I’m using Walthers code 83 power routing turnouts from the early to mid 90’s era. Are you saying these will still work fine with DCC?
(I’ve almost completed laying the track on my layout that you designed and am waffling on whether to go DC or DCC yet). I will only be running no more than 2 engines at a time with this small layout and am wondering if its going to be worth putting decoders in about 10 older engines (circa 1993). I’ve got about 4 new engines that the decoders would easily drop in.
Hmmm Humm Hum Ha Hummm … I cannot recall if I’ve used those specific ones or not. I know I’ve used Peco, Roco, Atlas and um Rivarossi code 83. I’ve used some Walthers but they might have been code 100. Just my luck, I would say that and have those be “THE” ones with the problem.
Since the track is mostly laid, is there any chance you could borrow a DCC unit from some one to try. The best way is often just to “ask the layout”… Your profile doesn’t say where the part of country your in… If your close to me I’ll bring mine over and hook it up.
Personally after running my first command control system in 1983, the only time I would not think it (DCC) was worth the trouble would be if there is exactly one locomotive on the layout.
Many thanks to those who offered their words of wisdom regarding my question DCC vs DC start up costs. It would appear that costs vary from $150 to $8000 with differences of opinion on equipment such as wireing. 21 replies produced reams of information. My choice now is either DCC railroading or something simpler like brain surgery! I think I’ll look further at DCC! Thanks again.
I live in Eastern Iowa (Quad Cities). I think If I pursue the DCC I could probably find someone locally here I could borrow one from. I did notice that there is a definite difference between the older Walthers code 83 turnouts and the new DCC friendly Walthers code 83 turnouts. When the turnout is thrown one direction or the other, the frog is insulated on the hot side preventing the turnout from “shorting”. The older turnouts short the outside rail to the inside rail when thrown. I don’t know what this means however for DCC as I gap the rails anyway. I can’t believe it wouldn’t work with DCC though…???
Am running 200 ft two-track main with numerous sidings in N-scale, with 100
locos & about 500 rolling stock on the layout. Five transformer stations. Run solo, with up to 6 DU’d units per train. DCC sounds way too complicated and I doubt I will convert. Its not the cost-I wouldn’t even think of removing the cover from my PC, let alone tinker inside an N-scale loco! But, I was wondering about all the miraculous sounds, particularly specific diesels & synchronized run speeds.
I have a few of the MRC Sound stations, which help, but I was wondering whether there was any news of some of these great new sound effects being made available to us old-time DC users?
DCC is way LESS complicated to wire and operate and increases enjoyment tremendously. Like the saying goes “with DCC you run your trains not your track”. As long as you are using reasonably new and somewhat high-end locos more than likely there is a drop in decoder available. And now there are N scale engines coming on the market with factory installed sound.
