I'm sticking with DC. I've got a nice walkaround throttle, 'prototype' blocks and I run at MOST, two trains at once, something I can do pretty well with DC. Besides, I just can't see the expense of putting decoders into about 45-50 brass locomotives at this stage in my life.
I've got some DC/DCC steamers, but I don't run them very much, and after hearing about all the 'cracked-gear' problems with the newer locos that have come out, I plan on selling them ASAP. Which leaves me with my trusty, dependable brass.
Hey, I LIKE the Jurassic Era! It's still fun!
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
el-capitan wrote: This has been a sensative subject on this forum in the past. Watch out, the DCC snipers are watching. They are waiting for you to point out that DCC is not perfect and then they will jump all over you. Just a warning. All hail DCC!
This has been a sensative subject on this forum in the past. Watch out, the DCC snipers are watching. They are waiting for you to point out that DCC is not perfect and then they will jump all over you. Just a warning. All hail DCC!
Indeed we must pay proper homage, we cannot offend the chosen ones.
I'm sticking with DC. First and foremost, the time required to install decoders in my large HO locomotive fleet is simply better invested in other activities. And while the cost of quality decoders has come way down (and will no doubt continue to drop), the cost of paying someone to install them really has not. I both cannot afford to pay someone to install them for me, and am also one of those "rather do it myself" guys.
But secondly, the only part of my layout that would really benefit from DCC is my two terminal areas, one of them of moderate size but the other quite small. THe track plan for the main line is such that DC cab operation is really just as easy as putting a new consist number into the DCC throttle.
Having said that, I firmly believe that anyone who is starting in the hobby today should go DCC. My loco fleet has been assembled over a period of twenty-plus years (not counting the half dozen locos from my layout when a boy and teenage), and converting them one-at-a-time as purchased would have been no big deal.
Those snipers really keep good watch. Its not really the cost any more, maybe the initial shock, but after that it isnt too bad. I just simply think i dont need it and can put my money into more of the layout, not just the control.
-beegle55
I still run DC on my 2 rail oscale layout. I do not see myself going to DCC while this layout is still in operation. Here's why:
Wiring blocks is not difficult. Time consuming but not difficult. Now that mine is mostly done I really don't feel a need to leave block operation. Maybe on the next layout.
I like operating the layout on a CTC system. Block control lends itself very well to CTC. If I wanted to run on train orders I might reconsider DCC.
My operating sessions will consist of 4 separate operators. My layout consumes my entire basement and traverses through 3 rooms. During operating sessions I am usually the acting dispatcher I like the control that the blocks give me. I don't have to worry about head on collisons in a tunnel between 2 rooms because someone missed a red signal.
I currently have 12 locos and another 2 on order. I have heard that the decoders cost upwards of $100 per loco (for Oscale). That's $1,400 bucks that could either go to decoders or a new brass steam loco..... I'm sorry but if I had the money it would go to the new loco.
My dad also has 2 rail DC and I want him to be able to bring his junk over and run it as well.
I will be inheriting my dad's 25 locos some day.... another $2500 or 2 more brass steam locos. Not a tough decision at this point in my life.
Check out the Deming Sub by clicking on the pics:
Well I went from DC to DCC/Sound then back to DC. First on my industrial switching layout was a one engine operation and to be frank sound got on my nerves and the sound didn't sound quite right.
No..I have no plans as of now returning to DCC/Sound.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I agree with you 110%. I don't think any wiring is too dificult once you use common sense and decode wiring diagrams. I have planned to go DCC as well, but I am figuring on doing it on my next layout, if that day ever comes. My entire roster still needs detailed, so installing decoders would be essential but so much more needs to be done before hand. Ill just have to wait and see. I am definatley not ruling it out either, its just another thing at the bottom of the pile.
DC satisfies my needs. I have two cabs (the second one would be for guests, I suppose) and each has an RF throttle from Aristo-Craft. They're intended for large-scale trains but work for any scale--all they do is regulate the level of voltage coming out of a powerpack and reaching the track.
With that wireless walkaround ability, I get all the performance I need. I don't find two-cab DC wiring to be difficult or expensive, so that isn't a factor.
I'd planned to go DCC, but I just don't see a great increase in performance for the trade-off in expense and effort (to install decoders), so I haven't done it. I'm not ruling it out, but for now, my resources go elsewhere.
Hey to all of us remaining DC users. I thought I would start this post for a couple reasons that have me wondering. First, why are you still a DC user? Does DC satisfy your MRRing needs? When, if ever, to you think you might switch to DCC?
My answers: 1) Costs and kinks of the DCC world. 2) Mostly, would like to have independant control of the loco's thought w/o blocks. 3) Sometime after college or when I get a job.
P.S- Feel free to post anything and everything about DC in your MRRing world, news, updates, products!