I appolizie for such a basic question, I seen bits n’ pieces to my question, but here it is,
I was think of buying the Kato HO Unitrack WGH Plan Set, and adding on using their Track plan 6 add-on pieces
My question is, I would like to go with DCC, what would you recommend? for a starter DCC, or should I just go with a Basic DC? What about operating switches (turnouts) part numbers and links greatly appreciated. as stated, I am new to the hobby, (well besides the generic Tyco kits I had as a kid) I am eventally going to build my dream layout, of a 1920’s logging operation.
There are several good sets out there if you think in the $150-200 range. They will be full featured and expandible. I use the Digitrax Zephyr, and am happy with it. The reason I chose that system is that I joined a train club and all the memeber and the club uses Digitrax, so I can take my throttle to the club meetings and not have to buy something else.
One of the main things to look for is who can you ask for help if you need it. You also want to have easy control of programming your engines.
First off, there’s a number of good starter DCC systems on the market: Digitrax Zephyr, MRC Prodigy Express, NCE Power Cab - just to name a few. Each one has their pluses and minuses and you’ll get a wide variety of answers and reasons why you should get one over another.
WR, the best thing that you can do right now (if you haven’t already) is to learn as much as you can about DCC. That way you can make the best informed choice of a DCC system that is going to best meet YOUR needs and preferences and any future expansions that you might have. Two good references come to mind that :
DCC For Beginners - Tony’s Train Exchange - Go to the link and click on 2. DCC For Beginners. You can either read it on line or download it as a .pdf file onto your computer.
DCC Made Easy - Lionel Strang (Kalmbach Publishing) - Lionel does a terrific job of putting very complicated things into very understandable terms.
Personally, if you are just starting out, I would encourage you to go the DCC route. DCC just adds a completely realistic dimension to MRRing that is difficult - if not impossible - with DC. In the meantime, you can still enjoy MRRing with DC.
WR, if you decide to go that route for now, buy yourself a GOOD DC power pack. MRC is the benchmark in that respect and you can get a decent power pack for $30-40. Even
And since you plan on a logging layout, you’ll need either a Shay, Heisler, or Climax of some kind. I’ve seen the Bachmann Shay for less than 50% of MSRP at these two places.
With that said, while I recommend the above sites, I would also highly encourage you to find (and support) a LHS (local hobby store) in and around your area. While I occasionally pick up bargains at places like Trainworld or M.B. Klein, I still spend 80-90% of my hobby money at my LHS. There’s just something very satisfying about being able to pick up and examine a locomotive or kit in hand. Also, the practical help and knowledge base of a good LHS is worth its weight in gold.
Thnaks for all the input. I have been on Digitrax website browsing around, and has suggested, I think I might purchase the Digitrax Zephyr.
Thanks for the links to the DCC guides, I am going there next to read up some more. Also have some books from my local library,
I have found a local hobby store called The Train Station, its about 10 minutes from my work, I have always been in favor of supporting the local privatly owned stores. I am sure they will be a big help, with any questions I may I have.
Thanks again to all for the input, I just have to remeber to be pataient, and not jump into anything without researching. I can’t wait to get my Logging RR started, but that will have to wait till I get out of apartment living, for now, this small layout will serve as my education on what to do and not to do.
My favorite LHS. I go their often. I am stopping by there in a couple of hours. If you go the Digitrax route I am here in town and could be available for questions and help. I have a Superchief Radio system. I don’t think the Train Station stocks the Zephyr systems but I am sure they’d order it for you. I picked my system up through Tony’s. Hobbyland over at Graceland stocks more Digitrax stuff, including decoders. The Train Station is better for structures, locomotives, rolling stock, landscaping supplies etc… Don’t worry, I help keep them in business. For your question regarding controlling switches and such, I have some that run off toggle switches and others controlled from Digitrax DS64s (all Tortoises). One thing to keep in mind is that the utility throttles (i.e. UT4s) won’t control stationary decoders like DS64s. You need to use the full featured throttles like the DT400s or the Zepyhr throttle. It’s my one big knock on Digitrax, othersise I can’t figure out why I waited so long. The Ze
I find it hard to describe my feelings as I see newcomers being “rushed” (my term) into DCC. I am not against DCC. But just like the various benchwork methods, track types, layout configurations, scenery methods, etc., DCC is not the end all and be all for all situations.
The point I cannot emphasize enough is that the control system should fit the intended mode of layout operation (as should the track plan, and aisle and benchwork configurations).
To back up to the track plan and track system a minute: you said you wanted to build your dream layout - a 1920s logging operation. How close to prototype practice do you want to get? Have you studied what logging railroads were like? Are you looking to depict strictly a logging operation? Or more a common carrier line with an emphasis on logging? Any specific area of the country? Or trying to get a flavor of logging while incorporating other facets of railroading?
The reason I ask these questions is that the WGH layout plan, and Kato track in particular are much more representative of Class 1 railroad practice from the 1930s onward than of a 1920s logging operation. A strictly logging operation of the 1920s would be all steam powered, would not have many cars except