DCC reccomendations in N scale

[n2mopac]

I have been a modeler for years and have operated on some DCC powered layouts, but am still using DC on my present layout. I am in the process of building a new layout and want to incorporate DCC as I build. Here is my question: knowing what I do about DCC systems, which one(s) are best for N scale. I know power is not a problem. My concern is availability of decoders small enough for my locomotives. I know that many decoders are compatible with multiple systems, but do any of you have recommendations as to which decoders fit really well in N scale locos and which systems they work with best. Just for info, if it helps, my new layout is 16' x 16' with a penensula (approx. 100' of mainline plus two yards and multiple industry leads) and my primary concerns are the ability to run approx. 10-15 locomotives, advanced consisting, and of course enough power steps for realistic starts and stops. I am not running a lot of accessories (no signals, no fancy lighting on the locos, turnouts are powered separately or hand-thrown, lighting in structures powered separetely). Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ron

[n2mopac]

I have been a modeler for years and have operated on some DCC powered layouts, but am still using DC on my present layout. I am in the process of building a new layout and want to incorporate DCC as I build. Here is my question: knowing what I do about DCC systems, which one(s) are best for N scale. I know power is not a problem. My concern is availability of decoders small enough for my locomotives. I know that many decoders are compatible with multiple systems, but do any of you have recommendations as to which decoders fit really well in N scale locos and which systems they work with best. Just for info, if it helps, my new layout is 16' x 16' with a penensula (approx. 100' of mainline plus two yards and multiple industry leads) and my primary concerns are the ability to run approx. 10-15 locomotives, advanced consisting, and of course enough power steps for realistic starts and stops. I am not running a lot of accessories (no signals, no fancy lighting on the locos, turnouts are powered separately or hand-thrown, lighting in structures powered separetely). Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ron

[Anonymous]

It depends on the engine type and brand as to what decoder fits into it. You don't say how current your engines are and all the stuff that is helpful. So if you have an older engine - pre-dcc era - you will probably have to mill some of the frame to acquire the space you need. But don't despair, Loys Toys (I think it is LT) will take your old frame and send you a milled frame for your engine, quite cheaply, around $10 or something like that. The new Digitrax DN123 should work in terms of size, other good brands are out there with small decoders.

Decoding in N scale isn't the challenge it use to be. More options and smaller decoders make it much easier. There are a couple of problem engines, the Kato Mikado had a bad rep for decoders, don't know if that is still true. But by and large, most engines will be decoded without to much hassle.

Todays engines can be ordered with decoders and others come "plug and play" which means you take an old board out and install a new board and your off to the races.

I'm sure you've heard that the Zephyr is the best entry level system on the market today (that could change at any time) but with the Zephyr, you have enough of a system and a good expandable system so that you can get fancier down the line.

I'm not sure what you mean by running 10 to 15 engines, do you mean at once. That would mean a minimum of 7 to 8 operators all double heading. If all 15 engines are moving at once, you'll want the 5 amp power supply.

If you've got the bucks, I'd jump to the Chief as anything you plan on doing in the future, and anything you will do in the future but you aren't aware of it now, can be handled by the Chief. That statement includes computer running, extensive signalling, and other more esoteric needs you don't have right now.

I have the Chief which is being used a 13 by 9 double decked layout in N scale and I'm glad I have it, as my needs have changed and grown since I originally purchased it. When I initially got it, I thought it was overkill, now I've changed my tune.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the engine type and brand as to what decoder fits into it. You don't say how current your engines are and all the stuff that is helpful. So if you have an older engine - pre-dcc era - you will probably have to mill some of the frame to acquire the space you need. But don't despair, Loys Toys (I think it is LT) will take your old frame and send you a milled frame for your engine, quite cheaply, around $10 or something like that. The new Digitrax DN123 should work in terms of size, other good brands are out there with small decoders.

Decoding in N scale isn't the challenge it use to be. More options and smaller decoders make it much easier. There are a couple of problem engines, the Kato Mikado had a bad rep for decoders, don't know if that is still true. But by and large, most engines will be decoded without to much hassle.

Todays engines can be ordered with decoders and others come "plug and play" which means you take an old board out and install a new board and your off to the races.

I'm sure you've heard that the Zephyr is the best entry level system on the market today (that could change at any time) but with the Zephyr, you have enough of a system and a good expandable system so that you can get fancier down the line.

I'm not sure what you mean by running 10 to 15 engines, do you mean at once. That would mean a minimum of 7 to 8 operators all double heading. If all 15 engines are moving at once, you'll want the 5 amp power supply.

If you've got the bucks, I'd jump to the Chief as anything you plan on doing in the future, and anything you will do in the future but you aren't aware of it now, can be handled by the Chief. That statement includes computer running, extensive signalling, and other more esoteric needs you don't have right now.

I have the Chief which is being used a 13 by 9 double decked layout in N scale and I'm glad I have it, as my needs have changed and grown since I originally purchased it. When I initially got it, I thought it was overkill, now I've changed my tune.

[n2mopac]

Ok, here is the update on my info. I'm talking about 15 total loco's with two yard switchers, three single engine local switchers, and one double headder running at any given time. That's about 7 loco's running at a time. I could also add one more switcher running in the staging yard for a total of about 8.

As for my engines, most of my present engines will not be rolled over to the new layout. My era is summer 2000, so I'm looking at modern diesel electric locomotives. Most of these will be new unless I find something irresistable on e-bay. The two loco's that I have presently that I would like to equip are Atlas GP 40's made in the mid 90's.

Ron

[n2mopac]

Ok, here is the update on my info. I'm talking about 15 total loco's with two yard switchers, three single engine local switchers, and one double headder running at any given time. That's about 7 loco's running at a time. I could also add one more switcher running in the staging yard for a total of about 8.

As for my engines, most of my present engines will not be rolled over to the new layout. My era is summer 2000, so I'm looking at modern diesel electric locomotives. Most of these will be new unless I find something irresistable on e-bay. The two loco's that I have presently that I would like to equip are Atlas GP 40's made in the mid 90's.

Ron

[Kent]

If your locos are DCC ready and can take the DIgitrax boards that a good fast way to go. On the other hand, Lenz makes the smallest hardwaired controls, I have a number of LE0511 decoders, there cheap and well made, and Lenz has the best warranty. They cover it even if you fry it by installing them wrong. Digitrax on the other hand has a warranty that expires when the decoder is installed (not a joke!)

I started with an Atlas Commander (aka Lenz Compact), got a Digitrax Zyphyr, sent it back and bouht a Lenz Set90 that I'm VERY HAPPY with!!

[Kent]

If your locos are DCC ready and can take the DIgitrax boards that a good fast way to go. On the other hand, Lenz makes the smallest hardwaired controls, I have a number of LE0511 decoders, there cheap and well made, and Lenz has the best warranty. They cover it even if you fry it by installing them wrong. Digitrax on the other hand has a warranty that expires when the decoder is installed (not a joke!)

I started with an Atlas Commander (aka Lenz Compact), got a Digitrax Zyphyr, sent it back and bouht a Lenz Set90 that I'm VERY HAPPY with!!