I have a 4X8 HO layout. I am somewhat “technologically challenged” (to put it delicately) and the idea of DCC is scary. Not only that, but, do I really need it for a layout that small and compact? What advantages are there? From what little I know about it, there are two aspects I would find desirable:
Sound (that would enhance my enjoyment)
The ability to run two trains - more importantly, the ability to have a loco sitting idle, say on a spur, while another is operating, without having to isolate the track with an on/off switch (can do with DCC?)
Also, how much should I expect to pay to get started? Just talking about a fairly vanilla capability. Some of my locos are DCC ready.
I’m not sure this is the best forum for that question, but, c’mon you gurus, chime in with your advice/opinions, please.
MRC Prodigy Advance is what I’m thinking of getting. The only real advantage I see for small layouts is the sound capability. Cost with discounts is about $200 plus cost of decoders - sound adds to the price so these could get expensive.
Enjoy
Paul
Running multiple trains is a definite advantage if someone besides yourself is going to be operating the layout–but yes, if operating by yourself, you could very easily have one train waiting on a siding while operating another one. But that could be done just as easliy with a switch.
DCC does have a learning curve, but frankly, it’s probably easier for the technologically challenged than wiring for two-cab operation on all but the smallest of layouts–and, frankly, a 4x8 is not the smallest of layouts.
One thing about “DCC ready”–it really doesn’t mean much, other than “with some swearing and labor you could feasibly solder a DCC decoder in here.” Sometimes it means a plug you can just stick a DCC decoder into–other times it means quite a bit of hassle,
I’m new to DCC and have a Lenz Compact. I have two sound equipped loco’s one Athearn diesel and a Bachmann 2-6-0 (soundtraxx the basic ones) and they sound really good.
To keep things interesting for me, my layout is single mainline with passing sidings, I run trains in opposite directions and let them pass on the sidings, sometimes one may have to wait for the other but it’s all fun.
With some automation I could let those two go for it on the main, and have some switching action in the yards I’m putting together, all at the same time without flicking switches etc.
I was dreading wiring up my layout with all the blocks etc, last October I discovered DCC right here on the MR forums and I haven’t looked back.
As far as getting started, you can probably purchase both a Bachmann EZ Command - your “vanilla” system (at discount) - and a basic decoder for under $100. You’ll have to install the decoder and wire your layout for DCC but, like Jetrock said, it will be less of a challenge than trying to wire it up for DC cab control. Makes more sense, too.
There are some good books written on the subject. I don’t know how much info you’ve read on basic DCC (you’ve obviously read something by the list of pros in your post) but Tony’s Train Exchange has a very good write up about DCC on their web page called something like “DCC for Beginners”. (It’s located at the top of the 2nd column in the middle.) I found it very helpful and informative. Here’s their link: http://www.tonystrains.com
