ModelRailroader.com Reader Poll -November 13, 2003

[joebraun]

Rather than go the DCC route, I expanded my railroad to include 48 reverse-loop staging tracks. I have to keep the juice simple, especially with the short-circuit problem evidently so critical with DCC; so I have stayed with good old DC and my faithful, amperage-ful Dallee Engineer power sources. With the capacity to have over 200 locomotive units on the system at any one time, there just is no way i can consider the time and money for conversion. More power to all those excited hobbyists who find DCC meets their needs. There are, however, many of us who will never make the move.

[Anonymous]

I'd certainly prefer a DCC plug so I don't have to solder those tiny wires. Plug or not, I can't imagine a layout withour DCC anymore. After spending my entire life operating and maintaining DC-powered layouts, DCC is really a joy to use. Installation is not too bad either, once you take some time to learn the systems. Certainly wiring for block control was much harder than dropping a decoder in an engine!

Regards,
Greg

[Anonymous]

This won't affect my decision because I have not found any 4-4-0 models that can easily handle DCC plugs, let alone manufactured with a plug included.

[Anonymous]

Having a DCC _socket_ (since the plug is already fitted on the decoder lead!) is not a 'buying' issue.
'Space' - being the availability of a suitably-sized void - is more my concern, especially now given than I've taken up N scale modelling (to help my 14y.o. son out).


In fact, if there is complete compatibility running DCC-fitted stock on 'standard' DC systems, including those employing through-the-track constant lighting systems, the next evolution in manufacturing may see all new DC-motored locos sold with DCC as standard, just as you can't buy a new TV without a remote control (and there is bigger analogy there than you may have imagined...).
If this state was ever to occur, I would still like to see a standard dimensional package determined to allow people the opportunity to replace/upgrade with decoders of their own choosing.

Regards,

Steve

[Anonymous]

Bergie,
In N scale, not having a DCC plug is important, and a lesson that Life Like doesn't seem to have twigged on. A thread like this got started in the Atlas forum, when some one suggested that for the price the LL engines were the best. Many such as myself responded: "no DCC ready, no purchase."

[Anonymous]

Most locomotives still come without decoders and I think that trend will continue well into the future. Those do come with built in dcc at this time can be used on dc layouts without any modifications, so I really don't think it's much of an issue at this time, except for price

[alpreston]

Yes, I'd be more likely to buy a loco without the DCC plug than a loco that has one.

[Anonymous]

DCC is the way of the future for model railroading.The operaion and installation of systems is much better with DCC therefore I will only purchase new engines if DCC is available in the unit.

[Anonymous]

I first started model railroading in the late 50s, but due to work and family had to lay it aside for many years. Now retired, I dug out the crated remnants of my earlier layout and started to get interested again. My local hobby shop guru recommended DCC, and even helped to install the first decoder in an old brass engine. I am hooked. Since then I have installed decoders in a couple more engines myself and just love the way they work. Makes that old layout come alive. And now hearing about the next step in the DCC future makes me say.. lets get on with it.

[aussiesteve]

Not having a Dcc plug is that important. I buy the loco's I need when available Dcc ready or not (usually not). As I have an electrical background fitting decoders will present no problems.

As for DC being simpler as someone in a previous post hinted at, it is but only on the simplest of layouts, as your layout becomes more complex so does the wiring required for DC. Dcc becomes much more realistic the bigger your layout.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Forgive me, but I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Hard wiring a decoder is not that difficult. When I buy a loco, its a bonus to have the plug. If it dosen't I would still buy it.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I think at this point in time locos should be equipped with DCC plugs and the manufacturers better get on the ball.....I have alot of locos and now infrequently purchase new ones but, I have decided new locos must be sound equipped or I won't buy .

[holland]

no need for dcc

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I'm surprised that so many people don't understand the benefits of DCC. Simplified wiring on the layout, simplified controls. SLIGHTLY more complicated engine work. Sounds like a win-win. Even SMALL layouts with fiddle yards (2x10) can benefit

Manufacturers will find a way to add costs in and with the cost of a "ready to run" loco ever increasing, getting a value add, like a DCC plug, is a good thing

Modeling in the freelance world that i do, and modeling everything differently...its hard pressed for me to just buy an off the shelf locomotive...i use a lot of Kaslo Shops Resin kits (BTW these are not like the old novatech, they are just as great and detailed as a P2K). I modify almost every locomotive i buy...so the added cost of replacing a dash9 cab with the Canadian 4 window cab...or building an entire resin SD60F and trying to find a decent chassis for it...its hard sometimes with the modifications to install a decoder...and even then...i dont want to use DCC im happy with DC. I have read all about DCC and i think its a great thing...MRR in the 21st century....its just not my thing...and with all the brass i have...its DEFINATELY not my thing LOL

[Anonymous]

Not having the "layout" built yet, and having over 110 locomotives...I haven't converted to DCC, but I might. Whether or not the new loco has the chip/plug for DCC is not really a consideration for me. Is it the loco I'm looking for? Can I get it in my road name {Rio Grande}? Those are the questions that I ask myself, not does it have DCC.

[JoeUmp]

No way. As an electronics tech, wiring a decoder by hand is not a problem. A built in jack (technically a the decoder itself is the plug) just makes life easier.

Also with the eight and nine pin sockets have plugs available to allow converting back to straight DC if you are travelling to another layout.

And that's my two pence.

[Anonymous]

I voted no because my layout was built before dcc was common and is wired regular. So to me it doesn't really matter, but I can see the advantages of dcc and a new layout would probably be set up for dcc. As far as running old dc engines a layout can be set up to run both. I know the local club can run both with the flick of a switch. From what little experience I've had with dcc, it sounds like the way to go.

[Anonymous]

While DCC is the wave of the future, I have too many engines to consider changing them all to DCC. ( Unless I can rob a bank to obtain the funds ). I will operate both systems and enjoy both equally. When visitors operate the layout, most often regular DC is the simplest way for them to participate in a trouble free manner. Don't forget; the quickest way to lose potential enthusiasts is to give them something difficult to start out with.

[Jetrock]

The stuff I look for is all old, or scratchbuilding components needed to build my own, so generally DCC plugs are a non-issue. I might go DCC someday, but I'm pretty doubtful that a bunch of new traction stuff is going to come out anytime soon, DCC or not, so I'd have to solder them all in anyhow.

[Anonymous]

I have a 12x20 size layout that is broken into 12 blocks for a 125 ft. mainline, With over 50 locos on hand there is no way that I'm going to convert to DCC. I would not pay extra for a loco equipped with DCC. My block system runs fine and if I have a short. it's easy to find.

[Anonymous]

Right now, I am just starting out (again) and want to keep is simple. I have an electronics background and will probably migrate to DCC eventually. I just want to get started with the basics and go from there.

[Anonymous]

I run "N" guage with DCC. It is very difficult to mount and wire the tiny DCC boards within the engine shells, and sometimes requires altering the shells. Therefore I only buy engines that are DCC ready.

[Anonymous]

I am old enough to remember the advent of computers and the debate about DOS
vs. Windows. I liked DOS, but a wise person who clearly saw the future of operating
systems encouraged me to go windows. I think Model railroading has already crossed
over to DCC. In a few short years it will be your only choice. You might as well make
up your mind to begin DCC operations or get lost and forgotten like Radio Shack
T-80 computers. I still purchase non-DCC ready equipment if the price is right,
but I convert them to DCC. The day is close at hand when R-T-R DCC will be
the most cost effective.

[sparkingbolt]

Nope, subject material dictates. I run dc. Maybe, someday dcc.

[orsonroy]

I voted yes, but I would have liked to have been able to vote "Yes, sometimes". Buying an engine isn't necessarily a simple decision. If I'm buying a plastic diesel, I won't buy one without a DCC plug. Same goes for new-generation plastic steam. But there are exceptions. Brass steam universally comes without DCC anything, especially the used brass I pick up. Same goes for Bowser and Roundhouse steam kits.

When Athearn came out with their new 2-8-2 a few years ago, I said to myself, "Great! Now I can cancel my plans of assembling a roster of Bowser kits, and get my USRA light mikes cheaper, assembled, and easy to modify. And it's a bonus that they're DCC-ready!" I promptly bought 11 of them to fill out my roster. They worked great on my last layout, but I've sinced moved and begun building a new, three level layout with a 2% ruling grade. Guess what? I'm now in the process of selling off my non-pulling Athearns and replacing them with Bowsers and Powerhouse engines. Out with the DCC-ready, and in with Pittman motors!

So to sum up: yes, I prefer engines that are DCC-ready, but they'd better have all the rest of the features I want/need as well, especially where overall performance is concerned!

RAY

[kaprod]

I would not be "limiting" it to just DCC decoders. I use an older and very reliable wireless command control system and have too much invested in it to jump into DCC. Some have argued to just jump into DCC anyway but for me that would still be an expensive switch, block detectors, power supplies, throttle system, etc. I am happy with my system as it is and love the way it operates. I don't want to be "forced" into DCC and I am glad people at Atlas make "decoder equipped" and "not decoder equipped". I hope it continues.

With that being said I buy locomotives based on the models I need and not whether it has a plug or not. If it has a plug, great! If not, great!

Thanks for listening.

Alan

[Anonymous]

C'mon people - DCC is a bad case of the emperor's new clothes! [;)]
I agree that it definitely is cool to run each train separately from all others on the layout without being concerned about block control, but that's really all DCC gives you -along with added cost for decoders, power boosters, controllers, etc. and making sure that your turnouts are all "DCC friendly". And don't forget the extra power supply for the accessory decoders....[xx(]
I'm sure that many model rails will consider me as being too cynical, but at the present time I see DCC as a self-propogating cash cow!

Whew, didn't know I had such an attitude on this morning...........[:)]
Mike O'B.
Beaver Creek, Midlakes & Eastern Ry.

[Mike4321]

I model in ho on THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY STEAM in the 1915-1940's era. The engines I have purchased in the past ddnt have DCC but now do. NO PROBLEM . ADAPT--IMPROVISE--OVERCOME. If you want it bad enough, you will do it, If it is knowledge about the subject or $ to purchase the item[s], you can do it. 'NUFF ON THAT_ thanks guys the site is great & the mage r fantastic!!!!

THE REDNECK FROM BUZZARD ROOST

[Anonymous]

I am currently in the market for a yard switcher in N Gauge. I like the looks of the Life-Like SW 8 but am going to buy the VO-1000 with decoder only because of the difficulty and change in performance (noise) of having a decoder installed in these little engines

[Anonymous]

I have accumulated more engines over the past 25 years than most clubs have in their inventory. I have more than most hobby shops so I could never afford to convert everything to DCC. My layout will always have both types of operation so the DCC plug is not the main point to consider when purchasing my engines. Price and the engine model are my main concerns, plus quality of course.

Dave