DC vs. DCC

[Anonymous]

Could someone please tell me the difference between DC and DCC? Which one is better? Also, I've been looking at new Rivarossi Big Boys online, and they have two models, "powered locomotive" and "digital". Would it be possible for you guys to tell me the difference between them?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy
Which one is better?

Oh boy you just opened a big can of worms!

I'll let another tell you which is better. the war is about to begin and i'm seeking cover ;P

as for the difference between "powered locomotive" and "digital"., i'd have to say the Digital one is DCC ready, where as the Powered would require work to put a decoder in.

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

Which one is better?

Let's all agree to disagree and save ourselves some typing!

4884bigboy, if you just look around this forum I think you will find more than enough
pros and cons of each operational method. Dave

[Anonymous]

The short answer is that for the great majority of layouts, DCC is a better way to go. If you are early into the hobby, go DCC and save yourself some money buy not purchasing traditional goodies to run DC that you will eventually abandon, particularly if you are a younger person entering the hobby.

DCC brings you sound, auto-uncoupling, powered routing (certain turnouts thrown all at once with the issuance of one command - great for staging for example), less reliance on track power, consisting (multiple lash ups), speed modifications with speed steps, working lights and bells, and I'm sure other things I have forgotten.

I am reminded of an old boss who went out and purchased a new IBM Selectric typewriter (electric typewriter) because he felt it was just as good as a computer, when I requested a computer. So you have some who are committed to DC for some very good reasons, the best being its up and running so why modify it, another being they have so many engines it would cost a fortune to convert to DCC.

A digital engine is DCC, powered is DC. And now I am off to run on a friends layout who has vowed he will never convert to DCC. I am willing to put money on the fact he eventually will, but right now he is nearly finished all his complex DC wiring in his basement empire, so he doesn't want to spend the money on DCC.

[Anonymous]

So if I buy the digital one will it still run with a regular power back I got in a Bachman set? And if not, is it hard to install DCC stuff onto the layout?

[Anonymous]

If you have a dual mode decoder, You can run it on both DCC and DC layouts. Digitrax and NCE both make automatic ones but on the Atlas Dual Mode decode you have to throw a switch on the decoder to pic the mode.

DCC is not hard to install on a model railroad, Its just different. DCC wiring is very simple compared to block control wiring. I reccomend visiting the site www.wiringfordcc.com to get a better understanding of the necessities required for wiring in DCC.

[Anonymous]

Your Bachman power pack is garbage. The first thing newbies are taught is to get rid of the train set power pack. Power packs for dc are usually power light weights, even if they claim they aren't. A normal power pack has to only power one or two engines maximum due to the way electricity is routed to the engine. With DCC, the power pack (and booster) may be powering many engines, so the system needs more power.

Hooking up DCC to a smaller newbie layout usually is almost as complicated as hooking up your traditional power pack (DC). However things start to get interesting with the decoders. If you have a "plug and play" engine (DCC Ready) then it isn't too bad, however on other engines, especially if they are older, soldering might be required.

[Anonymous]

No offense, but I think the Bachman pack is o.k. for now, the layout will probably be 5x8. It's just that I'm only 13, so the amount of stuff I can buy is limited. I plan on getting 1or 2 locomotives, some rolling stock and passenger cars, and a DCC power pack. If what you say is true, than it shouldn't be that hard to install a decoder into the locos and hook up all the wiring.[:)] (can't wait to get started)[:D]

[Anonymous]

Go for it.