I am returning to Model Railroading, the Brandy and Benedictine (fondly the Betty and Bob) RR, after many years hiatus. Military, school, too much work and not enough time or space, etc. This is 18060-1900 steam freight, mining, timber, and passenger.
Now that I have the time and inclination, I am returning and find that I have many options, not the least of which is DC or DCC. I am looking for reasons to do both. Neither seems superior to the other for small one person layouts.
I am used to DC, as that is what we used in 1968 when I left for other places and had little time to operate my trains. I look at DCC and see some interesting things, but still do not see advantages or disadvantages. So I am looking for comments on both sides of the discussion.
I am sorry if this question causes angst in this group but would really like to understand better so I can spend my funds wisely.
Now there are two strong staunch stands on electrification of a layout, and never the twian shall meet, except for the ones who have converted to DCC from DC. Each will shouts it’s virtues,and condemn the other! The DC supports will say “nuts” to the DCC, adn the DCC people will say “nuts” to the DC people.
I built a 3.5 foot by 5.1 foot HO scale small layout.
I used DC in an N scale mini layout in my teens, so I was familiar with DC too. But I kept reading about this new-fangled thing called “DCC” and decided I liked the idea better! Not having any HO stuff this time around when I got back into the hobby 6 years ago, I started off with some DC locos, but quickly converted to DCC OnBoard Locos.
Here is why:
I liked the idea of controlling each individual LOCO, NOT the track electricity to move locos. Seems more like real RRs.
I have 2 interconnected loops with an internal 4 spur yard and an internal 2 spur engine storage/servicing facilty {yes all within a 3.5 foot x 5.1 foot HO scale layout}. With DCC and My Bachmann EZ Command DCC system, I can run 2 locos/trains on each of the loops, AND play with a loco in the yard or servicing facility ALL at the SAME TIME with DCC!!!
Also. as small as my layout is, I can run those 3 trains with just TWO WIRES connected to the track in just ONE spot! {there are no reversing loops or wyes or anything that would cause shorts to be wired differently}. No need for extra wiring. Now, I did add some feeders to the layout to insure conductivity furthest from the 2 wire connection, but I got away without them for a while.
DCC wiring is also easier than DC, less complicated Remember I could run my layout with just the 2 wires connected !}.
I was a staunch user of DC for many years. About 3 years ago I began to think about converting to DCC so I investigated various options and went in that direction. I totally removed all the DC wiring saving only certain track feeders, built new control panels and installed a Digitrax system. For me it was a very good decision.
My ‘sage’ advice would be visit some layouts that use DCC and try it out. Also, your LHS may have something available that you could try. Buy a couple of books - Kalmbach publishes a couple and read about its capabilities. Armed with some info it may be a easier to make a decision.
I will be honest, even the most basic systems aren’t cheap and you are also looking at the cost of decoders. But what you get in realism and capabilities are worth the investment.
Finally, you will find there are strong opinions both ways - many of which have been expressed here and that’s okay. So take some of the discussion with a grain of salt and do what is going to be best for you.
DCC is about running your trains and not running your track. I can run two or three trains at the same time and not have to flip toggle switches to do so. Without a doubt, it is far more realistic than DC. My layout is 22 feet by 8 and I run it with a Digitrax Zephyr ($169.00 from Modeltrainstuff) and almost all the decoders I have installed myself, have cost right around $20.00 each.
My layout was set-up for DC block control and run that way for 10 years before I bought my Zephyr system. When I bought it, I simply removed one of my Tech II power packs and installed the Zephyr in it’s stead. I did not change my feeder wires to 12 gage wire and I find my system works flawlessly. Later, I also installed a small Digitrax UT-4 double throttle and I can now run three trains at once, if I desired.
I have experience in both DC and DCC and I would not go back to DC as I like what DCC has to offer. I don’t own 40-60 locomotives and am not a locomotive collector. I do however have 8 steam locomotives and 9 diesals. All diesals are decoder equipped and most of the steam have also been equipped with decoders. I am considering sound, which will be an added expense.
Certainly, block control is a part of prototype operations and so I understand staying with DC operation, if that is what you like and I think this hobby is about making your own choices! So, in reality, the OP’s question shouldn’t cause contention; but, we all know that simply will not be the case!
I started in HO in 1960, had various layouts, with all of them DC - UNTIL the latest one, started in 2008.
Its 11x15, one operator, two levels, and the result of a lot of planning.
The decision to go to DCC was not easy. I’m not all that electronics minded, but understand electricity and the components of DC operation and wiring fairly well. Soo, I would definitely have a learning curve.
Also, the move to DCC would be expensive, and in fact with decoders and all the goodies, I spent over $2k. While one can get into DCC for a lot less, I wanted to do it “right”.
To make a long story short, I bit the bullet and jumped in with both feet. I had my share of newbie problems and questions - but the good folks on this forum bailed me out each and every time. I am extremely happy with the result, and consider it the best change on the RR I’ve ever made.
That being said, I’m not putting down DC. For folks that are happy with it and/or don’t want to get into the DCC pond, that is great. All I really recommend, is that we each ENJOY !!!
i switched from DC to DCC a few months ago and I am very happy I did. Like others said, it’s mainly about controlling trains, not electrical blocks. I also like to be able to control headlights as I wish. As I wrote before in this forum, I waited too long to cross the river. Nothing against DC though.
I have a relatively small one person layout and it is DCC all the way. I’ve been building model railroads for over 30 years. The difference between DCC and the old way of running trains is remarkable if you are going to do anything more than run trains around in circles.
I have operating on a very large, extremely well done famous model railroad that has been featured in all of the magazines. It duplicates a specific railroad and time. The first time it was DC. It was fun but it wasn’t like running a real railroad. The owner gave all of the standard reasons why he was never converting to DCC. You will shortly be hearing the same arguments on this thread. A few years later I returned to operate in his layout and he had converted to DCC. The difference was absolutely remarkable. It now functioned much more like the real thing. The owner admitted that he wished he had converted before.
If you are serious about model railroading and plan on operations and switching then go with DCC from the start. If you are just dabbling and planning on building a small 4x8 to watch trains run then it won’t matter.
I think the only REAL advantage to DCC over DC is that is just simpler to wire. Todays DC throttles are a huge improvement over what you have used in the past. DCC is almost a hobby in itself. The vast amount of things you can do with it is incredible. I’ve even used my wifes IPhone as a throttle. If your into learning something completely new then DCC is the way to go, if your just building a small layout then a small DCC starter set or DC will serve you well.
You can either read it online or download it onto your computer as a .pdf file. It should answer most of your questions…and even some you haven’t even thought of yet.
“The difference between DCC and the old way of running trains is remarkable if you are going to do anything more than run trains around in circles.”
There are obviously things a DCC system can do that one can’t in DC but to make untrue statements like this is why the battle continues to rage. Does anyone beyond this poster really believe all model railroaders were doing for decades prior to DCC is running trains in circles?
I choose to stay with DC for it’s simplicity, economy and because it causes the operator as well as young observers to use their imaginations; something modern technology is robbing from our children. I can still stage trains, perform switching, load and deliver products, operate multiple trains and operate a control panel that is a whole lot more than just “watching trains.”
Make your decision on what you like, your budget and who will be watching and operating you layout in addition to you but not on untrue and absolute statements found on this or other forums.
The biggest advantage to DCC is that you can run two or more locomotives on the same track, at the same time, at different speeds, in different directions, without the use of block switches. Because of this they can actually have collisions just as a real train can.
If you decide to use DCC, the system that you pick should be inexpensive but not cheap, and should be expandable. You should also pick one that can be connected to a computer and use the JMRI suite of free programs. Why? If you decide that DCC is not for you, that system will bring a higher resale price because it is more versatile.
Anyone’s DCC decoders can be used with anyone’s DCC system. So you can use decoders from almost any manufacturer on any DCC system. There are decoder manufacturers out there that only make decoders and not DCC systems. Some of them are better than the decoders the DCC system manufacturers make.
There are many DCC systems available, but the two best ones are from NCE and Digitrax, both have entry level systems, and both are made in the USA.
MRC is a good system for DC but not DCC, so my advice would be to stay away from it.
Like many we were staunch DC users, having invested in DC walk around tech, etc. But went to DCC for a few reasons.
Drive the locos, not the track. MUing very easy, not as many blocks, etc.
Better performance in slow speed. DC voltage at slow speed is low. With DCC the voltage remains the same. This helps with lighting in cars/locos a lot. I saw my 4-4-0 Bachmann perform a LOT better with DCC TCS chip. However it is true that DCC will not make up for a bad loco, especially one needing mechanical help and not all decoders are equal in performance!
Good sound decoder availability came later, but has made the switch fun.
Almost all DCC manufacturers have their manuals available on line at their web sites. That may help you. And when (if) you buy a DCC system and get it hooked up and running per the quick start instructions, be sure to go back and thoroughly read the complete manual. Many do not and come here asking questions that are clearly answered by the manual. (My pet peeve.)
I took a long break too but i went with the DC option i felt that sinking alot of money for my 6 X 10 layout for me was not cost effective. DCC is nice if you can sink that much expense in it. I am running cab control and my wiring took one afternoon to do. anyway its your decision. You get what you feel will suit your RR
I to returned to the hobby from my youth about 5 years ago. i was in the same situation of trying to decide which way to go. I bought a book and quickly became convinced that DCC was the way to go. I am not a electrician and the idea of 2 wires was very appealing to me. I use a Digitrax system and with with the availability of stationary decoders and auto reversing circuits well I decided it was the next best thing!
DCC for me was alot like cycling shorts and cleats for my pedals. Why did I wait so long before I got them?..
Buy engines that are DCC ready and go DC at first. If you you go with the busswire method, most (not all) the wiring is the same. You need to run extra wires for reverse loops and such. I like DC on my very large layout because it is just me. If I get to the point I need DCC, I can change over in one min. ! Also, an extra thought, if you want sound then DCC is a much better choice!
I don’t think there could be a statement more in error than the above. Having built several small, single operator layouts over the years, I have always been amazed at how frustrating operating them with DC has been. The last DC powered layout I built was just large enough for me to actually run two trains at once. However, there was one section of track shared by both major routes that constantly had to be switched back and forth between cabs. Add in the desire to change routes and it seemed all I did was throw toggle switches instead of enjoying the trains.
When I first looked into DCC, many people argued that it was only worthwhile on very large layouts. However, a handful of operators expressed their surprise at how incredibly handy it was on small layouts, eliminating the need to throw toggle switches all the time and simply running your trains where and when you wanted to. I found out that it was mainly the surprised few that really had any first hand experience with DCC while most of the nay-sayers had no real experience with DCC at all!
After a bit more recearch, I installed a DCC system on a small 6’ by 6’ layout I had suspended from the ceiling of my son’s bedroom. Wow! What a difference! DCC delivered on every promise the manufacturers claimed. It is so much more rewarding to drive my trains instead of managing track blocks that I would never even consider returning to DC cab control. DCC also offers so many additional features all accessible from a handheld throttle that DC just pales in comparison.
I went through a similar experience when computer aided drafting software became available for personal computers. The “old guard” acted as though CAD was Voodoo while younger architects and draftsmen eagerly dove into CAD. Today you’d be hard