I've been gone for 20 years, help an old guy understand all this new stuff

[Anonymous]

Hey,

I had a train set about 20 years ago. Ex wife has it now, but lets not go there till I know you all better. :-)

I want to get back into it, but I'm really confused on a lot of things that probably seem simple to others. Maybe I'll just start randomly asking questions and if you can help me, please chime in

Thanks in advance, Jim

- As someone starting from scratch, the new DCC stuff seem like the way to go, right wrong ? What are the best places / brands to start?

- I don't see engines advertised though that mention DCC 'ready' or the exquiavlent? As I understand it, all my engines will need a little DCC PC board in them, right? I'd sure like to get new engines ready for this.

- My old set was DC with blocks and elctrical switches, DCC takes care of the blocks I think, but what about switchs? does a DCC controller work with those too or is it a seperate AC connection?

- Atlas True-Track seems like a good place to start as well, comments? Does it still use the little metal connetion tabs between each track piece? There seems to be a bunch of new type of track that 'snaps' together, is this better, is it compatible with this type of Atals track

Finally, is there such a thing as a DCC starter kit with track, an engine etc? something to jump start me or should I just build up piecemeal

Thanks again, if I get help on these things, I'm sure I'll be back with more dumb questions.

[trainfan1221]

Well, welcome back to the hobby. Yes, a lot has changed and there is a whole new way of doing things. Unfortunately, I don`t have the time right now to do much but tell you that you might have to do some research for all the new stuff. I am not into DCC myself, so I'm sure the other people on this board can assist. But then, there is also a whole new model railroad world to explore. Good luck and keep us updated.

[jwmurrayjr]

Jim,

I just got back into the hobby after over 20 years too. I've been working on a layout for about 2 years now.

Maybe you can get some ideas from my web site at the link below. If you have any question, just send me an email or post them here.

Have fun!
[:)]

[egmurphy]

Welcome to the forum Jim, and welcome back to the hobby. [#welcome]

I'm not into DCC either, but you might want to look at a thread titled "DCC and Newbies to the Hobby", as it pertains to your situation. Right now it's back in the middle of page 3 of the forum index. Among other stuff it included these links to beginner info on DCC posted by 'conford':

www.wiringfordcc.com
www.tonystrains.com (vendor with beginner info)
www.litchfieldstation.com (vendor with beginner info)
www.digitrax.com (manufacturer with basic info)

There's a wealth of other info on DCC here, you might just try the forum search function.

Yeah, track still uses rail joiners both for mechanical connection and to transmit electricity (although most also use additional feeders rather than rely on rail joiners alone). I suspect the track system you are referring to involves molded roadbed, as well as the traditional ties, that has an additional clip molded in the base to keep the sections together. Power is still transmitted through the rail joiners, iirc.

As trainfan said, someone with more dcc experience will probably add better info.

Regards

Ed

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by plane_crazy

Hey,
I had a train set about 20 years ago. Ex wife has it now, but lets not go there ... Maybe I'll just start randomly asking questions and if you can help me, please chime in - Jim
As someone starting from scratch:
(1)the new DCC stuff seem like the way to go, right wrong ? What are the best places / brands to start?

DCC eliminates much of the wiring / Blocks - but at a price - go for it.
Don't go for the MOST expensive; OR cheapest. How many CABs do you want?

QUOTE: (2) I don't see engines advertised though that mention DCC 'ready' or the exquiavlent? As I understand it, all my engines will need a little DCC PC board in them, right? I'd sure like to get new engines ready for this.

Since you're starting from scratch, I'd recommend ATLAS engines with DCC already installed, for starters.

QUOTE: (3)My old set was DC with blocks and elctrical switches, DCC takes care of the blocks I think, but what about switchs? does a DCC controller work with those too or is it a seperate AC connection?

Essentially DCC is one big block. but switches need to be thrown. There are a couple of exceptions - but they are exceptions, so we don't need to go into them here.

QUOTE: (4) Atlas True-Track seems like a good place to start as well, comments? Does it still use the little metal connetion tabs between each track piece? There seems to be a bunch of new type of track that 'snaps' together, is this better, is it compatible with this type of Atals track?

. Basically the new 'Snap togerther' track includes the roadbed. It's plus is ease of assembling. Minusses are electrical going through more track joints

QUOTE: (5)Finally, is there such a thing as a DCC starter kit with track, an engine etc? something to jump start me or should I just build up piecemeal?

Probably, but unlikely the combination you want. There will always be a trade-off of price vs. skill level

[Anonymous]

ER-Models sells a DCC equiped starter set. It is made for them by ROCO and includes a ROCO DCC equiped GP-35 in your choice of CSX or Union Pacific, a Gondola, two box cars and a circle of track. The ROCO DCC system reviewed well as in intermediate level DCC system. However on a personal note I think the system computer mouse like controls would be a little akward for me manipulate. I am kind of a old fashioned sort so I prefer to be given a traditional style walk around throttle, or have the throttle componets mounted on the control panel, (LIke on the Digitrax Zephyr unit, or Easy DCC Command Station/Throttle unit)

Welcome back to the hobby and I wish you many years of enjoyment ahead.

James

[Don Gibson]

QUOTE: Originally posted by plane_crazy

Hey,

I- As someone starting from scratch, the new DCC stuff seem like the way to go, right wrong ? What are the best places / brands to start? -

I've had some 2nd thoughts on this - forgive me.
1. DCC is still too new for opinions. Basically everyone that has it LIKES it - and not surprisingly everyone thinks whatever brand they HAVE is best. (Sorta like a honeymoon) . We haven't heard from anyone on their 3rd (or 2nd) marriages ('system') yet.

2.Those with a lot of engines should have 4 digit addressing.

3. Radio (or wireless) control is a big plus (Walk along with your train - fix shorts, etc.)

4. DCC's weakness is signals have to travel through the track - even with wireless - and rail joints can become 'iffy'. BEST results are obtained by running a separate heavy copper buss wire to feed EACH rail section. Therefor sectional track would be a poor choice because it offers more joints and opportunity for signal loss.

I know there is some out there who has DCC and sectional track and will swear they "haven't had any problems". What's missing is the word "YET".

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by plane_crazy

- As someone starting from scratch, the new DCC stuff seem like the way to go, right wrong ? What are the best places / brands to start?

Digitrax, NCE, and Lenz are the big names in DCC in the USA. Lenz is a Germany company that invented DCC as we now it today. The Atlas DCC system, and the forth coming one offered by Bachmann are both made by Lenz.

I have Digitrax, because the club I belong to, before our move last year, uses Digitrax.

QUOTE:
- I don't see engines advertised though that mention DCC 'ready' or the exquiavlent? As I understand it, all my engines will need a little DCC PC board in them, right? I'd sure like to get new engines ready for this.

Atlas, Broadway Limited and Lionel currently offer HO scale locomotives that are ready to go with DCC, just stick them on the track. Life Like Proto 2000, Bachmann and Athearn have announced locomotives with this capability. Many locomotives today are "DCC Ready" in that they have provision for installing a decoder, most using the NMRA standard 8 pin connector, some the 9 pin and some (tiny locomotives) just have solder pads.

QUOTE:
- My old set was DC with blocks and elctrical switches, DCC takes care of the blocks I think, but what about switchs? does a DCC controller work with those too or is it a seperate AC connection?

Your choice there. If you are planning on using twin coil switch machines (like Atlas, etc), consider a seperate CD supply. I strongly recommend Tortise or similar stall motor machines, which draw low enough current that it is not a big deal to run them directly off the rails in a DCC layout, using appropriate stationary decoders to control them.

QUOTE:
- Atlas True-Track seems like a good place to start as well, comments? Does it still use the little metal connetion tabs between each track piece? There seems to be a bunch of new type of track that 'snaps' together, is this better, is it compatible with this type of Atals track

My preference for operation, is Atlas code 100 flex with Peco switches.

QUOTE:
Finally, is there such a thing as a DCC starter kit with track, an engine etc? something to jump start me or should I just build up piecemeal

Bachmann will be offering something along this line this fall. The Roco set mentioned above are horribly expensive, and I believe no longer imported.

You did not mention what era you are interested in modeling, nor what railroad(s). With that information, we can make specific recommendations on locomotives, and other items.

[brothaslide]

Jim,

Welcome back.

Here's the first thing you'll notice - it's way more expensive now!!!!!!!

My suggestion is to buy some books and mags at your Local Hobby Store (LHS), start reading and get inspried. Try some simple projects at first; build some simple blue box athearn kits. Build a few Walthers structures, and then try your hand at weathering and going for a more detailed look on your modles.

What ever it is you do, just go for it and have a great time.

Take care,