My two sons and I are planning a switching layout and want to go DCC. Our goal is to have two operators (my two sons) run trains on the layout at the same time. We are looking at DCC systems and I was hoping I could get some suggestions about: (1) Can I have two operators on one DCC system simultaneously and (2) What systems out there would be good for beginners? My boys are 8 & 11 and ahve been around HO trains for several years now, so they understand the need to be careful. However, They are still boys and I don't want to nuy a top of the line DCC set at this point. Any feedback would be greatl appreciated. Thanks!
These 3 systems will fit your needs and will support a minimum of 2 simultaneous operators.
Digitrax Zephyr, MRC Prodigy Advance and NCE Power Cab. Just keep in mind that the Power Cab at 2 operators will be max out. Any more add on will require an upgrade and more money.
All three systems are great for beginners. I personally own and use regularly a Digitrax zephyr and an NCE Power Cab. Very satisfied with both DCC systems.
Jack W.
That's the beauty of DCC.
Sure, two or more operators can run trains at the same time and on the same track.
Even better, one operator can run two or more trains at the same time and on the same track.
Of course, you can do that in DC too, but you need to wire up blocks to run multiple trains.
In DCC, you only need a single set of bus wires, and you are good to go, no blocks required.
Even though you are thinking about starting out small with a beginner system, in the long run, you will be better off if you purchase a bigger system to allow for future needs. I use an NCE Power House Pro 5 amp system. You will need two throttles, one for each son to control his own trains, no matter how big or small the system.
Rich
Alton Junction
My two are now 12 and 14 but we have had our Digitrax Zephyr for best part of 8 years. It has been very expandable, really no need to go for the larger system as it a great base system and will meet most all expansion needs. The boys find it very easy to use and out of preference now tend to use the radio DT402D throttles as they are constantly making a breaking consists and even running 2 trains each.
We routinely run trains together and now have 3 throttles in addition to the Zephyr throttle so the 2 boys, myself and a visitor can run together. In addition we have a PC interface and use the Decoder Pro throttle function and have also added a pair of DC throttles as "jump" throttles so that even very small cousins can run. All told we can have 7 operators at the same time, not something that all base systems can do.
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
Matthew,
All you need are the additional throttles. And each throttle can operate more than one locomotive at a time. That's one of the reasons that DCC is so much fun.
Jack is correct that the NCE Power Cab has a two throttle address limit - i.e. one (1) address for the Power Cab and one (1) for an additional throttle. With the addition of a 5A Smart Booster (SB3a), you can increase that total to four (4) addresses, was well as boosting the overall output from 1.7A to 5A.
The Digitrax Zephyr Xtra will handle up to 20 throttles. Again, all you need are the additional throttles and perhaps one or two additional Loconet panels to plug them into.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I cannot say about NCE as I have not used but the Digitrax tether throttle, DT402, which I have, is great because it is really two throttles in one, so two trains can be operated by one person, so if you had two throttles, you sons could really be controlling 4 different trains.
If you really want to have some fun, and a good challenge, get the NCE PH-Pro and two throttles.
Each throttle can handle up to six locos, so your two kids can try their hand at running as many as 12 trains at one time.
Zephyr extra allows for two "jump throttles" in addition to loconet based add on throttles. Jump throttles are variable DC powerpacks that would normally be used for a DC powered layout. A jump throttle can also be assembled using a 9 volt battery and a couple of components from Radio Shack. No other system has this feature which makes it fairly simple to add two additional throttles along with the throttle in the Zephyr Extra.
Adding additional loconet throttles is as simple as just plugging them in. No throttle ID's to set, etc.
Martin Myers
I can barely handle two trains at once. I don't think I'd have made a good dispatcher! (Although I always thought I could do a better job than him after I'd been sittin' in the hole for two hours! )
Dean
30 years 1:1 Canadian Pacific.....now switching in HO
Don't rule out EasyDCC by CVP Products of Richardson, Texas. Their control panel has two throttles built in, and they also have a radio throttle option.
http://www.cvpusa.com
Modelling HO Scale with a focus on the West and Midwest USA
I've used a Zephyr for years. Even my technology challenged ex father in law quickly learned how to operate it so he could run his trains when I wasn't around. First I built a simple jump port throttle, then I bought a DT400. Now I have a total of three throttles plus the console, as well as two iPhones I can use with WiThrottle and JMRI.
If ya really wanna be nuts, a single DT402 and a Super Chief Xtra set can theoretically have 120 locos running at the same time. Good luck not having a Gomez Addams sort of incident when attempting that. The difference is with the DT400/402 throttle you can actually have 2 trains under control with one handheld since there are two sets of throttle controls built in to each one. I had 8 runnign at once with my Zephyr but that was the most I could manage without crashing.
--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 use a Digitrax Zephyr and a UT-4 walkaround. The UT-4 might work for you as it's pretty simple, doesn't have an overwhelming number of buttons and switches. Plus the direction switch has the "center off" option like the Zephyr. I use that a lot in switching - set the power to a nice slow roll and just use the direction switch without turning the power knob up or down. I set my engines up with enough momentum that they drift to a stop slowly, and slowly speed up so I don't need the knob.
My son was about 6 and daughter 8 when we went DCC with a Digitrax Radio System. I learned early on that radio was key for the kids to walk around and not get caught up in cables, etc and they wanted to walk around with their trains to do work and watch. Primarily the UT4R was the best for them since it only controls one train at once and is very easy to use with a big knob. Also not bad on batteries. Amazing how time has flown by and now we've got mostly DT400s of different types. But the UT4Rs are still great for people coming over and learning DCC. I didn't go IR since line of sight wasn't always guaranteed and wanted to keep it simple for the kids.
One key consideration for the young ones--they like sound locos!! We even have the BLI stock cars with cattle and pig sounds. So, this works better with DCC.
Richard
Train Modeler My son was about 6 and daughter 8 when we went DCC with a Digitrax Radio System. I learned early on that radio was key for the kids to walk around and not get caught up in cables, etc and they wanted to walk around with their trains to do work and watch. One key consideration for the young ones--they like sound locos!! We even have the BLI stock cars with cattle and pig sounds. So, this works better with DCC. Richard
My son was about 6 and daughter 8 when we went DCC with a Digitrax Radio System. I learned early on that radio was key for the kids to walk around and not get caught up in cables, etc and they wanted to walk around with their trains to do work and watch.
So right you are !
I recently converted to wireless with my NCE PH-Pro, but I was amazed at how easily my grandkids, ages 10 and 9, handled tethered throttles, moving up and down the layout, plugging and unplugging the throttles along the way.
Whenever they come for a visit, I set up only locomotives with sound. Non-sound locos are a total bore for kids.
My 4 year old grandson (the youngest child of my youngest child) has his own UT-4D throttle for my Digitrax Super Chief system. It brought up a minor problem that I had not considered. He does not need to be watched that closely because he can operate everything he needs to by himself. Sometimes he is running trains while I am working on the layout. I have found that when Thomas the Tank Engine is running full speed, backward, sometimes he cannot manage some of the sharper curves. When I look up after hearing him leave the tracks I sometimes discover that Jordan does not have the throttle in his hands. We then have to find it. A tethered throttle wouldn't have that problem.
He doesn't get bored, he sets it down so he can move his step stool to another location where he can see a different area of the layout.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Set CV5 so the top speed is limited, then he can crank the knob all the way up yet Thomas won't go too fast for the curves.
Bet he'll notice though, even if you just tweak it down slightly.
When we do club shows, we let kids run the trains (under supervision), 4-5 is about as young as wel go, they get handed a UT4R (or UT4D if we're in a venue with an NCE club) and follow along around the outside of the layout. The older they are, the more instruction they get, such as watching the signals to make sure it's clear to proceed, and blowing the horn for crossings. After a successful run they get a personalized Engineer certificate. After seeing other displays where they just stand there and watch, the kids really take it seriously when they are put in control.
-_Randy
rrinker When we do club shows, we let kids run the trains (under supervision), 4-5 is about as young as wel go, they get handed a UT4R (or UT4D if we're in a venue with an NCE club) and follow along around the outside of the layout. The older they are, the more instruction they get, such as watching the signals to make sure it's clear to proceed, and blowing the horn for crossings. After a successful run they get a personalized Engineer certificate. After seeing other displays where they just stand there and watch, the kids really take it seriously when they are put in control.
That is very cool. I get that kind of reaction from my grandkids on my home layout.