i plan on buyingt most of my stuff online because its cheaper and i was wondering how would i know if the loco that might want to purchase has a decoder for dcc if it doesnt say in the description what other terms can i look for? thanks
If it says: DCC ready or DCC compatible, although neither term is guaranteed to mean that you can just drop in a decoder. My recommendation would be to ask the online vendor if the units have decoders, if they’re DCC ready, and if so, do they require soldering in the decoder, or do they have the NMRA plugboard so you can just plug in a decoder without having to solder.
Good for you that you’re asking these questions! Hopefully, other modellers who have the same questions will read them and get some valuable information from our replies.
Regards,
TD;
There are very few locomotives that come factory equipped with DCC in HO: Broadway Limited, Lionel, Atlas Master Series (but some do not, but it should be very clear) and there are a few Soundtraxx equipped Bachmann Spectrum steam locomotives.
Most DCC ready locomotive have sockets, but not all. There are some out there with solder pads because there is not room inside for a socket. With these a Digitrax DZ123 or DZ143; or TCS M-2 decoder is appropriate.
I recommend Trainworld as a supplier, I have done business with them for more than 25 years. www.trainworld.com. They are not really an internet dealer, they are a phone order dealer. Know what you want before calling. It would be worth your while to ask this board for recommendations based on a budget, rr of interest and era. We’ll be able to give you specific recommendations, You may also want to do a thorough search at www.walthers.com.
Several of the suppliers will sell any engine with a decoder installed. The one that comes to mind is Tony’s train exchange who has prices on his web site for engines by all manufacturers with and without decoders installed. I would advise you to take the time to learn how to do it yourself for a couple of reasons. There is going to be about $20.00 per engine labor or more for someone to do it for you which is darn near the cost of a decoder. Secondly the learning curve is short and should problems occurr knowing how to troubleshoot one will save you even more dollars down the line. Frugality is important to me as I do not have unlimited funding. The more I can learn about how things function the more independent I can be also and the skills often are usable around the house and not just the railroad.
I have nothing against the on line and phone order suppliers, but nothing beats a GOOD local hobby shop. I’m fortunate here since there are three within easy reach. If you have a good local hobby shop you will probably meet other model railroaders there as well as the shop staff. Gather opinions and ask advice from them. Sometimes you need to take it with a grain of salt, but if you buy a defective locomotive, for example, there’s nobody like the local hobby shop guy you bought it from to help you out. Some of the mail order vendors aren’t too good about that. Besides, you’ll meet some nice people at the local trainery.
Ed
Met a representative from “Trainworld” at the GATS show in Tampa, Dember 2003. I was skeptical at first but the gentleman was friendly, cordial and answered all questions. Was also a modeler (sometimes you meet vendors that are just interested in the $, and are not as knowledgable or friendly - I walk away from these guys!) I went to the website and, in my opinion, the discount prices are very good. I will continue to support my Local Hobby Shop, but I will buy “high end” HO locomotives (Kato, Stewart) from Trainworld.
For locomotives that you would like to have DCC installed by a professional, there is Litchfield Station and Tony’s Train Xchange. Websites feature prices and details.
TD:
f you decide to go with DCC you should know that virtually all locomotives can be equipped with a DCC decoder. Really it is a matter of ‘cut and paste’ with the decoder wiring. Steap but short learning curve.
There are any number of how to articles available on the preceedure. Tools required are few and otherwise useful.
Randy
Since you’re buying new stuff, try checking out the mfg. web site to see if they have product specifics. Or check back issues of MR for a product review. Or go to a local hobby shop and check it out in person; perhaps if you ask they will adjust their price.
While online may be a little less expensive, dealing with a local hobby shop gives you advice on products and help when you need it. When I was confused about how to power up a frog to a turnout motor, the local guys spent over a half hour providing me with detailed diagrams. I’ll pay more for this kind of service anytime.