For a first layout, which do you think makes more sense, DC or DCC?
Thanks[:D]
Scott
To add to Scott’s question, is it reasonable to wire a new layout for DC with the intent of converting to DCC in the future?
Wayne
Wayne/Scott,
If you are ‘serious’ about scale model railroading, go try out operating on a DCC layout in your area if possible. If you are just running train set type locomotives and the layout is pretty basic, DC will suffice.
However, if you plan on staying in the hobby and want to really run multiple trains on the same track, then DCC is the way to go. You can dump a $100 into a good DC power pack, and DCC will cost at least twice as much by the time you get a system and a decoder - the wiring is just simpler.
You can wire up the layout with DC using the simple Atlas block controller slide switches. Then later on, just hook you DCC system to the ‘B’ cab and set all of the tracks to ‘B’ - you now have DCC. This is what I did at first, but with custom panels and rotary switches. As I mentioned in another post, you can even reuse you old DC thottle packs as ‘jump throttles’.
Jim Bernier
The size and complexity of the layout, combined with the kind of operation desired, are what should determine DC or DCC. If you just want to run trains on continuous loops, DC is really all you need. If you want to simulate realistic operation DCC is the way to go. Wiring for DC takes effort, converting to DCC takes almost none. Part of the point of going straight to DCC, is to skip the expense and labor of wiring for DC.
If your first layout isn’t going to be very big, maybe DC isn’t such a bad idea. Understanding how much labor and material go into DC wiring, and it’s limitations will give you a better idea of what you will want to do on your next layout.
Should “brakie” of this forum see this post perhaps he will respond. He has an excellent analysis.