DC or DCC?

[Piedsou]

I've been using a Digitrax "Big Boy' system since it first came out and it's still going strong. I would never think about going back to DC.

[Train1725]

As soon as i sell the O Scale train i "got" from the Markin Museum, then I'll have enough to convert to DCC !

[BRAKIE]

How about both?? I use DCC on my HO industrial switching layout due to my sound equipped locos and DC on my N scale industrial switching layout.[:D] And yes I am comfortable with either one.

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Just ordered a Super Empire Builder starter set last week. Can't wait for it to arrive! The old DC system with throwing toggles and making sure reverse sections were set right and the frustration of turning on the wrong blocks, etc. were one reason not to run trains more often. I know I'm going to love DCC!

Ray

You won't regret it! I went with this system 3 months ago and it is definately one of my best purchases. The initial learning curve is very steep but don't give up as it will suddenly click and you'oll have it. Loy's is an excellent place as Fred is very helpful.

Like your roadname!

Regards
Fergie

[Anonymous]

wow turned out better response than i thought it would

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

Just ordered a Super Empire Builder starter set last week. Can't wait for it to arrive!

Got an e-mail from Loy's Toys yesterday. It is on it way! Come on UPS, drive those trucks fast!!! [:D] [:D] [tup]

[rexhea]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley

DCC - the only way to go. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Absolutely the greatest thing to happen to the hobby.

[#ditto]

No doubts in my mind!

REX

[darth9x9]

I am estatic with DCC. DCC is a no-brainer if you want to do more than run one train around in a circle. As mentioned above, the operational flexibility is incredible.

[ClinchValleySD40]

DCC - the only way to go. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Absolutely the greatest thing to happen to the hobby.

[howmus]

Just ordered a Super Empire Builder starter set last week. Can't wait for it to arrive! The old DC system with throwing toggles and making sure reverse sections were set right and the frustration of turning on the wrong blocks, etc. were one reason not to run trains more often. I know I'm going to love DCC!

Ray

[samgolden]

I was into model railroading back in the 60's and and a friend of my got me interested in Stock Car Racing. We were into that for about 5 yrs. and then it just got too expensive, plus I went onto the Second Shift at work. I didn't get back to the railroad, which was in an attic room.
Three years ago, my son, lives in Va. invited me down to help him remodel his Bath Room, and he said "Oh by the way there is a big TRAIN SHOW we can go to". He belongs to a HO modular club, and he had some modules to take and set up. That is where I first saw the advantages of DCC and that is what got me back into Model Railroading.
I went back up to where my layout was and uncovered it and started trying to bring it back alive. It is all brass track and electrical connections were bad, even the switchs that controlled the blocks, didn't work every time.
I bought a Digitrax "Empire Builder" starter set and started rewiring from there. I don't think I would be back if not for DCC. I love it. I don't have any trouble with wiring in decoders, only finding room for them
in the locos. I have even some of my old Locos with decoders, that run nice again.

Sam

[Anonymous]

DCC ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I use a Digitrax DCC system(the paticular one escapes my mind at this time) I am very VERY pleased with it. My layout isn't large but i can run 4 trains at once. 3 on the mainlines and one switching. I don't usually run that way but its nice to know that i can.

[Anonymous]

I did not vote. I am a 'tweener. I built the CTC-16e control system when the construction articles ran in MR many years ago. The ability to control trains independently on the same track is the only way to go. The old cab control (DC) systems just do not provide the flexibility I now demand. I wish I could upgrade and use the modern high tech sound systems available, but the old Modeltronics sound system will just have to do. I have no personal interest in purchasing a new, state of the art, DCC system just to see it become obsolete over the weekend.. Independent control is the final answer, however.

Tom

[BurlingtonJohn]

Happy with DC. Did operate a DCC equipped CB&Q E5 on the point of the California Zephyr on a friend's layout. Really nice, but not for me.

Electrical/electronics is not my strong point, so I don't really have any desire to go DCC. I have a small, one man operation and can't justify the expense. Good on ya for those that can/do.

Regards,
Burlington John

[mikebonellisr]

I,ve been using DCC for over 15 years.I started with a Digitrax Big Boy and soon upgraded to a Chief.I can't believe anyone [ that could afford it] would not change from DC to DCC.It makes operating so much more realistic,easy to wire and better control over my motive power.Many,many modelers have switched from DC to DCC, But I don't think many have gone from DCC TO DC.That should be a pretty good indication of the direction of the hobby.

[rayport]

Would be interesting to also know who is using which system in each category.
Once having used Digitrax I can not see how anyone would even remotely consider
going back to DC. Once the plunge is taken DCC is so much more capable and simpler to install and use. But watch out for the low-cost intro systems they tend to be so limited that they end-up being more expensive than the more expensive starter sets. I would not recommend anything less that the Zephyr as a low cost starter - with that you can control three independent trains using the jump ports.

[Anonymous]

I just installed a Digitraxx DCC system after Xmas and it's a winner. DC gets the job done but when I saw my BLI GG1 start up and do all its neat sounds and stuff, it was way cool. And now I don't have to mess with all those Atlas track controllers to turn power on and off!
louis

[PennsyHoosier]

I'm going to make the shift to DCC with my new layout.

[RMax1]

I've got a Bachman EZ DCC setup for now and like it. I will upgrade eventually. I have ordered somethings to make my DCC a little better to live with while converting. Once I get the most part of my fleet decoderized things will be a lot better. The funniest thing is to stop an Amtrak train on the mainline while I move the switcher back and forth to different sidings. Reminds we of the real thing. The ballast hauling freight won't be quite out of the way and the Amtrak has to stop and wait while the switcher out gets of the way. Can't do that with DC.

If you ever dreamt of being Gomez Addama now's your chance.

RMax

[wesleyl849]

I'm having a great time with DC, But there is so many more benefits with DCC I think it will be fun! It seems to me from the conversations and magazines that DCC is not easy to get going. With adding the decoders and getting the wiring and programming right, it seems that there is a large learning curve. I up for the challenge when my budget is.

[Anonymous]

DC, and happy.
A guy of my means can't afford DCC. Maybe someday, but not now. I enjoy DC and it does great for me and the kids for now.

[dano99a]

was using DC but I liked the operational advatages of DCC so, I converted over to that. and I would never go back.

[AntonioFP45]

So looking forward to DCC!

You've got the freedom of running 2 or more trains simultaneously anywhere on a layout (and having to watch out for collisions!), the wonderful "extras" that decoders offer like:

[1] Easy to control Locomotive special lighting effects that can be turned on and off at will.
[2] No more flipping of Cab Control switches to enable running two trains simultaneously.
[3] Continuous 12+ volts on the tracks at all times resulting in much better electrical pickup.
[4] Passenger car lights STAY ON. No need for bulky constant lighting kits or modules. Additionally, decoders can be installed to turn passenger car lights on or off at will.
[5] Best of all, the extra control of sound features offered with DCC

Looking Good!

[trolleyboy]

I've got two decent strait DC controllers at the moments, but I've had some experience (club and friends with digitrax) so DCC is likely in the future, I'm DC content for now least until DCC comes down in price more. TB

[NZRMac]

Happy is not the word I would use, I'm DCC over the moon!!

Two loco's both with soundtraxx dsd-100lc decoders one diesel one steam.

I LOVE IT.

Ken.

[jdolan]

DC works just fine for me. and As social security doesn't pay well, will keep it for quite awhile yet.
Jack

[Anonymous]

DC is ok for now, but I can't wait for DCC.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the midst of converting to DCC - current status is the system and 5 decoders are on the way through the postal service to me having been dispatched Friday. I've only used digital control systems a few times before (ran a demonstrator layout using LGB equipment and their MTS system a couple of years ago, convinced me that digital is a good idea). I would say if you're looking to start out that adopting DCC from the start is the way to go - I now have to convert my fleet which will take a while so my plan at the moment is to fit out the "easy" locos first (those with sockets or holes to solder DCC plugs into) then work through the rest over the next few months, also adding Kadees and lighting as most of these are Athearn Blue Box.

[Anonymous]

DC is fine with me.