PatKen007 why would someone go with DC instead of DCC?
why would someone go with DC instead of DCC?
SpaceMouseThis may be slightly off topic, but the best way to save money buying locomotives is to only buy ones that can be used on your layout.
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I second this whole heartily. I only have 20-30 locomotives, and I have a list of what each one does, its role on the layout, and where it fits in staging and on the layout. If you don't do this, you will spend a lot of $$$ you don't need to.
I have three Oriental Powerhouse light USRA 2-8-2 as spares.
PatKen007why would someone go with DC instead of DCC?
In my case it is because I have collected a fleet of Brass steam locomotives and Stewart/Kato F units that I really do not want to go through the bother of converting to DCC. I also do not like sound, which is where DCC really shines.
I rarely will, if ever, change locomotive consists, so that feature is not necessary.
Plus, I am comfortable with my ability to operate, assemble, maintain, and troubleshoot DC controls.
Someone just starting out should not even consider DC in my oppinion. It is right for me, right now, but there are so many advantages to DCC, so that is most likely your correct choice.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
floridaflyerand there are fans of each system
The lead locomotive in that picture is an Athearn BNSF Ready To Roll Dash 9-44CW in Heritage II livery, Item number 80891
This is a DC locomotive which doesn't come with sound. It will run with a DC transformer.
If you want all the 'bells and whistles' you will need a DCC transformer.
If you want sound this model also needs an optional DCC decoder chip which is not included but will snap in.
This is a very popular locomotive. There are similar models which already have the chip installed. Look for ones that advertise, 'with sound'.
floridaflyer Agree with other posters. Given that you are very new, reading up on how to power your locos is important. the older style, called DC, puts power to the track and by changing the direction of the power, the loco changes direction. With the newer system, called DCC, the power to the track remains constant and thru a decoder in the loco you control the loco's direction. You can have locos stopped or moving in opposite directions on the same track with DCC. With DC if the direction of the current is changed, all locos on the track will change direction. This is a very simple explanation, and there are fans of each system. All the manufacturers mentioned will provide good locos. The cost for a power pack in DC can run from $30 up, a starter set for DCC, three to six times that. The cost for a DCC loco with sound is roughly $100 more than a DC loco. All costs can vary depending on what make, and where, you purchase your loco.Again, it isn't rocket science but reading up on the subject will make you way more knowledgeable.
Agree with other posters. Given that you are very new, reading up on how to power your locos is important. the older style, called DC, puts power to the track and by changing the direction of the power, the loco changes direction. With the newer system, called DCC, the power to the track remains constant and thru a decoder in the loco you control the loco's direction. You can have locos stopped or moving in opposite directions on the same track with DCC. With DC if the direction of the current is changed, all locos on the track will change direction. This is a very simple explanation, and there are fans of each system.
All the manufacturers mentioned will provide good locos. The cost for a power pack in DC can run from $30 up, a starter set for DCC, three to six times that. The cost for a DCC loco with sound is roughly $100 more than a DC loco. All costs can vary depending on what make, and where, you purchase your loco.Again, it isn't rocket science but reading up on the subject will make you way more knowledgeable.
wow thank you for the info
All the major manufacturers make what you want. If you want sound and lights, along with bells, and horns, you should consider going with DCC right from the start. All of the DCC manufactures make beginner sets.
You can go with DC and still get some features, not sure about sound, but directional lighting (running your loco forward or reverse) is availiable.
I suggest doing some reading and research to figure out what you want.
Mike.
My You Tube
tstageWhat would be helpful to know: What era of diesel are you interested in, if any? - Early? 1st generation? 2nd generation? Modern? Do you like small or large diesels? - This will be dictated somewhat by #1 Are you planning to eventually build a layout? What type of power system do you want to control your layout? Are you interested in sound or locomotives with light-effects?
1 & 2. https://pin.it/omjhj4sg7ic3ss this is the kinda locomotive i like
3. yes i will build my layout 4x8 or maby a bit more bigger
4. No idea what type i need, i need to learn whgat they are
5. yes light and sound
What we know so far:
What would be helpful to know:
Since it appears you are quite a newbie, a book like this might be a wise starting point for you. You'll learn important basic terminology that will both help you make more informed choices, as well as decisions of what exactly you want or desire to accomlish.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
PatKen007 gdelmoro are you looking for DC? DCC? N? HO? Do you have a preferred decoder? I am still a newbee, so I have no idea what DC, DCC means. all I know us that I want diesel an HO scale. is there a buying guide I can read for acquiring a locomotive?
gdelmoro are you looking for DC? DCC? N? HO? Do you have a preferred decoder?
I am still a newbee, so I have no idea what DC, DCC means. all I know us that I want diesel an HO scale. is there a buying guide I can read for acquiring a locomotive?
[Response reformated by moderator for clarity]
Wait, you need to know what type of control system you want, the two most common are DC and DCC but these are not the only ones. Maybe I worded this incorectly because they both use DC. There are other ways to power stuff too and other control systems.
gdelmoroare you looking for DC? DCC? N? HO? Do you have a preferred decoder?
BigDaddyIf not brass, maybe the question should be what manufacturer you should be looking at? That might depend on what era you are modeling, are you looking for steam or diesel?
I will go for diesel. I dont know about brass, never heard of it.
Through the decades, I have accumulated 300+ locomotives. Run only straight DC on my layout. Had good luck with Atlas, Athearn BB and Genesis, P2K, BLI, Bachman, Kato, Intermountain, and Rivarossi. Recently got 2 Scale Trains Rivet Counter ES44AC T4 unit’s and I am very impressed with their offerings. My old Rivarossi steam locomotives dating back to @ 1975 still running fine. Over the past two Christmas seasons I was given as gifts 7 Walthers SD70ace and 1 SD60m locomotives and everyone of them required repair out of the box (broken handrails, couplers,snowplow, and lights). If I choose to acquire more locomotives, Walthers will not be an option. This has been my personal experience with their products.......draw your own conclusions.
BigDaddy There is quality and then there is quality. What about brass? More likely to hold it's value if not increase in value. If not brass, maybe the question should be what manufacturer you should be looking at? That might depend on what era you are modeling, are you looking for steam or diesel? If you go to a good old fashioned model train store, (and I know they are no longer plentiful) you can get some guidance and direction. If you call one of the big mail order houses, I'm not sure you get the same type of service from an order clerk. A great diesel engine is the turbine UP diesel; comparable to brass in detail, but I don't model the west coast and even if I did, a model train that sounds like a jet engine is not my thing.
There is quality and then there is quality. What about brass? More likely to hold it's value if not increase in value.
If not brass, maybe the question should be what manufacturer you should be looking at? That might depend on what era you are modeling, are you looking for steam or diesel?
If you go to a good old fashioned model train store, (and I know they are no longer plentiful) you can get some guidance and direction. If you call one of the big mail order houses, I'm not sure you get the same type of service from an order clerk.
A great diesel engine is the turbine UP diesel; comparable to brass in detail, but I don't model the west coast and even if I did, a model train that sounds like a jet engine is not my thing.
BRAKIEThe place where I spend my hobby dollars since the prices can't be beat. M.B. Klein.
Russell
Model Train Stuff (MB Klein), Factory Direct and eBay is where I get them.
Good quality? Many manufacturers today have a hi-end line thats very detailed and run great. are you looking for DC? DCC? N? HO? Do you have a preferred decoder?
I model in HO and like Broadway Limited, Rapido, Atheran Genesis and atlas Gold. Bachmann Spectrum have nice locos but the decoders are limited. Good price however.
Gary
PatKen007 For above and high quality locomotive, what will be the price range. Any store you can recommend for good quality product.
For above and high quality locomotive, what will be the price range. Any store you can recommend for good quality product.
The place where I spend my hobby dollars since the prices can't be beat.
M.B. Klein.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
This may be slightly off topic, but the best way to save money buying locomotives is to only buy ones that can be used on your layout. Many modelers, myself included, have bought locomotives that did not fit their layout and wasted a lot of cash. I ended up selling those locomotives at a loss to get the money to buy the locomotives I really needed.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
Without sound: $150 and up; with sound: $250 and up. M.B. Klein is a great online vendor and offers good deals. eBay is also good but you have to be selective. Some sellers are more reputable than others. I only purchase from those with a satisfactory rating of 99% or higher.