train layout question

[ron.kissel]

Thanks to all after researching dcc I now understand how I can do what I originally wanted

[richhotrain]

cacole

I've been there, done that -- and I would never start with DC block control again.  Start with DCC because your wiring will be so much simpler.  

I converted a club HO scale 20 x 40 foot layout from DC to DCC only, and eliminated at least two miles of wire, close to 100 toggle switches on five control panels, plus 20 walk-around throttle LAN connections.  

Amen to that.

I started out like the OP is thinking about.

Four ovals, one inside the other with gapped crossovers and four DC power packs.

I quickly converted to DCC and life has never been better, or easier.

I no longer have the four ovals, having expanded to a much larger layout and a double main line, running four trains at once.

Rich

[cacole]

I've been there, done that -- and I would never start with DC block control again.  Start with DCC because your wiring will be so much simpler.  

I converted a club HO scale 20 x 40 foot layout from DC with plug-in walk-around controllers to DCC only with radio control throttles, and eliminated at least two miles of wire, close to 100 toggle switches on five control panels, plus 20 walk-around throttle LAN connections.  

We use the NCE ProCab Radio throttles and have eliminated all of the control panels.  Turnouts that can be reached to throw by hand are either Atlas with a Caboose Industries ground throw or Peco which need no ground throw.

The few turnouts that are not within reach for manual throw have either a Tortoise or SwitchMaster machine connected, and the toggle switches for them are mounted inside PVC pipe caps that are recessed into the fascia at the locations where the turnouts are, so there is no guesswork as to which switch controls which turnout, and no need for a track diagram or control panel.

[zstripe]

Ron.Kissel,

 To The Forums. One little suggestion, If you decide to go with DC first, don't wire it for common rail wiring and cab control with one insulated rail for the common,,wire it for two insulated rail wiring for, block control and cab control. It will be easier to switch to DCC that way,should you so choose later. The books that ''JaBear'' suggested,will probably tell you about DC and block wiring..

Cheers, 

Frank

[ron.kissel]

Probably dc at first but im open to opinions and thanks in advance to all who help

[Steven S]

Are you planning to run DC or DCC? 

Steve S

["JaBear"]

Gidday Ron,   to the forum.

Simple answer to all four questions, YES.

BUT, while you'll get great advise here, though can get confusing at times, , what I'd suggest is that if you have a local model railroad club, go pay them a visit, (  a picture being worth a 1000 words etc) or visit our hosts shop......... 

http://www.kalmbachstore.com/modeltrains-railroading-model-railroading-books-getting-started-series.html

or

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Basic+Model+Railroading&oq=Basic+Model+Railroading&gs_l=youtube.12...3353.12957.0.14808.23.22.0.1.1.0.328.3168.12j1j4j5.22.0...0.0   (possibly more confusion)

Most importantly Have Fun. 

Cheers, the Bear.

[ron.kissel]

Im new to railroading and i have a few questions first off can i run three seperate track but yet have the option of switching engines back and forth from track to track and can i cross another track with a different track and is it possible to use just one railyard for all three tracks