Recently, a few model railroad manufacturers have announced HO scale locomotives with preinstalled DCC decoders as well as sound systems. How important are these features to you?
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I chose very important. I don’t buy a lot of locos, so the ones I do buy, are of better quality.
I use DCC and would prefer them to come DCC equipped, not just DCC ready. And if they are availeable with sound, that’s a bonus. Dave
I have decoders and sound in all of my engines.Many times installed at different times.It 's a big help not having the engines and tenders handled too often …It’s hard on the super detailed equipment,and usually cheaper in the long run.
Sound is nice, as a novelty, but lets be realistic here. Once you get 2-4 engines running with sound, it starts to become noise. I was at a layout this week with about a dozen engines with sound, all on. [V]Trying to have a conversation or asking a question without yelling was impossible. It actually detracted from operation. Sound really needs to remain in the realm of an owner add-on, and not a standard factory function. Otherwise, we’ll all go deaf!
Currently I have no DCC or sound equipped, however when my major building is complete I will next be upgrading the quality of my engines. Before I do that I will need to revisit theDCC use question.[?]
Being in N-scale we do not have any thing with sound installed. The more that comes in HO the sooner it will become available in N-scale…so keep those engines a rolling.
To all those manufacturers that read this forum I would like to add that in the last 2 years I have not bought a loco that was not DCC ready and most of the ones that I did purchase had the decoders in.
In answer to the poll, no. Locos with DCC preinstalled is not important to me as I’m not into DCC at the present. However, it does concern me, in that by offering motive power with DCC factory installed will eventually lead to phase out of standard DC. As it is now most of the products are coming to us DCC “ready”, at least the higher end quality locos. This is fine for those who intend to go the way of DCC. I guess what I’m trying to say is that it is an added expense for some of us for a feature we never intend to use. With this said, I would think it would be an asset to those who run DCC if the decoders are compatable with al the different DCC systems out there. Regards
Well, at 54, I am into the hobby less than 6 mos. BUT - I am on a budget, so started with DC, and a couple of locos. After most initial expenditures are complete, and I am humming along, I definitely want to get into DCC. There’s no way of avoiding it guys - it’s the new wave (for now). It’s cool, and not going away. So, with that in mind, I will always make future loco expenditures, with DCC in mind. And, why not sound? Sure beats the single button generic ‘blast’ of a whistle I had as a kid. Back then the sound came from a billboard, always at the same end of the layout (no matter where the loco was steaming towards). And with DCC, sound is more realisitic to the loco it is eminating from. AND, the sound actually comes from the moving loco, and not from a static location on the layout! -Sully
Locos with mandatory DCC and sound mean one thing – higher prices. Plastic locos of medium or better quality are $125 to $175 now. Adding sound will take them over $200. Yes, even small layouts can benefit from DCC. Yes, it would be fun to have control over ditch lights, and to be able to blow long-long-short-long at the crossings. But not so much fun I’m willing to pay that kind of money.
On a small layout, such as my “N” scale layout, I have no need for DCC but do enjoy having a sound system built by Tri-tec, with speakers located at strategic spots. The sound system along with a LED signal system really adds class to the layout
Before, While I was a supporter od DCC. I was planning an using my existing DC infristrucure for the time being on my present layout. But now that I have experienced sound in my locomotices. I am converting whole hog.
Standardize the systems to work DCC, or analog, as the modelers out there have VERY differing requirements. Myself, it’s been 45 years of enjoyment, and I welcome improvements. I have about 6 units with DCC/ analog features, the rest of the 126 powered units do not. Will I install DCC in all these older units>not in this lifetime. Analog and sound is fine for now, rewiring the layout?—well lets not discuss it here.Operating the railroad will always be first.
$$$$$$$$$! I’m retired. $$$$$$$$$ out of my pocket when I buy a new engine.
I’d like to have 1(ONE) engine equipped with sound, but not at $150 to $200. To me,
after 45 min. of sound, I begin to hear a noise. I was a guest at a local club during a
DCC demonstration. I sat through 15 min. of sound from a diesel loco and 45 min. of noise.
I do not find fault with those who prefer DCC and/or sound. I feel this shoud be the
individual modeller’s choice. DCC is great if someone doesn’t like to run wires and flip
toggle switches. It probably is easier to operate mutiple powered engines and no doubt has other positives.
Maybe I’m old fashioned. I’ve been into model railroading for 54 (fifty-four) years. DCC and sound? I recall a steam engine construction article by Mel Thornburgh in the early
1950’s. If my memory serves me, Mel used a piece of hollowed out broomstick for
the boiler. How many of you guys remember Mel? He was one heck of a modeller
who ranked very close to Frank Ellison and John Allen.
Fishwagon
I’m building my first layout since I was a kid (if you really called that a layout) I am going with DCC. It will be nice not haveing to add decoderes to loco’s but not the biggest thing in the world