry and drop off cars etc. is the most enjoyable part of the hobby.
Here is a wonderful web site, detailing an incredible automated model railway. It happens to be in the UK, but gives you some idea of what can be achieved and what would be needed.
http://mckinleyrailway.com/
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
I agree. Don't jump in with both feet and start buying things. Chances are you will not wind up with what you want. Do lots of reading and move ahead slowly. These and other similar forums are a good place to start as well as DCC starter books that can be purchased from this site.
Good Luck and Welcome
Springfield PA
My advice is walk before you run. Kalmbach (Model Railroader's publisher) has special-edition magazines on getting started in the hobby--you can search for titles and buy onlilne. Additionally, starting with the January issue each year, MR publishes a project-layout series over 4-5 months or so that will guide you step-by-step on building a layout--back issues are available for the asking (well, for the buying). Not to mention combing these forums to learn about the hobby and the various terms and approaches to it. I'd do all that before you build anything.
I've returned to the hobby after 50 years (last involvement as a teenager), and despite my early "experience" I started as above. I then built a 1 X 6 switching layout to confirm my interest before proceeding. I learned a lot from that initial layout and am glad I proceeded slowly.
That being said--welcome to the hobby! It's diversified, fulfilling, and generally great. And these forums are great sources of patient, helpful advice. You're in for a terrific time!
Rick Krall