Yes, you can take your old DC locomotives, clean them up, install decoders and they will be DCC engines. This assumes, though, that they run well on DC.
But, I would recommend buying one DCC engine so you know you've got a good one to test with.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasleyDon't toss those old transformers. They can be used to power lights, turnouts and other non-DCC components.
Just remember to check the plugs and cords before you start using them again.
If they look a little iffy, there are lots of inexpensive power supplies and controllers available today.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Welcome aboard!
Don't toss those old transformers. They can be used to power lights, turnouts and other non-DCC components. They would be welcome at train shows if you can't use them.
Hi All,
New to the forums here. I got my 1st train set (Tyco) for Christmas when I was 7 back in '74. Never had a real layout and now I have the time and $$ to start my first one. It's going to be a Woodland Scenics Grand Valley with NS and PRR locos. I've garnered so much knowledge being on this forum and wish to thank you all for your sharing of knowledge and expertise. I'll be sure to post pics when I get it "done" It's never really done is it?..lol!
Thanks. This whole "bus bar" issue is something I need to catch up on. I might start right there in the DCC section.
Wow, thanks. Things I have not even considered, but makes total sense. I appreciate the tip.
ObsessedI just bought a book about DCC and have been watching a bunch of YouTube vids. The best vid was right here with the DCC conversion of an English steam loco. Great stuff.
Hi Obsessed,
Welcome back to the hobby!
It's great that you are going to use DCC. You will no doubt be given lots of advice on the subject but I will make a couple of suggestions that I think will make your life easier down the road. The first is to choose a decoder manufacturer and stick with them! The second is to invest in new decoders, i.e recent releases. Resist the urge to buy different brands or pick up what might seem to be NOS bargains just because they are cheap.
By choosing one brand, all your installations will be basically the same and all your locomotives will respond the same way to any specific command. I have a mish mash of different brands and I find that I have trouble remembering what some of the commands do with each loco. For example, my Loksound decoders stay silent on start up and all I need to do to get sound is push F8. My QSI decoders have three different start up procedures, each of which requires a different command. So, when I want to run a locomotive I have to first determine what decoder is installed, and if it is a QSI which I haven't run for a while, I may have to check the manual before I can get the thing to run.
Personally I favour the Loksound (ESU) Select decoders. They are cost effective and they perform beautifully. Eventually all of my DCC fleet will have Loksound Selects.
There are other brands that work well too but I can't comment on them because I don't own any of their newer offerings.
Yup, I'm pretty patient, plus the project at the visitor center has to go through some budget planning while I ramp up on new techniques And technologies.
Thanks Simon. Great first advice. I'll be hanging out in the DCC section a lot as I ramp up my knowledge.
Welcome to the forum. I hope your new foray into the hobby, including all the learning of current methods and concepts, will be rewarding for you. I get the sense that we don't need to caution you to take your time.
BigDaddy I must have needed more surveillance
I must have needed more surveillance
You still do, Henry.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Redvdub1 ...don't burn out.
...don't burn out.
It's better to burn out, than to fade away, my my hey hey.
Lots have changed in 32 years!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Hi there. Welcome back! I have also returned to the hobby after a long hiatus a few years back. I learned about DCC when I returned to the hobby and now run a full DCC layout that has an important logging component. My best advice would be to read as much as you can about DCC and how to convert locos to DCC before making that step.
I went through a similar transition myself. If you have brass locos, they can be converted to DCC, but it can be a bit of a task... Do you have a lot of locos? Do they still run well in DC? You don't need to jump in DCC right away if you have a large fleet. DC locos can run on DCC layouts, if you use the appropriate system (e.g., Digitrax), but you really should convert them if that is the route you choose to take. DC locos do not run very well in DCC. In my case, I had about 15 DC locos, and I converted gradually by converting my small layout to a dual DC - DCC layout to ease into the transition. The trick is to connect your main track to a toggle switch that will run your layout EITHER on DC or DCC. Its best not to try to do DCC sections within a DC system. Locos will be damaged if they go from one section to another. With a dual system, you can have DC sessions, or DCC sessions. Not both.
Here are a few other lessons I have learned:
- Converting logging locos can involve changing the motor as the old open frame ones draw a lot of currrent - too much for many of the decoders out there (the decoder is the chip you need to put in the loco to make in run in DCC). However, you don't absolutely need to change the motor. Some decoders can handle up to 2 amps...
- Brass logging locos can be a problem if you don't have enough power pick-ups on the wheels - that lead to unrealistic stalls on the switches. In DCC, there are solutions for this beyond the flywheels. They are called keep-alive decoders, that actually include capacitors to keep the motor running if there are power interruptions. The Digitrax decoder works great... Otherwise, you can add extra power pick-ups, especially on tenders.
-Read about the reliability of newer non-brass logging models on the new and used market before making a purchase. I won't poo poo on any manufacturers here, but some locos are more reliable than others. Some are plagued by very fragile gears.
Anyway, welcome to the forum and don't hesitate to ask questions. Some highly knowleadgeable folks are active on this forum and will provide an answer to just about any question.
Simon
Thanks for the advice, I could easily go overboard. I'll have to learn a new pace I'm sure.
Thanks. No question in my mind how great DCC is, so nothing is going to stop me ...
hard to toss my old transformers though. LOL
Thanks. I guess I better make a bunch of posts.
I just bought a book about DCC and have been watching a bunch of YouTube vids. The best vid was right here with the DCC conversion of an English steam loco. Great stuff.
I came back to playing with trains about 2002, after not playing with them since 1980.
DCC was pretty intimidating. But the REWARDS are fantastic.
Persevere!!!
Ed
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Actually, it's usually about 5 posts before moderation is lifted.
Tom
to the forum. Lots of us are in the same situation.
DCC has a definite learning curve. I found reading a book helpful so I could ask intelligent, or at least semi-intelligent questions in the forum.
Your first 10 posts are moderated so there will be a delay in hearing from you. Keeps the spam out of the forum 100%.
There are a lot of talented people in this forum.
Have fun...don't burn out.
Yes, it has been 32 years since my last layout and was a hardcore model railroader in the 1960s. I dug out my saved HOn3 buildings and rolling stock (turn of the century logging). I'm also taking on a local visitor center "period" layout that stalled after the track was laid. Yup, lots of questions about this fantastic DCC stuff plus lots about scenery with modern materials. I'm in for the long run.