I am building a layout and need sugestions, what is better, and what is easyer to build with, flexi track or already made track. I dont completely understand how DCC works, or Quantum sound works either. I have a Proto 2000 sd60m, its compatible with dcc, but when i try to find out what it is, all i can find is people trying to sell it! so i need someone to explain it to me. i dont know that much about these model trains if u explain it, u might need to dumn it down.[:(][:(]
flex track is already made you just need to bend it to the correct shape that you want, sectional track is not bendable you just by the straights and the curves (curves come in all sorts of raduiusis) Dcc lets you control multiple locos without having to do a lot of wiring, to the railroad. Hope that helped. Tim
thanks for replying Tim. I still want to know what you think is better to use, and easyier.
The young people will have some good suggestions. I love flex track. I can make it do what I want. I stayed with DC because my locos ran on it. If money is not an issue and you don’t have any old engines, DCC seems the way to go unless you hate computers and love to do complex wiring. Ask the other questions one at a time and you will get alot of advice, some of which will be very good. Welcome to the forum
OK,
Having started modeling at a young age my self, I can sympathise with you. Initially building a layout with sectional track is easier than building it with flex track becasue flex track needs cut, trimmed and “squared” up after laying every piece. because when you bend flex track one rail ends up longer than the other. Also in laying flex track you need to remove a tie or two from the ends so you add rail joiners. However this is only marginally more challenging and if you take the time to work with it is only slightly more challenging than flexible track. But it opens up a whole worls of possibilities that you do not have with sectional track. Also flex track provides for smoother operation because it replaces about 4 sections of sectional track.
In short DCC provides direct control over your model trains. It works by inputting commands into a command station with a throttle. (A command can be anything from increace or decreace speed, to turn headlights on or off). The command station then generates a signal that is modulated for that specific locomotive or consist. And sends it to the booster. The booster mixes the signal with 14V AC and puts it to the rails. The signal flows through the track and the decoder in the locomotives determin of the signal is meant for it or not. Once the signal reaches the right locomotive or consist the Decoder determins what the singnal is programing it to do and does it accordingly. It can be an amazingly complex system. But fortunatly You only need one command station. One booster, and a throttle for each locomotive to get started. Most basic systems can run 10 trains at once and the most advanced systems can run 127. depending on the company intermediat level systems can handle around 50 trains.
Its advantages are it removes all block wiring unless you want to divide your layout up into “Power districts” so that way a short doesn’t shut down the layout. Then you don’t have to hook up any power switches because that function is accompli
You’ve actually opened up two subjects here that could cover an entire thread each. I agree with what others are saying about the flex track. It is much better to use, and much less limiting. It does, however, require a degree of skill to lay flex track correctly. No sweat though. What I would do is practice on thich cardboard off the layout, and get your method perfected first. It’s not difficult. The most important thing is to use the correct tools for cutting. your DCC questions are a lot deeper. Joe Fugate has a thread titled 12 years experience with DCC…or something like that. I suggest reading through that to familiarize yourself with the basics. Also the Digitrax site had at one time, a free downloadable PDF file that was like a mini tutorial. I don’t know if they still have it available.
First Welome i would suggest using Section track to start out with becuse for me
it was a lot easier when i was younger and starting. Your getting into a great hobby
and I hope you stick with it.
Welcome to a great hobby and the forum. I have been modeling since 1972. I would recommend using sectional to start with and as you progress and we know you will then you can experiment with flex track or other track that are available.Remeber not to try and do to much at one time its a hobby not a full time job,when you eel frustrated just walk away and when you return you will see your problem from a different view.
Good Luck and let us hear hoe you are coming along.
First of all Qazt, [#welcome] to the forums! First of all there is a lot to learn when you are just starting but if you take things one step at a time, it isn’t that hard. You have taken a good first step by joining the forum. You will find it a very friendly, helpful place. Take time to read a lot about anything you have questions about. Understand that there is often several possible good answers for every question. You have to sort out what will work best for you.
I personally like flex track as it is more realistic looking than any of the sectional track and usually works better. However, sectional track for that first “get up and running” layout is not a bad choice. You don’t say how old you are but depending on your knowledge of and comfort level working with electricity, carpentry, and other skills, you may want to keep the first layout very simple.
As far as DCC vs DC, I would point you to DCC even though it is more expensive to start with than DC. It is far easier to operate and will allow you to have sound as well as operate more than one loco at the same time (at least easier). Look into a good starting level DCC system that can be upgraded. There are several threads here that talk about that. You do not have to know how DCC works as much as how to work DCC. A good website that talks about DCC is here: http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ Another (maybe better for you) resource is: http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm or: http://www.digitrax.com/faqs.php
Have fun and enjoy your trains!