BRAKIE MisterBeasleysmall layout is very difficult to "block" effectively. The blocks would need to be so small that one would spend all his time flipping toggles from one to the next. Well sir,that has been a issue for years-over blocking small layouts that DCC has cured for multi train operation.. However,a small layout needn't be operated like a major division so,why the block overkill? To my mind(as warp as it is) operation should be tailored to fit the layout size. A example would be operate (say) a 4x8' layout as a branch line or short line..This would include small bedroom size around the wall layouts as well.
MisterBeasleysmall layout is very difficult to "block" effectively. The blocks would need to be so small that one would spend all his time flipping toggles from one to the next.
Well sir,that has been a issue for years-over blocking small layouts that DCC has cured for multi train operation..
However,a small layout needn't be operated like a major division so,why the block overkill?
To my mind(as warp as it is) operation should be tailored to fit the layout size.
A example would be operate (say) a 4x8' layout as a branch line or short line..This would include small bedroom size around the wall layouts as well.
Always been my point too, if the layout is that small, I'm not interested in trying to operate more than one train at a time. So simple kill sections and sidings/spurs that turn off automaticly when turnouts are thrown works very well, and is simple to operate and wire/build.
My "big layout" is really just a bunch of smaller layouts intergated into each other in that way. Yards, industrial areas and branch lines can all operate as stand alone operations, while the "big trains" go to and from distant "places" on th mainline - CTC controlled with a dispatcher and signals.
Sheldon
CSX Robert ATLANTIC CENTRAL ... Consisting - this is a lot of work with DCC, making sure locos run well together, setting CV's, doing speed tests etc. Depending on the specific locos and goals, it is often easier in DC than DCC. If I install the same decoder, with the same CV settings in two identical locos, there is no guaranty they will run the same speed. But two identical locos with no decoders (not locos with dual mode decoders) with almost always run well together on DC. ... It has been my experience that two locos that run fine together on DC will also run fine together on DCC with the same decoder without speed matching. I often see people list the difficulties of speed matching as one of the disadvantages of DCC. First of all, I do not find it difficult, but even for those that do, it is not something that you have to do, it is only necessary if you want to run engines together that normally would not run well together. It is at least an option you have with DCC that you do not have with DC unless you want to get into adding resistors or diodes or get into re-gearing. Honestly, I dom't see how speed-matchinig could be listed as anything but an advantange for DCC.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL ... Consisting - this is a lot of work with DCC, making sure locos run well together, setting CV's, doing speed tests etc. Depending on the specific locos and goals, it is often easier in DC than DCC. If I install the same decoder, with the same CV settings in two identical locos, there is no guaranty they will run the same speed. But two identical locos with no decoders (not locos with dual mode decoders) with almost always run well together on DC. ...
...
Consisting - this is a lot of work with DCC, making sure locos run well together, setting CV's, doing speed tests etc. Depending on the specific locos and goals, it is often easier in DC than DCC. If I install the same decoder, with the same CV settings in two identical locos, there is no guaranty they will run the same speed. But two identical locos with no decoders (not locos with dual mode decoders) with almost always run well together on DC.
It has been my experience that two locos that run fine together on DC will also run fine together on DCC with the same decoder without speed matching. I often see people list the difficulties of speed matching as one of the disadvantages of DCC. First of all, I do not find it difficult, but even for those that do, it is not something that you have to do, it is only necessary if you want to run engines together that normally would not run well together. It is at least an option you have with DCC that you do not have with DC unless you want to get into adding resistors or diodes or get into re-gearing. Honestly, I dom't see how speed-matchinig could be listed as anything but an advantange for DCC.
I'm NOT desputing the advantages of being able to speed match any loco with DCC. I'm saying it is just one more feature of DCC that is labor/time intensive and that I have never needed in my modeling.
I have never added resistors or modified locos in any way (other than removing and discarding DCC decoders) to get them to run together with DC.
Sure, not every loco will run with ever loco. But I don't need that. Here is what I need, and it works fine with zero extra effort.
My matched sets (I model the early 50's, when most diesels still ran that way) of PROTO, INTERMOUTAIN, GENESIS, and even of set of BLI diesels all run fine together. And, in the case of the PROTO locos, all the B-B locos, FA1, FA2, GP7, BL2, etc,etc, all run together just fine - its the same drive.
More importantly STEAM. Long before DCC, modelers found that model staem locos with similar starting voltages and similar gearing/driver sizes would run fine together of DC.
Some modern examples - I mix and match all the following locos in various double head/tripple head configurations with no problems:
PROTO 2-8-8-2
SPECTRUM 2-6-6-2
SPECTRUM 4-8-2 Heavy
SPECTRUM 2-8-0
BACHMANN 2-8-4 (converted to freelanced 2-8-2)
BROADWAY 2-8-2 Heavy (decoders and sound complelely removed, tender replaced with Bachmann long haul tenders)
None of these locos have sound or decoders of any sort.
I have multiple copies of all these locos, and mix and match them as needed with no problems and no mods specificly aimed and making them run together.
So why would I want all that extra work and expense with a total loco fleet of 130?
The DC throttles I use are pulse width modulated just like DCC motor control, they give smooth starts and great slow speed.
Taylor 67 After phase 2 is done there will be over 180ft of track, 5 switch machines, 2 reversing loops and 2 turntables and I would like it all to be controlled by DCC but the cost might prevent me. I will only run 2 to 3 locos at a time
After phase 2 is done there will be over 180ft of track, 5 switch machines, 2 reversing loops and 2 turntables and I would like it all to be controlled by DCC but the cost might prevent me. I will only run 2 to 3 locos at a time
Taylor,
I will piggyback off of some of the comment made already...
Does 2 or 3 locos mean one train with multiple locos at the head, or 2 or 3 separate trains?
IMO, it becomes mentally challenging when a modeler tries to operate (meaning adjust speeds, stop, perhaps reverse directions or switch cars) 3 trains at a time. Neither DC nor DCC will really keep that process from being overwhelming to the lone operator, IMO.
Personally, I think operating more than one train at a time takes more focus than I like, but some like to do that. As an example, having 2 trains meet at a passing siding certainly would not be something that's overwhelming. Both DCC and DC could handle this operating element pretty simply.
If 2 or 3 locos means a consist of locos running together, speed matching new locos right out of the box with DC these days is probably less of an issue than it used to be. They all tend to have similar low draw smooth motors, circuit boards, and gear ratios, than in the days of yore.
Mixing and matching locomotive consists without ever placing locomotives on and off the layout, like with a large roundhouse and engine servicing facilities, is way easier with DCC.
And if your 180 ft of track will stretch over a long distance, then you'll want to think about tethered or wireless throttles. DCC systems have wireless throttles...and AristoCraft makes a wireless throttle that works well on DC HO and n sclae layouts. More manufacturer's make tethered throttles.
Take these operating situations into account when making your decision.
- Douglas
Taylor 67I would only run one loco per train at a time. Would do some switching in a yard while another is moving on the main. Its a small branch line serviceing a mining and logging industry line. Thank you everyone for great input
Sounds like a perfect application for DC.
Set cab A to the mains, adjust the throttle and watch as one train circles the layout. Set cab B to the yard / branch line and switch away.
Pick up a couple of MRC packs off ebay for 80 to 100 dollars total, some Atlas selectors and wire and your done with the control system.
Jim