I currently have a part-time HO layout that I goof around with. I am really intrigued by DCC, but is it worth it for a small, one-locomotive (at least right now) operation?
My current power supply (MRC Tech II) has momentum, but it seems to be designed to model a much longer train that I usually set up. It also seems that the control has to be at about 40% before locomotive movement.
Things I can see doing with DCC include:
Setting the starting voltage to get full use of the speed range
Lights
Momentum to more-closely match my perception of reality
What else can I use to help justify the expense in my own mind?
well, other than the 3 points you have there. the only other thing i can think of is to get some experience with programming, installing decoders and such. Plus if you decide to expand, blocks wont be as much of an issue, i say if you have nothing better to spend $150 on then buy yourself a zephyr
What brand of engine do you know have?
If it is one the high-quality engines such as by Atlas, Kato, or the newer Athearn, you should have much better performance than what you are getting.
If I had a small layout (I do, in N-Scale) I would not bother with DCC, especially if I had only 1 engine.
DCC is very nice for a large layout, or a layout with several operators.
Right now my small layout is built on a door and I’m the only one who runs it and I sure don’t need DCC.
You have to ask yourself the question, “How many trains can I run at one time?” You may be able to run 2 or 3 for a while, but sooner or later you’re going to have an “Accident.” And you’ll wish you were only running 1 train.
Myself, I would like to have a larger layout with maybe an Amtrak train or a Pig train running while I was “Off the main” switching industries. But you still have to keep an eye on your other trains. The relaxation disappears and the frustration starts.
Good luck,
gtirr
If I understand DCC control correctly, you should be able to run 2-3 trains at one time and not worry about accidents. The premise being you can space them just far enough apart so they never catch each other. If I’m wrong then yes, you’ll end up with a mid-train helper. The other problem is engines going in opposite directions on the same track will eventually meet head-on. Just what you need when your’e switching cars in the yard or industrial tracks. Get another loco and see what fun you can really have.
thats all the fun of DCC, running trains in different directions, arranging meets, hoping to god theres a passing siding before you meet that next train. Lots of fun with multiple operators
I’m running one GP38 athearn loco with dcc and soundtraxx decoder and I have another which is dc. My HO layout is 1/2 garage size, it’s made the wiring alot easier. I think it’s more ‘fun’ with dcc
I’m still pondering DCC myself so I am by no means an expert.
Besides the reasons you and others have already mentioned, simplicity of wiring is also another good reason for going with DCC. It’s still a good idea to create power blocks on your layout but the idea of not having to deal with selectors and switches (like the Atlas method) really appeals to me. You have your main bus wire then your feeder wires every 5 - 6 feet or so.
Also, everything can be accessible right there on the throttle. The Bachmann E-Z Command system comes with an intuitive red STOP button that will shut down power to all your locos all at once - if you should see an “undesirable scenario” beginning to unfold before your eyes. (For more on the Bachmann system, see the current or December '04 issue of MR, p. 126-127 for details.)
On my small 4 X 8’ layout (HO), I will probably only run a couple of locomotives at any one time. I like the thought of being able to run my 2-8-2 on the main line, while simultaneously using my S1 switcher to move things around the yard or to the freight house for the next pick up. Now I could do that with two cab controls. But…I’d still have to make sure that I was operating the switcher in one block and the 2-8-2 in another block…at the same time…[blah, blah, blah]. With DCC, I can actually bring the box cars out to the 2-8-2 ON THE SAME TRACK!!!
Someone said recently that the cost of DCC can be an investment up front. But when you take in account the cost for switches and selectors over time and the ease of wiring and operation, it pays for itself quickly and makes your life and layout much more fun to operate.
Okay, well I’m convinced. Where do I sign?
Anyhow, for what it’s worth. Hope that helps in some way…
With only one loco, you will probably not gain enough to make DCC worth the cost. Now, if you have two or more locomotives, it would be worth considering, because with DCC you could run two or more on the same track, in the same direction, at different speeds, at the same time; or even in opposite directions on the same track. Or one could be working in a yard while another is out on the main line.
I think the real advantage on a one locomotive operation is sound. Some of my friends have gone the sound via DCC route and it really adds to the realism of operation IMHO.