It has been 21 years since I built my last HO scale RR. There have been so many improvements over the years it’s amazing. I want to start a new layout using DCC. As I know little to nothing about DCC I would like some suggestions on what “simple to understand” instruction materials are available. When making your suggestions, consider me as a beginner. Thank you for all your help.
Respectfully,
Chuck
[#ditto] and [#welcome]
Yep, That’s what I did and it is a great starting place. Take your time, read it, and digest it. It’s not really difficult but it is a different way of thinking about running your train(s). You’ll love it.
When you have questions, ask them here; there are lots of people willing to help you and fortunately for you, most of them know more than me.
You might also want to look for a club in your area. It may or may not have a club layout, but many members will have their own. Probably ranging widely in scale, size, era, quality, etc. Reading is great for many of us, but it’s also good if you can see, touch, ask questions, and weigh the opionions you’ll hear – probably as varied as the layouts! And most of the members will be tickled to show you things and give their opinions.
But do remember that, in most cases, there isn’t one “right” answer – just what might be good for one situation, with lots varying on things like how you do things, how much time (and of course $$$$$) is available, etc. For example, DCC sets. For a small, starter layout there are several. When you get that far, you’ll problably find 2 or 3 that will meet your needs, and you may want to pick the one that just “feels right” to you, not necessarily what is recommended by or feels right to me or anybody else.
The good thing is, there’s lots and lots of info and advice out there.
If you can, buy DIGITRAX’s “THE BIG BOOK OF DCC”
You will find this book covers just about everthing on DCC.
If you are into DCC then this book is a must have.
hppt://www.digitrax.com
Chuck,
Tony’s DCC For Beginners link give earlier is a good one. You can either read it online or download onto your computer as a .pdf file.
Another good resource is MR’s DCC Made Easy by Lionel Strang (Kalmbach Publishing). Lionel has a real knack for taking something complicated and turning it into everyday, understandable english.
Tom
Also take a look at the DCC university by Bruce Petraca on http://litchfieldstation.com/lobby/u_university.htm
The Loys Toys site has some good stuff as well
A big thanks to all of you who responded to my post. I’ll follow up on your suggestions. I have plenty of time to educate myself. Thanks again.
Chuck Woodland, CA