Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
I have been enjoying the discussion on DCC systems. It looks *** Digitrax is the system of choice. I can understand why. I have been operating on a friend's Digitrax layout for three years now with very few problems. We have had as many as 13 operators at a session with smooth trouble free running. The only problems I have encountered are the plug in tethers (the system was installed before wireless throttles were available and hasn't been up graded yet) and short circuiting on turnouts. The layout is about 30 yrs old with many old Atlas and some Shinohara turn outs which are not vey DCC Friendly- Not a fault of the system. The layout is fairly large with a little over 300 ft of single track mainline, two reversing loops, one classification yard and six "towns" with drop off tracks and industrial sidings. There must be over a mile of wiring under the benchwork left over from the old analog system 90% of which is no longer used. I am fortunate in that I have recently rejoined the hobby an I am basically starting from scratch. When I buy a loco I buy a decoder with it. I am currently building a layout Modeling the Buffalo Rochester& Pittsburg Ry between 1910 and 1929. My layout area is 25x36 with two levels. My track plan calls for about 600 ft of main line( About 200 ft double track) three major classification yards, 8 "towns" a coal dock, engine facility (roundhouse)and at least 4 mining and logging branch lines. The thought of wiring all that as an analog layout gives me nightmares. With DCC its a piece of cake. A brief word on decoder installation- obviously all my motive power is steam. I have always been able to find room IN THE ENGINE for a decoder (primarily DH121s and DH141s) I want to leave my tenders available for sound. I have installed decoders in Riverossi, AHM, IHC, Proto2000 and a few repowered brass engines. In some cases I found that a decoder fits qite nicely under the roof of the cab. Paint it flat black and it's almost invisible. Just to prove a point I am currently finishing up a DN121 installation in a Bachman DeWitt Clinton. Not enough room? I don't want to hear it! One last quick thing. The AHM and Riverossi round can motors stall test at .97 amps. Just clip the strap off the ground brush and you are DCC ready. See Ya!
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community