How small/big for DCC?
- Thread starter aslan
- Start date
I'm not sure if there is a "rule" to DC vs. DCC. I have a small layout in HO, and I'm going DCC. Right now, my loco fleet consists of one engine that has DCC installed. I will be putting decoders in two more in the coming months. I like the idea of one throttle to control my trains as opposed to multiple cabs and block wiring.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Aslan,
Even if you don't have a big layout or run multiple trains, DCC is still a very good thing to have for its lighting and sound functionality. These days, engines are coming equipped with things like flashing ditchlights and onboard sound.. You won't be able to get those things to work on straight DC without heavy mods.
Hope this helps!
Even if you don't have a big layout or run multiple trains, DCC is still a very good thing to have for its lighting and sound functionality. These days, engines are coming equipped with things like flashing ditchlights and onboard sound.. You won't be able to get those things to work on straight DC without heavy mods.
Hope this helps!
, believe me, you'll thank yourself in the long run:thumb:. Stan, I'm kinda in the same boat - deciding to leave me DC operation for DCC. You may want to stat your information gathering at your LHS. Plus, the DCC section of this forum is a great place to pick up some good info about DCC operations.
L
lester perry
If I were to be starting new now I would definitely start with DCC and sound. I started 20 years ago and recently started DCC it is rather costly at this point. I have 50 Locomotives to convert, maybe.
Les
Les
Here is an excellent debate from a few months ago on the same question:
Would you go DCC if...?
I think that the more complex you want to make the layout, the more you will want DCC. Having a small layout counts as "complexity", since there is the possibility of multiple engines running in close proximity.
There are also all the neat features mentioned above - sound, signalling, train detection, reversing loops that are all either simplified and/or made possible by DCC.
Andrew
Would you go DCC if...?
I think that the more complex you want to make the layout, the more you will want DCC. Having a small layout counts as "complexity", since there is the possibility of multiple engines running in close proximity.
There are also all the neat features mentioned above - sound, signalling, train detection, reversing loops that are all either simplified and/or made possible by DCC.
Andrew
Andrew, thanks so much for the link. I missed that one when I did my search. Since this is going to be my first layout, along with all new everything, it seems to make sense to go with the DCC system. My preference, after doing a lot of reading, is leaning toward Digitrax Zephyr.
Thanks to everyone too.
Stan
Thanks to everyone too.
Stan
Hi Stan
I think all of the major systems are quality and they all have their fans(and rightly so). I recently purchased a Zephyr and even though I'm a newbie and a technological dinosaur...I had no trouble setting it up and getting the trains runnin'. I am very pleased with it. good luck.
I think all of the major systems are quality and they all have their fans(and rightly so). I recently purchased a Zephyr and even though I'm a newbie and a technological dinosaur...I had no trouble setting it up and getting the trains runnin'. I am very pleased with it. good luck.