I am going to build my first layout and i plan on going with Dcc.I have bought 4 engines all with sound and decoders equipped.I am going to build a 4x8 to have my trains run on while i construct my big layout.I have a huge basement that is going to be my space for train world.I need to know what dcc system to by and everything that needs to go with it.I also would like some suggestions on books to learn how to wire switches and lights in buildings and so on.I want to put a turn table and all kind of switches but am clueless wher to start.My email adress is kittydogone@yahoo.com Please email me with suggestions.
[#welcome]
Welcome to the forum.
You should try the search box at the bottom of the page. Just type in one of your topics and click [search] you will find many comprehensive and useful answers. Asking which DCC system is best is like asking which automobile is best. You will see MANY conflicting replies.[sigh]
My advice is 1) research (as you are already doing)
- Take it slowly or at least moderately. Don’t try to do everything at once. There is too much to learn.
Good luck,
Karl
Welcome to the forum. I sent an email, that said what Karl said, take your time. As you learn and love DCC you will want more than you do now.
How big is “huge”? How many engines drawing power will you reasonably expect to run on your large layout? That determines power requirements, but also the amount of wire and gauge of it that you will have to use. It could be that only two amps will suffice, but I highly doubt it. If you are anticipating a fairly large layout, chances are excellent that you will add another 4-12 locomotives before too long has past. Now you are into 5 amp territory. That means another power supply, or adding boosters(s).
So, if you want to have a well-managed entry into the hobby, think seriously about what is likely to confront you within 12-24 months, and deal with that up front. For now, on the 4X8, a simple starter DCC system will be just fine. Once you begin to power longer lengths of track, on the real layout as you open expanses of it to play on, you will need more wire. You will eventually need some short protection circuitry and its associated network of separated power districts, and probably a booster or two. Also, how will you stay near wandering trains if your base station, and your paddle tethered closely to it, are way over there? Will you use an infra-red system, a radio system so that you can follow along, or will you use hard-points to plug in your throttle? What kind of throttle will do this for you, and what system?
These are the questions that should help you to do your research.
Good luck.
well ive been looking at the digitrax super chief set it has 5 amps I plan on at least 10 engines and two switchers for two yards.I will get infared sometime but i believe i can add on later.As far as wire gauge goes any suggestions would be nice.I want to do it right the first time.I dont want to spend good money after bad.I went to nmra and looked at the articles.I also have subscriptions to model railroader.Im not going to model a real railroad.I just want to build something for me and friends to enjoy.It gets pretty cold here in coloradoso it is great to do something inside.My basement is at least 50-50.30-30 of it is my to do with what i please.
Newinho,
I have a very similar situation. I’ve built a 4x8 to hold me until I finish off my basement and can implement a much larger layout. I planned my layout in broader terms and am attacking it in small steps - that way the details aren’t “in cement” and can be adapted as needed. That said, I did pick the era, region and theme of my railroad - that dictates a lot of what I purchase. I’m using Digitrax Zephyr - I don’t think 10 locos simultaneously will be a problem, although I won’t run that many at one time. I’m using 14g wire for my buss and 20 (or maybe it’s 22) for my track feeders.
There are many publications you can read, but along with them, I found this forum an excellent research tool. Yes, you are presented with many options and opinions - I’ve been able to glean those that best fit my needs and adopt them as my own - so far the wisdom here has been invaluable to me. Good luck and welcome aboard.
newinho,
Your comment on infrared hooked my attention. I thought DCC was going to be great. untill I discovered wireless walk around throttles.So I upgraded to IR. It worked most of the time. There was the problem. Crashes. I upgraded to radio, Best toy in the train room. I SHOULD HAVE STARTED THERE.
I ended up with super chief radio, and am a great fan. There are others, but I like my SCr.
Search your library and you may find books there that are worth reading. Most of the Kalmbach titles are very informative for people who are new to the hobby. One of the basic wiring books and a book specific to DCC systems would be a good start. I have seen a book online titled, “Creative Effects for your Model Railroad” that looks like it would be good but I have not read it. According to what I have read about it, it covers lighting and lots of other “effects” related topics for the MRR. If you get a copy please let us know if it is any good. Have fun![:)]