John Deere man is Here. (Picture-links) and a DCC Question

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Here is my updated list of rail Cars and Engine
(1) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7712
(1) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7738
(2) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7748
(1) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7773
(1) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7743
(1) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7741
(1) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7731
(1) http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH7722
I also have 2 others with tractors on them. but they are not on Athearns site.
(1) 81251 & (1) 81266 they look like this
http://www.photolocker.net/images/FrameLayN88/dcp7281.jpg
http://www.photolocker.net/images/FrameLayN88/dcp7280.jpg

OK as for my DCC Question.
Is there any problem if I take my egine to another DCC lay out and run it if my engine is DCC? Is there any thing I need to watch out for?

Thanks
Baker

2

Baker,

So…are you saying that your locomotive is DC and you are wondering if you ran your locomotive on a DCC layout, is anything you need to be concerned about?

Most DCC systems (except NCE) allows you to run one (1) DC locomotive on a given layout. (MRC Prodigy may be another you can’t.) When you place the DC locomotive on a DCC powered track, the motor will emit an annoying buzz - whether the locomotive is stationary or moving. There’s debate whether or not the “buzz” is harming the locomotive or not.

Running it a short time shouldn’t be a problem. However, I would be careful about leaving your locomotive on the track for a prolonged period of time.

Tom

3

Well you are close. I was wondering if I have a DCC Engine, can I take it to some one else’s lay out and run it with out any problems?

Thanks
Baker

4

Baker,

I thought…maaaaaaybe you might be asking that but I wasn’t entirely sure.

The answer is “yes” on both counts. The NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) has certain written standards that manufacturers are supposed to comply to to ensure that any decoder can be controlled by any DCC system. If you have a working decoder, the other guy’s command station will operate it. Now, Baker, you do realize that those standards DON’T cover “cornfield meets”, yes?

Tom

5

Thanks for the help. If I did not have you guys I would have alrady been doomed on my lay out.

Thanks Again
Baker

6

The only thing to watch out for is if that other DCC system already has a locomotive on the same channel as yours. Nothing worse than putting your locomotive on the track, calling up the channel number, cranking the throttle, and not only moving your locomotive; but also running one of their locomotives into the turntable pit.

7

Thanks guys. I will be sure to ask what channel some one is on before I ever do that.

Thanks Again
Baker