Hi, I am getting back into the hobby. Yesterday I ordered an N scale set. It’s the Kato 106-0033 N Scale Virginia Railway Express MP36PH Commuter Series Starter Set. Can someone tell me if it is DCC enabled or equipped, or would that have been noted in the title? Sorry for my ignorance, it’s just that I’ve been out of the hobby for 10 years, thanks.
First, [#welcome] Irishbug.
This set is not factory equipped with DCC, as it states it includes Kato power pack, so a DC pack, and I cannot advise as to how simple, or even if compatible, this unit would be to convert it to DCC, as I am not extremely familiar with this loco, but yes, if it was factory DCC equipped, it would say so on the packaging.
Maybe you should cancel your order until you have time to research DCC
edit: That was not meant as a glib answer. We had someone ask about DCS three months ago. He was advised to cut his losses and go with DCC. 300 pages later in his thread, and a blown engine he did just that.
According to the KATO web site, the locomotive in that train set is “DCC Friendly” and easily upgradeable to DCC.
Rich
Got a good chuckle out of that one, Henry. [(-D]
TCS has a decoder which fits Kato´s MP36PH. While installing the decoder is a little more than just a plug n´play job, I don´t think it requires more than just little patience.
Here is a guide how to do the installation:
So much helpful information here, I cant thank you all enough. I think I’ll stay with that set to get my feet wet, and then see what happens down the road after i get a good layout going. I think my biggest obstacle now is the room that my layout will be built on. It is a dining room table that measures 53" x 36". If that isn’t enough room I was thinking I could bolt on a bigger piece of wood on it, maybe 4’ X 6’. Do you think that dining room table will be enough room to create a good layout?
Since your layout is N-scale, that will get you off to a good start. The other option would be to use a wooden hollow door, which might be more stable (& storable) than the dining room table idea. They can be picked up at any home center in your area.
Tom
If you stay with that Kato set you mentioned, does that mean you´ll be using Kato Unitrack?
It´s a fairly bulletproof track system, which can be made look more realistic with a dab of paint, fine ballast and lots of patience.
If you are interested in passenger train/commuter train operation I may have a layout idea for you.