DC or DCC?

[Anonymous]

Since I'm redoing my layout and restarting from scratch I'm going to use DCC.

[Anonymous]

At present I can use both DC & DCC on my layout and would like to keep it that way.

[cmrproducts]

Having used DC for most of my modeling life and then the Keller Onboard command control (pre-dcc) and now Radio DCC, I would never go back to anything else.

Being able to walk around with the train and not having to worry about getting the track toggles set is great. And the wiring is so much simpler (as I do not use or need signals on my prototype Conrail Lowgrade layout).

And now with sound coming (which I am not totally convinced I need it yet!) will probably only get better.

BOB H Clarion, PA

[AntonioFP45]

Am currently in the process of researching and obtaining DCC components. Going with Digitrax. Have heard and read a lot of good things about the products and the ease of use. Decoders will be Soundtraxx and Digitrax.

[cmitcham]

just one trip across a reversing section with dcc, and you will never,never look back!

calvin.

[Anonymous]

Haven't we done this poll a few times now? Or should I check Litchfield Station.

[Anonymous]

I use DC right now, but when I start my layout, I'll be going with Digitrax DCC.

[Anonymous]

Tore down my old 4x8 recently, now building a u-shaped around the walls layout, and went with Digitrax DCC this time. In fact, had my first successful installation of a DCC decoder in one of my old Atlas/Kato engines yesterday. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be, and it'll only get easier as I do more.

[jfugate]

Having operated on DC based club layouts back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, then moving to command control on my own layout in 1991, and then DCC in 1993, and wireless DCC in 2000 ...

I'm totally sold on wireless DCC. And now that I'm adding sound bit by bit, it doesn't get much better than this!

Wireless DCC really shines when I have guest operators come during our prototype-based monthly op sessions on the Siskiyou Line. We hand them a wireless throttle, show them how to "dial up" a loco lashup, and away they go! That's all they ever need to know about the layout wiring.

[jrbernier]

Wireless DCC - Would never go back!

Jim Bernier

[ClinchValleySD40]

DCC - best money I've ever spent in the hobby.

[rexhea]

DCC! Allows for much more realistic operations.

[Noah Hofrichter]

Right now I'm DC, as I have a layout small enough it's not worth DCC quite yet. You can bet on the fact that my next big layout will be DCC, as I don't ever want to wire blocks again!!

Noah

[Anonymous]

1394 and counting

[jfugate]

Geez guys, I think it's best to just drop it ... (Antonio and dgoodlander)

I spoke with Bruce at Litchfield Station at length in Seattle. He attended my DCC clinic and made many excellent suggestions on options I might use for some things I wanted to try.

I can see why everyone speaks so highly of Litchfield Station. Bruce is not affiliated with any of the manufaturers, and he is a wealth of practical knowledge about any and all products DCC. I know of few others with the depth of experience in all the systems that Bruce exhibits.

Combine that with his eager willingness to help and you have a winning combination, indeed!

[Anonymous]

NCE DCC since 1998 [:D]
Not giving up my DCC til they pry my cold dead fingers off my controller!!

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jfugate

Geez guys, I think it's best to just drop it ... (Antonio and dgoodlander)

Looks like Bergie deleted the "Redundancy" topic.

You're right Joe! (You too Dharmon)

Dgoodlander, I'm cool with you.

I've enjoyed and benefited from this forum too much to let it be spoiled! This is supposed to be about enjoying the model railroading, not biting each other like rats in a cage! Many of us already do that on the job! [V][;)]

Cheers with an E7 in Run 8! [8)][4:-)][C=:-)][C):-)][#ditto][swg][tup]

[darth9x9]

DCC is the wave of the future....you might as well get a surfboard and ride this cool wave for a long, long time.

[Anonymous]

Can't afford DCC yet, plus I would have to convert my whole layout wiring and engines over, which would take time. But eventually I will have it!

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ChessieGP-30

Can't afford DCC yet, plus I would have to convert my whole layout wiring and engines over, which would take time. But eventually I will have it!

Chessie, [:D]

I saw quite a few DCC control systems, components, and decoders on Ebay. [8D] This could be an option for you. Starting bid prices look very good, though caution is required, especially when purchasing individual electronic products like decoders.

Always a good idea to check the seller's background and feedback comments. [;)]I almost posted a bid on an item from Hobby Circle until I checked the feedback comments. Majority were positive, but there were enough bad replies that had the same type of "Bad Service" complaints to make me decide not to avoid them altogether and not post a bid. I talked to a good friend that buys a lot of train itmes on Ebay. I suggested that he avoid that seller.[:0]

Remember, do your homework if you do take the Ebay route. You can get some decent deals there.

God Bless!

[simon1966]

I switched to DCC less than a month ago. I am never going back!

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by simon1966

I switched to DCC less than a month ago. I am never going back!

Simon,

What sytem are you using? What brand of decoders?

[michealfarley]

I also have switched within the last 6 weeks or so, using NCE products exclusively at the moment. I love it. Those flashing beacons look so much better than the Details West ones I used to have.

[Anonymous]

I have a small N-scale layout that can't legitimately run two trains at once, so I didn't even bother wiring in blocks for DC operation. I'm not saying that DCC doesn't have a place in such a layout, as there are other considerations for DCC, like constant lighting on the engines, sound, and accessory control, but I'm not interested in those. Even with E-bay, it is still an expense that I personally don't have any use for, so I will stay with DC for now.

That doesn't mean that I won't change over for some reason down the line. But I'll spend the money on it at that time.

---jps

[AggroJones]

Straight DC for now.

I was thinking of having part of the layout under DCC control and part wired for DC, so I can better comand the BLI steamers. We'll see.

BTW for DC control, the best transformer probably is the MRC ControlMaster 20. It cost a pretty penny, but it provides smooth flat line power. Locos run cooler.

[CP5415]

DCC sounds amazing but with the size of layout I have I think I'm going to stick with DC for the time being especially since I now have 42 locomotives that do not have any DCC decoders installed & the start up costs is something I cannot afford right now.

Gordon

[cacole]

You should have had a third choice -- BOTH. I wired for both so younger people who cannot afford decoders can still run their trains.