DCC or DC?

[yankee flyer]

HI    drooniem

DCC is what sparked my interest in MR, ing. The fact I could dial up a loco and join it to any other loco on any piece of track just seemed the more realistic (fun). and if I wanted to spend the money, they would make all kinds of sounds, just seemed to much to resist.

I have installed decoders in split frame diesels, steam tenders, rewired steam engine motors and other types. There is a learning curve no doubt, but in my opinion can be more fun or fulfilling than actually operating the layout.
Practice soldering, Obtain a diagram of how most manufactures wire them and go for it. What can you lose?

I started my layout in 2007 "for the Grand Kids" So this is from a new comer.  

Enjoy 

Lee

[Texas Zepher]

drooniem

Many are Bachman.

In the last 30 years Bachmann has made at least 3 different grades of locomotives.  There is the straight Bachmann line that is basically toy train grade equipment and in my opinion definitely not worth converting.  They also made a "Plus" line that were higher quality and run much better.  I would consider those on a case by case basis.   Finally they made the Spectrum line which are definitely worth converting.

I would only consider converting locomotives that run really well on DC.  If it isn't a good runner on DC it will not be improved by converting to DCC.

The generally concept of a conversion is simple.  Isolate the motor.  Insert the decoder between the track power and the motor.  In my opinion connecting the headlights is the hardest part.   However many of the Bachmann's have the split frame arrangement where the frame IS the "wire" to the motor brush.  Those can be tricky to isolate the motor, not to mention finding enough space to fit the decoder in, and finally tricky to keep the frame from touching the decoder.

[tomikawaTT]

You have a good-size roster - BUT, what kind of railroad are you planning to model?

If you're only going to run one locomotive at a time, or planning to orbit a train on the loop while you put your attention on switching the yard or a small industrial district, analog DC might meet your simple needs - especially if you can live without fancy lighting and sound effects.

OTOH, if you want to run several trains on a single-track main, making meets and doing the peddler freight thing in between higher priority trains, DCC is the simpler solution.  (The other answer is MZL, which is wiring intensive.)

So, how do I operate, and why?  My roster consists mainly of mid-twentieth century brass (all of which runs quite well, thank you, Brother Bernier) and I use the MZL system with analog DC to attempt to duplicate the traffic of a moderately busy secondary main (Only one express and two local passenger trains PER HOUR, each way, plus freights - with engine changes.)  It works for me, but I've been using this system for forty years.  Since the system I'm using meets my simple needs, I haven't been tempted to spend the price of a couple of 2013 locomotives to provide myself with dcc base station, boosters, controllers and decoders.  I have other uses for my money.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with 1960s control technology)

[cacole]

dstarr

To run DCC, each locomotive must be equipped with a decoder.  Plain decoders are in the $25 range and you have to install them your self.

If you're paying $25 for a plain vanilla decoder you're getting them from the wrong source.  NCE D13SRJ decoders can be had for as little as $13 each in packs of 10 from Empire Train and Hobby in Webster, New York.  Even other brands such as Digitrax should be less than $25 if you shop around.

[dstarr]

drooniem

HI all. I'm new to the forum, but have questions. I have collected HO steam and diesel locos for 30 yrs. I'm now planning on starting a layout. Given the age of my locos is it feasible to go with DCC? What kind of expense and availability will I have to convert my present locos to DCC. And how do I go about doing that? Many are Bachman. Some others I bought just for show and I may not run them. Thanks for your help.

   DCC is fantastic when you have multiple operators running multiple trains all at the same time.  It also costs money.   But, if you are building a home layout of which you will be the lone operator, DCC won't do much for you.  If you are thinking about operating sessions with  half a dozen operators, then DCC has a lot to offer.  My home layout is straight DC, I am the only operator, and things are just fine.

   To run DCC, each locomotive must be equipped with a decoder.  Plain decoders are in the $25 range and you have to install them your self.  Newer locomotives have a connector inside and the decoder just plugs in (DCC ready they call themselves).  Older locomotives, say Athearn BB, will require soldering.  If you have a lot of DC locomotives, figure an evenings work  on each loco to install the decoder. 

   If you decide to go with DCC, it's perfectly doable.  If you decide you don't need it, that's good too. 

[gandydancer19]

Things have changed so much in the past 15 to 20 years, I would suggest that you review what you want in a layout. I have been in Model Railroading for over 40 years with DCC for the past 15 years or so. With DCC you run your locomotive and not the layout. My present layout (started 5 years ago) is simpler that my other ones. (A single track mainline that goes around the room twice, changing levels.) The reason? New electronic systems and DCC.

I only have enough locomotives on my layout to do the work the railroad requires. All of them have sound. That makes the layout more realistic. It is also fully signaled. Today's locomotives can be purchased with DCC and sound already installed.

The locomotives in the Bowser Executive line are my favorites. They seem to be heavier and better runners than anything else, plus the details are outstanding. Pricey? Yes, but you get what you pay for. If you do have a favorite older locomotive that you really like, yes, you can put a DCC decoder in it, even sound, but make sure it runs really good first. I have done that with an older Roundhouse RS-3. I wouldn't try to convert ALL of your older locomotives.

Just as electronic technology has changed, so have model locomotive drives. Today's drives are much better that the drives of 15 years ago. The materials are better and the tolerances tighter, making for a better drive.

For your other locomotives? - put up a display case or sell them on eBay.

[jrbernier]

  What HO engines are we talking about?  Brass engines are usually poor runners on DC, and will not be any better on DCC.  The rather poor electrical pick on these models can be a real issue.  You can convert them, but how much work/expense are you willing to invest?

  Old Athearn 'Blue Box' engines can be converted, but again what are you willing to spend in time & money.  I have two Athearn diesels that I have converted to DCC and perhaps another 10-12 I have done for friends.  Re-wiring, and replacing the 'sintered' iron wheels with n/s wheels is almost a 'must'(even for DC).  I have a fleet of older models that are detailed/painted, and I have never converted - They are 'hanger queens' on a display shelf - Just not worth my time to convert them.  Many have been sold off over the past years at local train shows.

  If you are going to convert engines, you can buy basic DCC decoders for around $15 each.  Since most of your engines are not DCC Ready - Figure an evenings work to convert each of them.  You will need to be able to do soldering.....

Jim

[Rastafarr]

Welcome aboard, Droonie!

Converting DC locos to DCC is one of those 'how long is a piece of string' questions. What's your vision for this? Simple or complex?

Each of your locos will need a computer receiver, called a decoder, to operate on DCC. Basic, operating two-function decoders being installed into a 'dcc-friendly' loco will cost around $25 bucks per loco and eat up around an hour of your time. Sound decoders being shoehorned into a 30-year-old Athearn Blue Box loco will cost $100-$150 per loco and may take weeks of trial-and-error to get it right (and a number of fried decoders). Feasible, yes. Easy? No. Worth it? Depends on what you're after.

If all you want is continuous run around a loop or two, stick with DC; it works just fine. If you want yard switching, realistic operations, and multiple operators, DCC will save you from a nightmarish wiring job. That was enough incentive or me to make the leap.

Stu

[drooniem]

HI all. I'm new to the forum, but have questions. I have collected HO steam and diesel locos for 30 yrs. I'm now planning on starting a layout. Given the age of my locos is it feasible to go with DCC? What kind of expense and availability will I have to convert my present locos to DCC. And how do I go about doing that? Many are Bachman. Some others I bought just for show and I may not run them. Thanks for your help.