Who wants to help?

[john lea]

Getting restarted after a bunch of years and the electronics is totaly amazing to me.
Question? What would be the cheepest and best bet for my old 70's locos to make them dcc ready? Mostly brass steam and a couple F7's.
Also what should I use for the tracks, switch machines, lighting etc.?

[cacole]

Engines that old are practically impossible to convert to DCC because the motors were screwed directly to a metal frame, and DCC requires that the motor be totally isolated from any contact with metal. The motors in those locomotives are probably not of a very good quality, either, compared to the newer can motors being used today.

For track, use Atlas or Model Power flex track. The best turnouts are Peco Insulfrog or Shinohara, but these are expensive. You could probably get by with Atlas Custom Line turnouts. What is your question about lighting? In engines, or for layout buildings?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

Engines that old are practically impossible to convert to DCC because the motors were screwed directly to a metal frame, and DCC requires that the motor be totally isolated from any contact with metal. The motors in those locomotives are probably not of a very good quality, either, compared to the newer can motors being used today.
For track, use Atlas or Model Power flex track. The best turnouts are Peco Insulfrog or Shinohara, but these are expensive. You could probably get by with Atlas Custom Line turnouts.

[#ditto]
[2c]
I would like to add, if you have an investment in brass steam locomotives you probably want to pay someone experienced to remotor and convert them to DCC (another question to post) or sell them and buy new locomotives.
Micro engineering also makes good but expensive turnouts and track.
I highly recommend you visit this site if you are going DCC. http://www.wiringfordcc.com/wirefordcc_toc.htm
Good luck and [#welcome] back to model railroading!

[Jacktal]

Tough question...as "cheapest" and "best" are two words that seldom go hand in hand.You will have to make a choice,wich depends on what you want from layout,either performance and satisfaction or frustration and grief.Unfortunately,quality equipments are the ones that call for the heftier prices but,on the long run,end up being the cheapest.

I agree with Gsetter on retrofitting older equipment as it may be complicated,even nearly impossible,to convert your locos to DCC.But there are probably some skilled people who can accompli***his for you.I suggest visiting a local hobby shop or club,they probably know such people.

[john lea]

Morning! Thanks guys! Ibelieve you are right, my loco,s might be to old, but I think I'll try to find someone to remotor for dcc. I love these ole loco's, llike part of the family has come back and rejoined us. I got off yesterday and went to a HO club show, they were running digitrax radio & teathered. They seemed to work very well. I got a few names and numbers so I can call around to find a retrofitter.

Anyone else know of one out here by Sacremento that I might drive to?

Their club name was "sutter creek Modelrailroad" Great guys, think I'll join them on their meeting night and find out more. They model the locol rr and they have done a great job.
Thanks again for your help, looking forward to more.