Newbie here from WI. While doing genealogy research for family where I grew up in Greenville, PA I got quite interested in the Bessemer & Lake Erie RR. All of my grandfathers and my dad worked there over the years. And what better way to stay connected than build a modest layout of the BLE. My dad and I worked together as engineer and conductor on the Wisconsin Central/ Canadian National for years and got out of railroading in 2003. I’ll be looking around here for awhile trying to get my head around all of the new technologies in the hobby since I last had some HO in the early 80’s.
Hi and [#welcome] to the forums!
Yes, Ho scale tech has changed in the last years since the 80s.
When I jumped back into the hobby 6 years ago, I had 70s-80s O/O27 as a kid/teen and N scale as a teen. SO I naturally got started in DC HO, knowing it from my N scale days. But I kept reading about DCC And quickly, based on less wiring, decided to go that route.
I built a small HO layout as that was all the space I could afford to devote to it. It has two interconnected ovals, a 4 spur yard and a 2 spur engine facility inside the inner oval. Basically I could connect just two wires to it and run 2-3 locos on it any direction, any speed each with just ONE controller. Since I have no reversing loops or shorts anywhere, I could do that. I did add a few feeder wires to be sure of continuity of signal.
I have the Bachmann EZ COmmand DCC system. I also have a fleet of BAchmann Steam and Diesel locos of several eras, as I like to change things out and change eras to avoid getting bored. The EZC is a simple, basic DCC system, easy to use and relatively inexpensive for small layouts. If you wish to run a large layout, multiple loco lashups or several trains, a bigger system is probably what you’ll want IF you decide to go DCC route.
Bachmann trains of the 80s were known for their “el cheapo trainset” quality locos. Bachmann has worked hard to improve both products and warrantees and image since then. They offer their Spectrum line of higher detailed and better running locos and RR cars. Even theri regular lines have improved greatly. SOme of their SPectrums become regular line after their Spectrum runs. They now offer value at a reasonable price, and when the product is out, it is available on hte shelves, not always in a “pre-order” context. Bachmann diesel DCC OnBoard locos cost about $50 and steamer DCC OnBoard about $100+. They have lights, direction and speed control only. DCC SOund OnBoard locos cost more,but have sound systems in them.
There Are some DC soun
Hi and welcome.
Until I got involved last year, my last HO layout was in the early 1970’s, so I hear what you’re saying. The technology differences are amazing.
You can search the site for info over on the lower right ------------>
And there’s some helpful members here that’ll answer questions, too.
Semper Fi,
-Ed