DCC & N Scale Engines

[Anonymous]

Those of you are currently modeling in N Scale and who are using DCC may be able to help me. After a 10+ year hiatus from the hobby, I am trying to breathe life back into my N scale aspirations. I am fortunate that I have an extensive collection of cars, but I am engine poor. I also know that I will be purchasing a DCC system in the next month or so. I am not in an area where I can see many of the systems operate but I have been reading and surfing as much as I can.
I am leaning towards the Lenz system, Digitrax looks good for a runner up. I would like feedback from you N scalers - when it comes to DCC which is:

Most N Scale friendly? Why? Is it decoder size?
What other companies do you like?
What company offers the best range of N scale sized products?
Where will I find instructions/assistance on installing decoders in different brands & models of engines?
Are there engines I wont be able to run or use due to inability to install a decoder?
Which engines brand & models have you had success with?
All additional helpful information that you wi***o provide ;)

Thanks
Chris
[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

When it comes to DCC systems, you'll have a good start with either the Lenz or Digitrax systems. They are both leaders in the industry. I started with the Digitrax "Genesis" system, which is all you need to get started, and it has the lowest price (of the two). I feel that the Atlas and MRC systems are too limited, but are cheaper. You can use any decoder with any system. Two you should look at are the Digitrax DZ121, or the new Lenz LE0-077. If you are "engine poor", just purchase your new motive power with decoders already installed. They cost more, but you don't have to buy a separate decoder, then install it. For installation tips, go to the Digitrax web site www.digitrax.com, and they have pages of install tips and tricks, even step-by-step instructions. You can run just about any loco on DCC (even without a decoder, they will run in analog mode, on address "00"). Older locos with inferior motors won't do as well, and may even burn out. I've lost a few Bachmanns this way. I have a fleet of mixed brands. I have more Atlas product, mostly SD-60 / 60M / SD-50's, also some GP-40's, and the B23-7. I also have several Kato's, C30-7's, SD-40's, and SD-45. My Bachmann dash-8's, have made good dummies, but in all fairness, some people swear by them. These were the same locos I used at train shows for 2-years, running about 8-hours a day for days. They may have been worn-out prior to the decoder install. I'm thinking about re-trying them at a later date. My next purchase with be 6+ of the Kato SD-90/43, probably using the Lenz LE0-077 decoders. The best tip is; have no fear. It's not simple, but it's not rocket science either. If I can do it, you can certantly do this. Take your time, and learn by the numbers, and you'll be just fine. Welcome to an exciting new world! This IS the "golden age" of N-scale railroading! MOPAC 1

[Anonymous]

Thanks Mopac, I appreciate your time and positive comments. I initially hadn't found a whole lot of DCC ready stuff in FA's, F units and E Units from the 50's era I like, but I looked a little harder and found some and the North Raleigh N Scale club had some great instructions on adding decoders so I think I'm going to get past this fear of junking my first engine purchase in 15+ years. Now I just have to decide on the operating features of the two DCC systems.

Still open to anyone elses comments!

Thanks again
Chris

[Anonymous]

Chris,
I decided to go DCC shortly after work on my N-Scale layout started. I didn't want to spend a lot of time crawling under my layout to do some wiring. So I bought a Digitrax Big-Boy system to start with. The setup of the system was not really userfriendly. But the newer systems are far better, just plug in and play. I replaced my Big-Boy with the latest ChiefII. Now it's running absolutetly perfect. On all my 20 Atlas and almost 50 Kato's I'm running Digitrax decoders. If you have older engines which are not DCC-ready just send the frames to Aztec Mfg. They'll mill your frame to fit a decoder. Also included is a exact description how to install the decoder in specific models. The newer models of Atlas and Kato are DCC-ready. Simply replace the board on top of the frame. Programming the decoders is very easy. With some skills you'll be able to install a decoder in almost every model. Though I'd suggest to use only Atlas/Kato engines. They perform especially well when converted to DCC. My Kato C44 are able to run as slow as one inch in 3 minutes !
After all I simply recommend going DCC with Digitrax. This systems works without any problems and if you accidentally destroy a decoder there's a very good customer support at Digitrax.
Feel free to mail me for further informations. I'll be happy to share my experiences. Since I live in Switzerland (Europe) it's hard to find any other DCC-modelers.

have fun

Sandro
[e-mail]