So was watching some of the MR Expert Tips videos the other day about wireing and power districts. I was curious cause the model railroader staff looked like they use MRC hand controls, but they were also wiring up Zone Masters and Zone Share's and also were running an Easy DCC system. So was curious how this all worked???
IIRC, they did have a MRC system for the layout. It appears that they are now going to EasyDCC. I do not think the MRC throttles are compatible with EasyDCC. Maybe someone else has more info....
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Ok this is what i thought but was not sure...
I was under the impression that the MR&T uses EasyDCC, and the MRC system is on a different test layout, not the actual big MR&T.
Also, the ZoneShares are just simple boosters, they work with any system. They do not need a specific control input. You cna also do things liek use NCE boosters on Digitrax layouts and vice-versa. Digitrax has instruction on connecting to NCE and Lenz. At that point in the system you are dealing with the track output, which is NMRA standardized, and not the throttle bus which is not.
--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've seen MR use a variety of DCC systems on their projects. I got a good chuckle in one of the recent issues where one of the layouts was noted for using either MRC or NCE and the overhead view of the layout showed David Popp holding a Digitrax DT400/402 throttle.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
hmmm interesting. Thanks everyone for your input. I like the Zone Masters and Sharer's and was hoping i could use them with a MRC system which at this point i think i'm going to be going with. But have not made a decision as of yet on the system I'm going to be buying for my future layout.
If you have any intention of adding signals, or want to do any computer control or automation, pick ANYTHING but MRC. All other major brands of DCC systems work with either free JMRI or commercial software like RR&CO. Not MRC. Digitrax is the only oen that can support throtles, signals, block detectors, and boosters all one one network, no need to run multiple cables connecting devices. The others all use polled cab busses that can't really support this, but you can always set up a standalone Loconet (no Digitrax throttles or command station) to take advantage of the multitude of options for detection and signlaling (there are more third party options for Loconet then there are other DCC makers combined).
tstage I've seen MR use a variety of DCC systems on their projects. I got a good chuckle in one of the recent issues where one of the layouts was noted for using either MRC or NCE and the overhead view of the layout showed David Popp holding a Digitrax DT400/402 throttle. Tom
Those are just generic images they use to you can get a better idea of the size of a layout in a drawing. There was a sidebar on them back when they first started useing them, probably because people were writing in asking if they were real people or whatnot.
What I get a kick out of is when they have someone standing in what per the plan is a 2' or less aisle and they seem to have plenty of space surrounding them. I dunno about you, but a 2' wide space, particularly if it's a higher level like elbow height, I will DEFINITELY be smacking elbows if I try to turn around. Makes me wonder if they don't occasionally 'cheat' and set the figures to 95-97% of actual size.
For the most part you're right about the images, Randy. However, give a few of them a 2nd look and you'll find that they may be based on the top view of MR staff. Case in point: Naugatuck Valley RR. David Popp is very distinct.
I KNOW they are based on actual MR staff. I meant that they are generic pictures of actual staff that they toss in the plans. As in, you'll see figures with various DCC controllers in hand when the layotu specs say it is wired for cab control. As in, they don't alter the images to get the proper controller in hand.
About the only one I believe in those is Popp, he's a stringbean and certainly can easily fit in 2' aisles. Some of the other guys tend to be more like me.