ModelRailroader.com Reader Poll -November 13, 2003

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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]

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.

[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

[holland]

no need for dcc

[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 .

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[alpreston]

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

[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

[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]

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]

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]

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

[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'm afraid I'm one of these guys who buys purely on looks, mainly because my layout will be all steam. Recently though, I decided to take a closer look at all my locos and found two Rocos and one Brawa were DCC ready. I may look into it in the future but not now. Just let me finish my layout and I'll go from there.

[OurBug]

Well, let's see here on the DCC verus DC issue. I run both on my RR for the simple reason of when I have to repair someone's engine, I got DC. If one of the club members come over with DC, they can run their engines. I run DCC and DC at the same time in different sections of the RR and use COMMON RAIL on the entire RR without any problems of any kind.
So, there is still headlights that work on DC and lights that work on DCC. Haven't figured out where there wouldn't be and lights unless you took them out of the engine.
So as to if it has a plug or not? No problem. It might just run on the club layout in DC.

[:o)]

[Anonymous]

I say yes it would. But if there was an engine I would like that the plug just was available in than I would still buy the engine.

[Anonymous]

Six months ago I was working on a layout with double ended yard and loco storage tracks; ran into many elec problems with DC. So switched to DCC and converted 12 engines including several 1990 Mantua Goats and am having the time of my life. Start a passenger train on one mainline, a freight on the other main and then do yard or siding switching. No more flipping block switches!
I park my locos anywhere. After 65 years, I am really enjoying my layout.

[Anonymous]

If I had plenty of time I wouldn't mind, but I prefer not to have to install the grab-irons or wire in a decoder. DCC will have 'arrived' when most locos come with the decoder already installed. Steven Burrows, Australia

[Anonymous]

Even though I have a small layout, DCC is the future and I want to embrace it as a new hobbyist looking to be in the game for the long-run. For those with massive fleets already, DC understandably is quite attractive. For me, having DCC plugs there means I am getting a locomotive that will allow me to easily upgrade my tiny N-scale engines without frustrating myself in the process!

[Anonymous]

A DCC plug is certainly a plus but wiring a decoder is not that difficult. The decision depends mostly on other factors but a plug is good. There are so many overwhelming advantages to DCC that I find it hard to understand the resistance from some people.

[Anonymous]

personally i could'nt care less if the loco has a DCC plug or not. I run a small DC layout so DCC decoders wouldn't be practicle in my diesels. I run diesels that are analog and others that have DCC compatible boards.
I'd buy the loco regardless of the DCC plug.

[Anonymous]

Its not all that hard to wire in your own decoder, but having a plug makes it a lot eaiser.
If your not using dcc now-you are missing a lot of fun. My 7 year old grandkids have no trouble runing the trains when they come over. I don't beleive it will be many more years, before almost every new engine will be dcc ready.

[CP5415]

I'm not running dcc on my layout, so it doesn't really matter to me if it wasn't

Gordon