How do I add DCC to my steam and diesel engines made from 1950 to 1979? I have been out of the hobby since then. What manufacuture makes the best DCC? MRC? How is the engine and system wired? Does “Model Railroader” have articles describing the DCC system and how to install it? I am building a new layout and would like to know about using DCC.
Larry
There is no Best DCC system. It all depends on the size of your layout and the number of engine that you want to run.
Do you want operate or just watch the trains run through scenery?
MRC and Atlas make good starter sets but Digitrax/North Coast/Lenz make more advanced systems.
BOB
Thank you Bob.
I plan to build a layout that both operates and runs. I am thinking of a large dog bone around two sides of a room (17’x 30’)with two sections to operate as a short line connecting to a long main line for my large engines, 4-8-4, 4-8-8-2 and 2-6-6-2. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
Larry
What scale do you model?
The size of your room sounds good. I am using Digitrax Chief Radio system for the ease of following my trains. Yes it is the most expensive system that Digitrax makes but I did not want to wish later on that I had bought it. Although the size of my HO layout will fill a 75 x 25 room, this will be my retirement project(I still have a few years to go!)I will be doing operations a lot.
As to your engines. They may need to be remotored or at least have 2 map decoders installed. But this will depend on the stall current of these old units.
For now if you could locate a club or individual in your area to see DCC in operation you would have a much better idea what a great product DCC is.
BOB