DC or DCC

[Anonymous]

What is better for my layout DC or DCC

[simon1966]

Not knowing any details of your layout, I would say DCC without a doubt. It costs more, a lot more depending on the system purchased. It requires the installation of decoders in the locomotives, possibly difficult depending on your scale. But and a huge but... the fun I have had since converting to DCC is well worth the extra cost. My 2 boys and I can run our layout and have a blast dealing with the realities of single track mains and passing sidings without having to mess with block control. Then throw in the sound locomotives and the fun had configuring speed curves and braking curves for added realism and I would never go back to DC.

[dknelson]

If it wasn't for my huge investment in DC locomotives, which would cost a fortune (and take forever) to convert to DCC, I'd go with DCC in a heartbeat.
Fortunately my layout although somewhat large is going to be double track main meaning trains will not typically be battling for the same tracks -- cab control DC should be a fairly practical option for me. But you get very spoiled with DCC.
By the way there is a third option -- Signal Research's micro processor which essentially runs DC to the rails and has some of the features of DCC in the control system -- you still have to divide the layout into blocks but the system keeps two trains from being in the same block.
Dave Nelson

[selector]

The question is a good one, but difficult to answer without knowing some details. Is your budget quite limited? If so, go DC.......for now. It is simple, and someone on a tight budget is probably going to be limited to one or two operating locos on a simple layout.

However, if & as your finances permit over time, and if the bug for trains continues, your layout and penchant for more locos will both grow, and here is where DC becomes a major headache (sorry to Dave and others who are still necessarily constrained...I intend no offense or derision). The electronic switching that is required to keep your locos from running into each other is a real challenge to engineer and to maintain.

DCC is initially more espensive, by at least a factor of two; you'd expect that to be the case in a relatively newer technology in any undertaking. Once in your hands, though, wiring is simple. Running trains, many of them, is also simple, and this is where DCC really shines. Unless you have extensive block and switching, you DC-run locos will just run in circles using the same power and signal from your rectifier. What one does, the other must. In DCC, you can put one loco in reverse, and leave it to back at 8 scale mph down a short spur. You can then dial up another loco, and have it pull away from the station, or freight dock, and accelerate to 39 scale mph. While the second is doing that acceleration, you switch back to the first, already nearing its intended packet of hoppers, and hook up. Remember that the second is still doing its directed accelerating, because you can progam the decoders to mimick inertia.

Another big bonus for DCC is that the cab, or paddle, has all the buttons and knobs in one location for the control of the DCC locos. Horn, coupler crash, directional lighting control, bell, mute, flange squeel, and so on are already in your hands. With DC, you have to look to, and reach towards, another imlement located nearby to operate these features, but a rather nice idea from the folks at BLI and QSI for those who cannot, or will not, use DCC.

So, how do we answer you? The answer will depend on what you feel you need, and what your constraints will be. If you are under 20 years of age, and on a really tight budget, a train set will have you up and running on a nice track with just a few extra dollars for some switches, or turnouts. In fact, Bachmann makes a train set with an introductory DCC system called EZ-Commander. If you go on e-bay, you might find all things related to trains, including the more expensive DCC stuff, at a greatly reduced price from those in a hobby shop.

Good luck.

[nfmisso]

If you are just starting out on a tight budget, go with Bachmann's E-Z DCC system; made by Lenz the inventor of DCC. You can always upgrade in the future.

[SpaceMouse]

DCC is current technology. DC will continue just as there are still VCR's. But we all know that DVD's are far superior in just about every reguard. Sure DCC is more expensive, but the longer you wait the harder and more expensive it will be to convert.

[jxtrrx]

Space Mouse hit it on the head. Especially if you're just starting out -- go DCC. The only reason I can think of not to is the one Dave gave... you already have a fleet of DC locos that you don't want to upgrade or you can't part with. Starting in DC to save a few bucks and switching to DCC later ultimately wastes money (I know, because this is what I did). I bought Atlas Selector switches to control blocks, DC locos that then needed to be upgraded, and did alot of unnecessary block wiring. There are plenty of DC users wishing they could go DCC. I don't think there are many (any?) DCC users thinking of switching back to DC.
Good luck!
-Jack

[selector]

On th other hand, Jack, I have a truntable and turnouts that I control with my intitial MRC DC transformer, and the EZ-Track that I initially purchased is what I have on the layout. It came with the DC transformer.

If you want to control those items with a DCC system, you need decoders, a sizeable expense.

[tstage]

Weez,

I agree with the above things mentioned. Nigel is absolutely right. If you are just starting out your layout and don't want to spend a lot of money initially then the Bachmann EZ Command system is an inexpensive way to get your DCC "feet wet" and not break the bank doing it.

I found mine heavily discounted for $53 (essentially the cost of a decent MRC power pack) and really have no regrets for going that route. Eventually, I would like to upgrade to a more sophisticated system. For right now, however, I will be content with what I have.

Depending on the current draw of your locomotive, the Bachmann EZ Command system can concurrently run 2, sometimes 3 locomotives at once. (The newer locomotives out now run on much lower currents than older locomotives do.) The EZ Command only has 1 amp of power so you are limited to the number of locmotives you can run at any one time. But you can store up to 9 DCC addresses and even run one "non-decoder equipped" locomotive on DC.

I currently run my layout on only 2 wires. Once I get my layout design nailed down, then I start to hard wire the track with a power buss and track feeders divide the layout into power districts.

You can also find decoders heavily discounted, some as cheap as $13-15. If you constrain yourself from overspending and buy a little at a time, the expense really is that bad. The difference between the cost of a starter DCC system, decoders, and simplified wiring vs. power packs, blocks, switches, and more complicated wiring is negligible over the long haul.

Personally, the bottom line for me is: running DCC is more reailistic and potentially less aggravating than running DC. I enjoy running my trains more than running my layout. It was a no-brainer decision in my book ...

Tom

[CraigN]

I think alot depends on the size and style of the layout and how it will get used. Alot depends on your goals in model railroading.

Lets face facts, some people get bored and get rid of there stuff after a short time, finding out that railroading is not for them. And then some will build a layout and then another and another. Some build so they can expand in the future.



If you're not sure which direction you are heading, then go DC. It makes no sense to buy that expensive DCC system and those expensive decoder equiped loco's if your just gonna throw them in a box in your closit or even get rid of them. If you decide you really like it , the cost to convert loco's isn't really that bad if you only have a couple to do. The cost difference when you buy a DCC ready engine and one equiped with a decoder is usually close to the price of buying a decoder seperate anyways. And then the only real cost you are out would be the cost of the DC controller.

If you are really into Model Railroading, then go DCC, it's the way of the future. You will end up wanting it anyways unless you are like some that have too many engines to convert.

Choose wisely, it's your nickel.

[lesterperry]

For what it is worth I use what I call P.M.C.C. (Poor mans command control).I use D.C controls and put magnetic latching reed switches in my Locomotives which makes it possible to turn off the locomotive. I Have a double track main line each on its own block I have a large 16 track yard on only one block plus 2 lead in tracks. 2 hidden yards which are wired to the main line blocks. 1short line on its own block. That gives me 4 blocks. I have approximatly 50 locomotives. If I want to I can put all 50 on the track at the same time and run any one or two or three I wish leaveing the others sitting. I can add units and remove units from consists. I can leave a loco in a sideing any where I wish. The only thing I cant do is operate 2 trains on the same track independant of each other. Which for most people isn't a big deal as most don't have a main line long enough to warrent or allow operation of 2 trains at once. This costs around $3.00 per loco and a little wireing. Also latching reed switchs are getting hard to find but are out there. But I must say I am considering getting the new MRC prodigy advace system and include it in my options thanks to SOUND

[robengland]

check past threads - there have been several that went deep into this topic

PS I say go DCC. Theer are real cheap systems out there now. My local hobby shop is chucking in a Bachman DCC system for about US$80 extra with any Atlas DCC loco he sells. Just do some research first so you know what you need and can be sure what you buy meets those needs.

[Anonymous]

ahhhhhhhhh, my kinda topic, let ME EXPLAIN why i LOVE DC CONTROL ( not DCC), I am an Electrician by TRADE. I LOVE the huge MASSES of wires, and nothing gets me GOING more than a HUGE bank of TOGGLE switches that need thrown this WAY or that WAY to GET THINGS MOVING, and the COMPLICATED LED indicators, OLD SCHOOL twin T Block Sensors, DPDT's , Cable ties, ID tags, YEAH, THATS ME, I LOVE IT!!! PS I didnt read the forum!! but a word of warning, if you dont know ALOT about dc control, electronics and electricity, ECT, than I GUESS DCC is the WAY, JUST MY OPINION< hey, YOU asked!

[Anonymous]

I suggest the DIgitrax Zephyr - all the flexablility you will probably ever need !!

I love mine !!!

Check out Tony's Train Exchange for a great DCC primer, a DCC system comparison chart and good deals on DCC systems (and locos) !!!!

http://tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm