This is to all you model Railroader Fans who have an opperationl layout.
CD Content. I do have a few Lionel Challengers, and BLI locos… But DC does me fine.
plaese answer
You have 7 votes… it takes time for these things… Sunday Afternoon, most get on theire computers at night.
DC is fine with me.
I’m in the midst of converting to DCC - current status is the system and 5 decoders are on the way through the postal service to me having been dispatched Friday. I’ve only used digital control systems a few times before (ran a demonstrator layout using LGB equipment and their MTS system a couple of years ago, convinced me that digital is a good idea). I would say if you’re looking to start out that adopting DCC from the start is the way to go - I now have to convert my fleet which will take a while so my plan at the moment is to fit out the “easy” locos first (those with sockets or holes to solder DCC plugs into) then work through the rest over the next few months, also adding Kadees and lighting as most of these are Athearn Blue Box.
DC is ok for now, but I can’t wait for DCC.
DC works just fine for me. and As social security doesn’t pay well, will keep it for quite awhile yet.
Jack
Happy is not the word I would use, I’m DCC over the moon!!
Two loco’s both with soundtraxx dsd-100lc decoders one diesel one steam.
I LOVE IT.
Ken.
Once you’ve tried DCC you can never go back.
I’ve got two decent strait DC controllers at the moments, but I’ve had some experience (club and friends with digitrax) so DCC is likely in the future, I’m DC content for now least until DCC comes down in price more. TB
So looking forward to DCC!
You’ve got the freedom of running 2 or more trains simultaneously anywhere on a layout (and having to watch out for collisions!), the wonderful “extras” that decoders offer like:
[1] Easy to control Locomotive special lighting effects that can be turned on and off at will.
[2] No more flipping of Cab Control switches to enable running two trains simultaneously.
[3] Continuous 12+ volts on the tracks at all times resulting in much better electrical pickup.
[4] Passenger car lights STAY ON. No need for bulky constant lighting kits or modules. Additionally, decoders can be installed to turn passenger car lights on or off at will.
[5] Best of all, the extra control of sound features offered with DCC
Looking Good!
was using DC but I liked the operational advatages of DCC so, I converted over to that. and I would never go back.
DC, and happy.
A guy of my means can’t afford DCC. Maybe someday, but not now. I enjoy DC and it does great for me and the kids for now.
I’m having a great time with DC, But there is so many more benefits with DCC I think it will be fun! It seems to me from the conversations and magazines that DCC is not easy to get going. With adding the decoders and getting the wiring and programming right, it seems that there is a large learning curve. I up for the challenge when my budget is.
I’ve got a Bachman EZ DCC setup for now and like it. I will upgrade eventually. I have ordered somethings to make my DCC a little better to live with while converting. Once I get the most part of my fleet decoderized things will be a lot better. The funniest thing is to stop an Amtrak train on the mainline while I move the switcher back and forth to different sidings. Reminds we of the real thing. The ballast hauling freight won’t be quite out of the way and the Amtrak has to stop and wait while the switcher out gets of the way. Can’t do that with DC.
If you ever dreamt of being Gomez Addama now’s your chance.
RMax
I’m going to make the shift to DCC with my new layout.
I just installed a Digitraxx DCC system after Xmas and it’s a winner. DC gets the job done but when I saw my BLI GG1 start up and do all its neat sounds and stuff, it was way cool. And now I don’t have to mess with all those Atlas track controllers to turn power on and off!
louis
Would be interesting to also know who is using which system in each category.
Once having used Digitrax I can not see how anyone would even remotely consider
going back to DC. Once the plunge is taken DCC is so much more capable and simpler to install and use. But watch out for the low-cost intro systems they tend to be so limited that they end-up being more expensive than the more expensive starter sets. I would not recommend anything less that the Zephyr as a low cost starter - with that you can control three independent trains using the jump ports.
I,ve been using DCC for over 15 years.I started with a Digitrax Big Boy and soon upgraded to a Chief.I can’t believe anyone [ that could afford it] would not change from DC to DCC.It makes operating so much more realistic,easy to wire and better control over my motive power.Many,many modelers have switched from DC to DCC, But I don’t think many have gone from DCC TO DC.That should be a pretty good indication of the direction of the hobby.