i have older bachmann and tyco locos and rolling stock. but i want to upgrade to that thing called dcc but what will i have to do with my rolling stockif anything to make it compatible and can it be used with older locomotives?
Hello. I used the search function at lower right of this page, and typed in "converting old locomotives to DCC:. I got this thread to come up, plus several others in the list.
http://cs.trains.com/forums/1322105/ShowPost.aspx
Good luck and hunting.
-Crandell
Wow…that is one loaded question.
DCC stands for Digital Command Control. This is where the Command station (DCC System) sends out a signal through the tracks where locomotives listen for commands that are meant for them.
In the locomotives, there is a decoder. The decoder is a liason between the rails and the motor/lights. The decoder DECODES the signal from the command station and responds accordingly.
That is DCC put simply.
Now, which locomotives are compatable? The answer is that ALL locomotives have the POTENTIONAL to have a decoder installed. However, there are things to look out for…
-
A locomotive running on DCC is more finiky than that same locomotive on DC. DCC does not cure any ‘ills’ that your locmotive has. This means to only install a decoder into a locomotive that runs VERY well on DC.
-
Does your locomotive have the motor isolated from the frame? As I said before, the decoder is the liason between the trackpower and the motor. If the motor and trackpower ever have the opertunity to touch WHILE the decoder is installed, you will destroy your decoder.
-
Layout wiring, though simplified, is more critical than in DC. You need feeders and a bus line to ensure a CLEAR signal through the track.
This is just the tip of the iceburg that is DCC. Now, if you want to go this route, then you need to decide which system is right for you. At the top of the page, there is a handy little function called SEARCH. If you type in DCC system or DCC install, you will get pages and pages of already gathered information on these forums.
Good luck.
David B
I’m betting that none of your locos are even DCC Ready. To get them operable with DCC they must be converted. If these are the old plastic frame locos then the motor may already be isolated from the frame. If they’re the pancake type motors (motor built into power truck) that gets a lot trickier as these pick up power through one set of wheels on one truck and send it back to the track through the other truck. I don’t see any easy way to convert this type nor would I try to. The old Tyco stuff I had as a child had the old Mantua drive which also had the motor buried in a power truck, usually the front truck and that would pose as many problems as the pancake type would. Any locos with the motor centrally located in the chassis between the trucks and I know they were around then as I have 2 Atlas GP40’s from that era sitting here that I converted myself. I also had a Cox loco (Athearn in Cox box) that had the motor centrally located to power both trucks. I also did the same with an antique Bachmann GP40 (bought in 1977) that was set up in this way. In the case of the Atlas locos the motor was already isolated from the frame. The Cox loco (if I still had it) would have to be modified just as a BB Athearn would have to be and that’s a very simple thing to do. As for the rolling stock there shouldn’t be any problem unless they’re lighted passenger cars. Those have been known to toss a wrench or two into the machinery.
Eric,
I would be a really good idea for you to learn as much as you can about DCC so that you can make some informed choices down the road. Here’s a link that should be helpful for you:
You can either read it online or download it onto your computer as a .pdf file.
Tom
Some more beginners DCC info. There is quite a bit to DCC. Take one section at a time. Patience will be a great asset. You are going from the analog area to the digital area of model railroading.
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn2/DCC.htm
Rich