ATLANTIC CENTRALExcept for the desire for sound, I cannot understand what any lone operator running one train at a time would want about DCC?
I have a very poor excuse for a railroad. More of a glorified loop maybe 9-1/2 by 17. Being by myself, I can really only run one train at a time. But being a typical model rail, I have more than one loco on the tracks here and there. Since nothing is set in stone, I don't want a central control panel. I don't want to deal with toggle switches to have locos other than the one I'm running stand still. And I don't want to deal with power routing turnouts.
I have decoders controlling the few turnouts I have. Although some day I may have local push button panels to throw those turnouts, right now I can control them with the hand controller. And until that day comes, I don't need a central control panel that may need to be modified if I make a change.
I don't have a simplified DCC system. I have the 5 amp PowerPro NCE command station. This is because the PowerCab system that would probably have done all the same things was not available when I jumped in. I do not regret the purchase.
There, those are my reasons, and I didn't mention sound.
Hopefully this will help you understand.
mlehman richhotrain Being unfamiliar with DC block control, I have to ask this question. Is it possible to automate block control, so that it is unnecessary to flip switches when entering/exiting blocks? Rich and Dave, That's exactly what Sheldon's system does. It automates power control and eliminates orienting all those cab power control switches. It's a sweet design and does overcome many of the same issues in DC that DCC does.
richhotrain Being unfamiliar with DC block control, I have to ask this question. Is it possible to automate block control, so that it is unnecessary to flip switches when entering/exiting blocks?
Rich and Dave,
That's exactly what Sheldon's system does. It automates power control and eliminates orienting all those cab power control switches. It's a sweet design and does overcome many of the same issues in DC that DCC does.
To be slightly more accurate, my system cuts the number of switches in half, but more importantly they are not toggles or rotary switches in a fixed location - they are pushbuttons that are redundantly repeated at both ends of each track section and on the dispacters panel.
It is a kind of semi automation - you pick a track section and turnout route and the power is routed automaticly as needed.
Remember - it all fully intergrated - detection, signaling, CTC, turnout routing. they all work together - each turnout has relay, that relay directs power, operates signal circuits through the interlocking and powers frogs. Signals do not go green and power is not avaialbe unless a clear route is selected.
No clear route through the interlocking creates dead buffer sections that sop trains from overrunning their signal - Automatic Train Control.
Detection indicator lights show where your train and other trains are on local tower and dispatcher panels.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRAL richhotrain Is it possible to automate block control, so that it is unnecessary to flip switches when entering/exiting blocks? Yes, it is. It has been done many times. it is called coputerized block control. there is one "plug and play" type product on the market that does it. There are several guys who will build you custom microprocessor systems, or you can roll your own. I considered it as well and decided I did not need that either. Rich, in the explaination of my control system do you understand that if a dispatcher is on duty the operators do not have to flip any switches, push any buttons, they just run the train? And, even without the dispatcher, in walk around mode, they is no big complex control panel to "operate". As you walk around the layout, there are small tower panels at interlockings - the same kind of thing most DCC layouts have for turnout control. You set the turnout route through the interlocking by pushing one button, even if it is a complex route through two, three, four or more turnouts, and then you push one additiona button to assign your cab to the desired track section on the other side of the interlocking. Two buttons. How many buttons do you have to push to throw a turnout on a Digitrax throttle? It is more than two. After pushing those two buttons, you trains has green signals until the next interlocking along the line. Sheldon
richhotrain Is it possible to automate block control, so that it is unnecessary to flip switches when entering/exiting blocks?
Is it possible to automate block control, so that it is unnecessary to flip switches when entering/exiting blocks?
Yes, it is. It has been done many times. it is called coputerized block control. there is one "plug and play" type product on the market that does it. There are several guys who will build you custom microprocessor systems, or you can roll your own.
I considered it as well and decided I did not need that either.
Rich, in the explaination of my control system do you understand that if a dispatcher is on duty the operators do not have to flip any switches, push any buttons, they just run the train?
And, even without the dispatcher, in walk around mode, they is no big complex control panel to "operate". As you walk around the layout, there are small tower panels at interlockings - the same kind of thing most DCC layouts have for turnout control. You set the turnout route through the interlocking by pushing one button, even if it is a complex route through two, three, four or more turnouts, and then you push one additiona button to assign your cab to the desired track section on the other side of the interlocking. Two buttons.
How many buttons do you have to push to throw a turnout on a Digitrax throttle? It is more than two.
After pushing those two buttons, you trains has green signals until the next interlocking along the line.
That's great if you have a dispatcher throwing switches, but as a lone wolf with a large layout and a desire to run multiple trains simultaneously, DCC seemed to be the logical alternative back when I started in HO scale eleven years ago.
With my NCE PH-Pro system, I use Switch-Its and Switch-8's along with a Mini Panel to automate and control routes. Push one button and you're done.
I am not knocking DC. In many ways, it seems cool. I just have no real familiarity with it.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain ATLANTIC CENTRAL richhotrain Is it possible to automate block control, so that it is unnecessary to flip switches when entering/exiting blocks? Yes, it is. It has been done many times. it is called coputerized block control. there is one "plug and play" type product on the market that does it. There are several guys who will build you custom microprocessor systems, or you can roll your own. I considered it as well and decided I did not need that either. Rich, in the explaination of my control system do you understand that if a dispatcher is on duty the operators do not have to flip any switches, push any buttons, they just run the train? And, even without the dispatcher, in walk around mode, they is no big complex control panel to "operate". As you walk around the layout, there are small tower panels at interlockings - the same kind of thing most DCC layouts have for turnout control. You set the turnout route through the interlocking by pushing one button, even if it is a complex route through two, three, four or more turnouts, and then you push one additiona button to assign your cab to the desired track section on the other side of the interlocking. Two buttons. How many buttons do you have to push to throw a turnout on a Digitrax throttle? It is more than two. After pushing those two buttons, you trains has green signals until the next interlocking along the line. Sheldon My disadvantage, if that's what it is, is that I never operated block control DC, so I don't have a lot of familiarity with it. That's great if you have a dispatcher throwing switches, but as a lone wolf with a large layout and a desire to run multiple trains simultaneously, DCC seemed to be the logical alternative back when I started in HO scale eleven years ago. With my NCE PH-Pro system, I use Switch-Its and Switch-8's along with a Mini Panel to automate and control routes. Push one button and you're done. I am not knocking DC. In many ways, it seems cool. I just have no real familiarity with it. Rich
My disadvantage, if that's what it is, is that I never operated block control DC, so I don't have a lot of familiarity with it.
OK Rich, you answered my next question. I was going to ask how you control turnouts. I do remember your trackplan from earlier postings.
So my operation as a lone operator is not much different than yours, I walk around with my wireless throttle and set turnout routes on local panels with a push of one button as well - and then I push one more button, on that same local panel, to assign the next track section. Complex power routing through the interlocking, as well as signal indications are all set automaticly by those two actions.
Here is where we differ - I have no desire to keep track of two or more trains on the same route/track at the same time when operating by myself - I have operated DCC layouts where guys try to do that - no thank you.
My layout was purposely planned with "display loops" intergrated into it. I can run several trains on display loops while actually "operating" an additional train. But to actually operate two or more trains on the same route, I perfer and require a seperate operator for each train - with or without a dispatcher.
My layout is also designed with most industrial switching completely off the mainline - like a whole seperate ISL (industrial switching layout) apart from the mainline layout, but connected to it, similar to the industrial "belt lines" found in most industrial cities.
An operator can work the industries, while two more work the yard/engine terminal, while four operators/trains run on the mainline and one operates the branch line.
In real life trains don't move without "permission". That permission comes from a chain of command - dispatcher to conductor to engineer. Engineers are only responsable for operating the locomotive as directed by the dispatcher and conductor.
Model CTC systems do just like the real railroad - the dispatcher uses mainly signals and a published timetable to control train movements - a system like mine simulates that.
I could use DCC to control the locos, but it would cost a lot more and only add a few features - features I don't really need.
Rich, for a lot of people, for a lot of reasons, DCC is the best choice. But for me, with my desire for signaling and CTC, DCC would easily add $3000 or more to the cost of my layout.
120 non sound decoders alone at $25 each - even if we assume 8 wireless throttles and all the other infrastructure could be had for what I have invested in my eight Aristo throttles, which I doubt. All the rest of my control system would still be needed for the detection, signaling, CTC and turnout control.
And the "you don't have to convert all your locos at once" line is a red herring. The layout and its operational scheme are designed for 25 to 30 staged trains, most mainline trains require 3-4 powered diesels or two steam locos. 30 trains x 3 powered units = 90 locos, plus switchers, power changes, backups - to run the layout I need all 120 locos.
DoughlessBTW, the whole reason I went with the Aristo throttle is because I needed to cover 35 feet and didn't want a tethered plug in system like the CM20. The superior lighting and excellent slow speed control was a pleasant surprise.
I agree.Those Aristo throttles is sweet..I have used them on a friends layout and really like the feel and of course the locomotive control..
I still have my CM20 and a 30 year old MRC Tech II that still works..
My "poor man's DCC" is a MRC Tech 6 with its matching hand held throttle.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
BRAKIE Doughless BTW, the whole reason I went with the Aristo throttle is because I needed to cover 35 feet and didn't want a tethered plug in system like the CM20. The superior lighting and excellent slow speed control was a pleasant surprise. I agree.Those Aristo throttles is sweet..I have used them on a friends layout and really like the feel and of course the locomotive control.. I still have my CM20 and a 30 year old MRC Tech II that still works.. My "poor man's DCC" is a MRC Tech 6 with its matching hand held throttle.
Doughless BTW, the whole reason I went with the Aristo throttle is because I needed to cover 35 feet and didn't want a tethered plug in system like the CM20. The superior lighting and excellent slow speed control was a pleasant surprise.
A few more quick points in response to a several posts all related to this one.
Yes, the Aristo throttles provide nice control, and have momentum, if desired. The push button operation of them is more like a real loco than a knob, and even in the minimum momentum setting there is a natural, gental ramp up/ramp down in the speed control.
Doughless, despite how this conversation has dirfted, I for one have always acknowledged the lone operator with no need for blocks. I know a modeler here in our area with a layout concept similar to yours, and like us, he uses the Aristo throttle on his basement filling industrial switching layout - with no seperate blocks, just a few kill zones to store locos.
I do I do. I have 25 blocks on my layout and over 50 locos (not all used at once). Since I usually operate alone I don't need DCC. The blocks I will use are printed on my train order cards so I know exactly which switches to throw on the control panels. I only have permission to occupy those tracks so it works out perfect.
I could leave a train orbiting the layout while I do some local switching but I'd rather let it be in suspended animation so I can just concentrate on one train at a time. As for sound, I play some music and try to block out the noise.
Well, the Flint Hills Northern runs on straight DC; always has, always will. While I'd love to have DCC, I also have over 60 locos, so the cost alone of converting would be prohibitive. And no, I can't run all of the locos at once. More like 2 or 3 at the outside - Usually 1, but sometimes 2.
---
Gary M. Collins gmcrailgNOSPAM@gmail.com
===================================
"Common Sense, Ain't!" -- G. M. Collins
http://fhn.site90.net
ATLANTIC CENTRAL OK Rich, you answered my next question. I was going to ask how you control turnouts. I do remember your trackplan from earlier postings. So my operation as a lone operator is not much different than yours, I walk around with my wireless throttle and set turnout routes on local panels with a push of one button as well - and then I push one more button, on that same local panel, to assign the next track section. Complex power routing through the interlocking, as well as signal indications are all set automaticly by those two actions. Here is where we differ - I have no desire to keep track of two or more trains on the same route/track at the same time when operating by myself - I have operated DCC layouts where guys try to do that - no thank you.
My layout is centered around a double mainline, each mainline measuring 168 feet, so there is plenty of room to operate multiple trains. Running two trains at the same time at different speeds on each mainline is no big deal, even for a lone wolf. At the same time, I can perform switching operations between my downtown passenger station and coach yard.
From what I understand about DC, I cannot do that. If I could, that would be great. I have no axe to grind with DC users. I could care less about who uses DC and who uses DCC other than to be fascinated with both systems and all kinds of layouts.
doctorwayne, for example, has one of the most beautiful layouts that I have ever seen. He operates in DC, never runs more than one train at a time. He walks around the layout following that train. That is fine by me. Sounds pretty cool, and I am still waiting for an invite to visit Wayne and see his layout in operation.
What I care about is multiple train operation on multiple tracks. Why not? That's how it works on the prototype. The railroads don't run one train at a time. So, why should I settle for a single train operation. I don't need 168 feet of mainline to run one train. Like most model railroad layouts, mine is one of selective compression. Yeah, it's only 168 feet of mainline, 2.75 scale miles, but it supposedly represents about 50 miles of prototype track. If I only ran one train at a time, I would cut back significantly.
richhotrain ATLANTIC CENTRAL OK Rich, you answered my next question. I was going to ask how you control turnouts. I do remember your trackplan from earlier postings. So my operation as a lone operator is not much different than yours, I walk around with my wireless throttle and set turnout routes on local panels with a push of one button as well - and then I push one more button, on that same local panel, to assign the next track section. Complex power routing through the interlocking, as well as signal indications are all set automaticly by those two actions. Here is where we differ - I have no desire to keep track of two or more trains on the same route/track at the same time when operating by myself - I have operated DCC layouts where guys try to do that - no thank you. Sheldon, My layout is centered around a double mainline, each mainline measuring 168 feet, so there is plenty of room to operate multiple trains. Running two trains at the same time at different speeds on each mainline is no big deal, even for a lone wolf. At the same time, I can perform switching operations between my downtown passenger station and coach yard. From what I understand about DC, I cannot do that. If I could, that would be great. I have no axe to grind with DC users. I could care less about who uses DC and who uses DCC other than to be fascinated with both systems and all kinds of layouts. doctorwayne, for example, has one of the most beautiful layouts that I have ever seen. He operates in DC, never runs more than one train at a time. He walks around the layout following that train. That is fine by me. Sounds pretty cool, and I am still waiting for an invite to visit Wayne and see his layout in operation. What I care about is multiple train operation on multiple tracks. Why not? That's how it works on the prototype. The railroads don't run one train at a time. So, why should I settle for a single train operation. I don't need 168 feet of mainline to run one train. Like most model railroad layouts, mine is one of selective compression. Yeah, it's only 168 feet of mainline, 2.75 scale miles, but it supposedly represents about 50 miles of prototype track. If I only ran one train at a time, I would cut back significantly. Rich
Sheldon,
Rich,
Actually I could run two trains on the same loop at the same time by myself, sitting at the dispatchers panel would be the easiest way to do that, lots of DC operators have done it over the years - I just don't/won't - not even if I had DCC.
And my system would be one of the easiest to do it with, short of even more sofisticated stuff like computerized block control.
My mainline loops are over 300' long, and devided into plenty of sections (blocks), but I just don't like the idea. If I missed a cab assignment, the train would just stop, but it would be an emergency stop - it hits dead track.
I will put trains on isolated loops and let them run - I like dispay running.
I will admit, I'm not good with any of these computer like/cell phone like throttles where you "toggle" to different functions, or between different trains, have small buttons like Digitrax, or endess wheel knobs, or have small displays to read (or worse obscure little "icons").
In my view, the Digitrax 400 throttle is a nightmare, and most of the other brands are not much better. This is actually one of the reasons I rejected DCC both times I stopped and gave it serious consideration - poor user interface design - and high cost in my application.
You should learn about signaling - it really adds a new demension.
Off to work now,
Wireless hand held throttles are nice....too late in game for me to switch, tethered hand held's are fine for me. With a 3 cab block control system, I can run a East bound main train, a west bound main train on the double track mainline and with the 3 cab, jump on any main I want in either direction and go to a siding with a train and do my switching of industries while the mains are still running without having to stop them to do so. My grandkids can do it....that is why my track plan is laid out on the panel, so You know where the blocks are. Simple to learn if just starting out, by just turning off the block before the one you are in, so the one or two mains running do not run into Your train. You have exactly so many minutes to get off the mains before the trains come by...that's the fun part.....the kid's enjoy it.
Take Care!
Frank
I am still using DC. Its not like I am anti technology. I am anti technology for the sake of technology. At work we are currently up to 50 processors per vehicle. While this means job security, it becomes a maintenance burden for owners after the warranty expires. We have slowly conditioned people to want all these features and to pay for them.
So when it comes to a hobby, I am skeptical that I need to change a perfectly working layout just to say I did.
700 for decoders and 200 for a controller is way more than i want to spend. And i have a suspicion a better less costly system may be on the horizon.
Jim
PM RailfanAnd the cost of doing so would be unfathomable.
I never understood that argument. A GOOD starter 3 Amp DCC system is $160. DCC decoders are $25 each. That's less then the cost of some RTR cars.
That said you will never have to worry about non-availability DC equipment. All DCC equiped products these days are DC backwards compatible. It makes no sense for manufacturers to remove this backwards compatibility because it restricts their market. It's practically a freebee to have backwards compatibility in there.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
ATLANTIC CENTRALYou should learn about signaling - it really adds a new demension
And the more one learns about signaling, the more one will understand that it works fine on DCC, too.
DC is fine, DCC is fine. Either can work well with signals.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
BroadwayLionBlock Control is far more prototypical than DCC. Block Control is how the signal systems work. Obviously Railroads are not controlling power such as we are, they do not need to, but the authority to occuupy the track is conveyed by the signal blocks.
This is posted often, but is false. As you yourself note, the central dispatcher does not have control over the speed of individual trains in real life. Individual engineers do. And most signal systems don't work by "block control", even defining it broadly and charitably.
For the majority of railroad miles in the US, there were no signals at all. And of the signaled miles, a relatively low percentage were CTC.
DC is fine, DCC is fine. But there is no benefit to anyone in incorrect statements.
cuyama ATLANTIC CENTRAL You should learn about signaling - it really adds a new demension And the more one learns about signaling, the more one will understand that it works fine on DCC, too. DC is fine, DCC is fine. Either can work well with signals.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL You should learn about signaling - it really adds a new demension
Yes, in fact the signal system I use will work with DCC, I never implied other wise.
Fact is that adding a signal system is a complex and expensive part of model railroading with or without DCC. DCC surely does not make signaling any easier.
DigitalGriffin PM Railfan And the cost of doing so would be unfathomable. I never understood that argument. A GOOD starter 3 Amp DCC system is $160. DCC decoders are $25 each. That's less then the cost of some RTR cars. That said you will never have to worry about non-availability DC equipment. All DCC equiped products these days are DC backwards compatible. It makes no sense for manufacturers to remove this backwards compatibility because it restricts their market. It's practically a freebee to have backwards compatibility in there.
PM Railfan And the cost of doing so would be unfathomable.
It is alway easy to talk about low "starter costs". I'm not a beginner in this hobby, here is what I would need to convert my model railroad to DCC:
120 decoders - 120 x $25 = $3,000
8 wireless throttles - 8 x $125 = $1,000
several boosters - at whatever cost
and of course the base station and some reversers.
I'm not intertested in going "backwards" in the shope of my layout to get the few extra features DCC would add. Especially considering I do not like sound in the small scales, I have no need for "ditch lights", all my MU'd and double headed locos run just fine on DC, and my operational scheme does not include helper service.
I have no fears about non-availablity of DC equipment, I remove decoders, and sometimes sound decoders from locos all the time to make them compatable with my PWM Aristo Train Engineer throttles.
cuyama BroadwayLion Block Control is far more prototypical than DCC. Block Control is how the signal systems work. Obviously Railroads are not controlling power such as we are, they do not need to, but the authority to occuupy the track is conveyed by the signal blocks. This is posted often, but is false. As you yourself note, the central dispatcher does not have control over the speed of individual trains in real life. Individual engineers do. And most signal systems don't work by "block control", even defining it broadly and charitably. For the majority of railroad miles in the US, there were no signals at all. And of the signaled miles, a relatively low percentage were CTC. DC is fine, DCC is fine. But there is no benefit to anyone in incorrect statements.
BroadwayLion Block Control is far more prototypical than DCC. Block Control is how the signal systems work. Obviously Railroads are not controlling power such as we are, they do not need to, but the authority to occuupy the track is conveyed by the signal blocks.
Yes but for those of us modeling a CTC controlled railroad, signaling and block control can work hand in hand.
Soo Line fanAnd i have a suspicion a better less costly system may be on the horizon.
Russell
A club I belonged to had some type of radio system, may have been Aristo, I can’t remember. It was good system; however, the club had no blocks in their layout, just a double tracked loop with a branch line. One throttle was hooked to one of the mains and the other to the other. Pretty simple.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
NP2626 Are the Aristo-Craft; or, Aristo whatever systems still available? I just did a search and could not find much on this manufacturer as far as a DC operation systems are concerned. They may still make rolling stock, possible in Large Scale. I did find Crest, is this the same company?
- Douglas
Thank you Doughless, I'm firmly into DCC; however, with all the discussion about the Aristo systems, I figured it would be a good thing if they were still available.
NP2626 Thank you Doughless, I'm firmly into DCC; however, with all the discussion about the Aristo systems, I figured it would be a good thing if they were still available.
Doughless NP2626 Thank you Doughless, I'm firmly into DCC; however, with all the discussion about the Aristo systems, I figured it would be a good thing if they were still available. Your question got me poking around the 'net a bit and it looks like Aristo/Crest has updated the product. I'm not sure they still make the product that Sheldon uses, and I use a simpler version of Sheldon's throttle which I know they've discontinued. No problem however, if my Train Engineer breaks, I'll just flip the plug in my Atlas locos over to DCC and use my NCE wireless for the silent locos too and move right along...no worries.
I use the older, but not oldest version of the Train Engineer. Mine are the 10 channel 27 MHz version with the on/off switch. I will look later and see if I have a photo to post.
The newest product, the Train Engineer Revolution will do everything the older models did, plus much more. They have both onboard receivers for large scale and trackside receivers for any scale.
They are also working to develope onboard receivers for HO - direct radio - imagine DCC with no baswe station, just a simple power supply putting 12 volts on the track all the time, and the control info travels through the air doirectly to the loco - not thorugh the rails.
In the whole history of the hobby, there have been a few other radio throttles, but Aristo is by far the most successful.
Before DCC was fully developed, the Train Engineer had a sizable HO and N scale following and I know a number of HO modelers still using them.
Aristo has closed their large scale train business, and is only in this business with throttles, under the Crest name, which is a brand name they have always used for their electronics products.
When I was developing my control system, I worked directly with one of their tech people via e-mail and with several other long time users of the Train Engineer Throttle.
Actually, I did not imbrace the Train Engineer throttle without extensive testing for my application. First I wanted to be comfortable with the push button control, which I now prefer in place of a turning knob.
I also tested it for slow speed operation, radio range with indoor friendly shorty antennas, detection system compatabilty, and more.
I'm very happy with my choice.
Is the newer stuff 2.4 GHz?
Sheldon:
How you operate and what you have accomplished electrically/electonically is genius. I am green with envy at your abilities.
Dave
NP2626 I would have thought they would offer the system in something better than the 27 MHz range. In the late 1960s, Radio Control manufactures all but stopped producing R/C system in 27 MHz and jumped up to 72-75 MHz. Now R/C is almost totally dominated by 2.4 GHz frequency hopping systems. Have you guys using these systems ever had any RF problems, "glitching", interference? Just my opinion; but, sending the signal through the rails is a better mousetrap! Is the newer stuff 2.4 GHz?
The new Revolution is 2.4 GHz, but I have never had a signal or range problem with my 27 MHz system. They did also use 72-75 MHz for a different version of the product I have.
Even with 5" "rubber duckies", I can run my layout, located in the second floor of my detached garage, from out in my driveway, 100' away.
In the 30' x 40' confines of the layout room, it is dead on reliable with 8 different channels going at once.
A club near York PA used them for years on a club layout that was about 250' x 75' - no problems. Remember you are not flying an airplane, you are walking/standing in a building and the receiver is stationary.
Sending the signal throught rails is subject to the electrical noise of the wheel moving on the rail. That is why dirty track can be more of a problem for DCC than simple DC.
Here is what I like most, five simple large buttons - FASTER, SLOWER, EAST, WEST, EMERGENCY STOP. The buttons are easily identified by feel, I never have to look at the throttle.
Not the best picture, but this shows the Aristo handheld I use, and the Aristo base station, mounted to the regulated power supply I use.
Good morning!
Unlike some of the posters on the various "DC vs. DCC" forum threads, I've had the pleasure of running both systems - DC for a good 40 plus years, and DCC for 7 years. IMO, that gives me some credentials to speak to both systems.
The "plus and minus" of both have been tossed around these forums for years now. And frankly, there is nothing I can add to them.
But I can say this....... DC operation kept this hobby alive for umpteen decades. Like DCC, one can make it as simple or as complicated as they want. For a newcomer to the hobby, there is a lot to be said for beginning their MR venture with DC operations.
I resent the label "old school" applied to DC (or most anything else for that matter). Those things called "old school" by some are what got us to where we are today, and they still work just fine.
One last thing....... Why in the world would any MR give a rat's patoote what operating system another MR chooses to go with? That just doesn't make any sense to me. It would be like me spouting..... "why aren't the rest of you MRs running ATSF prototypes of the '40s and '50s in HO with period correct rolling stock and vehicles?"
Yup, that is pretty narrow minded, as is the "if you don't run DCC, you are a big dummy" - to paraphrase more than a few comments I've read on this forum.
Come on guys (and gals), lets talk about some really important stuff............
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
davidmurray Sheldon: How you operate and what you have accomplished electrically/electonically is genius. I am green with envy at your abilities. Dave
Guys,Since DC is the subject I would like to mention another feature of MRC Tech 6.
In the DC mode you can use braking and momentum and consist two DC locomotives by using the voltage setting and momentum.
I consisted two BB GP38-2s and was surprise with the results.Of course remove them from the layout and they return to their normal DC running when placed on a (say) DC club layout.
And if you're wondering yes,this old man has way to much time on his hands.