do you DC or do you DCC ???

[Anonymous]

I started my layout in DC but got interested in DCC because of the things that I could do simply as I am not electronically inclined. The main line is done and I run two trains around from one Digitrax throttle and am having fun.

The options that are available in DCC are tremendous and growing all the time. I didn't find the conversion expensive but I hadn't purchased all the necessary equipment to set up in DC.

[Anonymous]

NIGEL.

WELCOME BACK!

Your input is always top notch.

Chuck Walsh

[nfmisso]

DCC.

And DCC's improved operationality is even more effective on a SMALL layout. A small layout does not have the space for a lot of blocks, without command control it is very hard to have several locomotives running at once.

Starting from scratch, DCC is not significantly more expensive than straight DC. Compare a Digitrax Zephyr, Atlas Commander or MRC Prodigy cost to two good power packs (MRC Tech 4 for example) and a dozen dpdt center off toggles. Decoders are under $15, and even those offer more features than is possible with DC.

[Anonymous]

I operate using DC a lot, but being an electronics nut , I also have some equipment
with analog command control and some with DCC I operate these at different times
when not on DC. Eventually I will be able to operate them simultaneously using my
CMRI (computer model railroad interface). The problem I have is not enough time to
operate in any mode !
Robert

[Anonymous]

Reminds me of when I was a kid RC airplanes were starting to become popular and all the line flyers basically threw a fit and used the same arguments to attack RC, too expensive, to complex, to much work, not enough "fun". Fast forward 25 years, when's the last time you saw a line plane flying at the park? FRED

[Anonymous]

Got to remember that manufacturers like the Atlas Master series, Trix and Broadway already include a DCC chip and the list will grow.

[CNJ831]

I suspect that DC will continue to dominate the hobby until the current older generation of modelers passes into history. Far too many have built their layouts around DC operations and the costs to change over would, in many cases, be prohibitive (too many locos to convert). I'm a DC'er and haven't the slightest intent of converting to DCC in the future.

It is an interesting point that, in spite of all the hype DCC gets in the magazines, I have yet to see a scientifically accurate survey on the question that currently gives DCC anything larger than 15-20% of the market share. There does not seem to be any great rush by hobbyists to convert and for many older modelers I think the played-down complexities of DCC are often too difficult to deal with.

CNJ831

[Jacktal]

Who doesn't have a budget to run?Most with a few exceptions.I understand that for a model railroader who already has a great working DC layout and for whom it represents a hefty investment,DCC represents a major investment.It becomes an extra that he can go along without and still enjoy his layout since he is drilled to the procedures of controlling a DC powered setup.

However,for many like me who haven't started purchasing any hardware other than a power supply and a few tracks,I believe that DCC is the way to go,definitely.I haven't investigated all the otions yet,but I think that on the long run DCC is not much more expensive than DC,maybe even cheaper.And when you add the features of DCC,it becomes a much better options.I'm planning on going DCC but I understand the DC guys,they have a very good point.

[Anonymous]

I spend all day trying to get embedded real-time software and hardware to work together. DCC is too much like work.

[Anonymous]

I concur with Shaun .No Operating Problem with DC.
I have two ovals, two separate packs, blocks and can run three on the outer and two on the inner.
As the faster catches up, just throw a block.
For new comers, DCC deserves your full consideration/evaluation.

Chuck Walsh

[ShaunCN]

hi there i am still using DC and find that turning on blocks is not hard at all.

DCC too expensive for me, with a limited budget

[relucas]

I was just wondering how meny model railroaders are still going the way of DC?I myself am and will most likely stay DC. I have a 14 x 24 lay out with two main lines and a fairly good size yard all on blocks . When we operate we have to be on the ball or Casey Jones comes back to life ! I've seen DCC in action and it look to be great , but i guess i just like to work . W hen a train is headed south and one north i better have switches thrown and blocks on . Well thats just one man opion. It may not be right and may not be wrong. STAY ON TRACK and keep the fire hot !!!!!!