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[quote user="el-capitan"][quote user="Alan_B"][Not picking on you as an individual; however, most of this thread is pure BS.  You are assuming that block control is only used on DC.  It can be used equally well on DCC if you want to.  Block control is not related to DC or DCC.  It is a means of controlling track power.  The actual running of trains is determined by the operation of the DC power pak or the DCC throttle. I have used DC and now have DCC and will never go back. [/quote]Why do I get so much static anytime I point out that DCC is not perfect? I know what DC is and I know what DCC is. But I have never heard of anyone setting up blocks for separate cabs on a DCC layout. Many people with larger DCC layouts have and should be able to break down large layouts into smaller areas by installing isolation switches to make it easier to find shorts. Other than that every DCC layout I have ever been to has always ran a buss wire the entire length of rail for power.Are you suggesting I replace my four DC throttles with four separate boosters and run four independant DCC cabs? I wouldn't see the point (aside from better sound and lighting features) of making this huge investment in DCC. Do you know any one who has ever done this? Please explain.The best two things DCC has going for it are multitrain operation and simple wiring. If you take those things away much of the allure of DCC is lost.And please keep in mind, the title of this thread is "The quest for the ultimate Multi-train system". I am only trying to point out that DC with block control is not perfect and DCC is likewise not perfect and what I would want in the ultimate system. DCC has done more to help this hobby since electricity was standardized. I know how great it is. I want it better. Also, I'm not picking on you as an individual, but you are yet another in a long line of DCC faithfuls not able to admit that there is a higher risk of collisions on (non-block) DCC layouts. [/quote]Individual block control, with more than one cab, is the only way to run multiple trains with DC (unless one throttle setting works for more than one engine).  Independent control, under DC, can only be obtained with multiple cabs (and therefore multiple blocks).  None of this is necessary with DCC.A good number of DCC run layouts have multiple blocks (sometimes called power districts).  My layout has 8 power districts all run from the same power source and all accessible from multiple throttles and all isolated from each other. Only one of them has a switch (I use the switch to switch from operating track to programming track to OFF).  I use tail light bulbs as isolators and current limiters.  I chose not to install switches for each block.  The light bulb is a visual indicator of shorts (opens are obvious from a stopped train with no throttle control).  I could use as many districts as I want and could put switches in each.Unlike DC, I can operate several trains from one throttle, each with different speeds/direction: OR I can use several throttles for several trains.What you "normally" see is that people realize that the complicated wiring required for DC multi train operation, is not necessary (meaning that it is optional) for DCC.  It could be used for DCC; therefore the issue in BS when comparing systems, unless you understand that it is required for DC and optional for DCC.The beauty of DCC is the simplified wiring that is actually required and the lack of switches needed to run trains.  You tend to spend time with the enjoyment of running trains and not with the necessary DC task of operating switches just to keep trains running.  Neither system will prevent operator induced errors or problems.If you want control; you can have it with either system.  If you want simplicity and just the enjoyment of running trains, DCC is the best choice.
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