DCC model railroading is something that most advanced modelers will inevitably pick up, especially if they enjoy extreme realism in their train sets. This is basically an electrified train system. We are talking about a system where electricity flows through the rails all the time, and you can use a digital control center to help you give orders to your train.

But it doesn’t stop there by any means. There are so many different things you can do with DCC decoder wiring. For example, you can attach a computer system to your setup so that you can control the train’s movement with some basic controls. You might often find things like this at train shows or even in train museums.

There is a common misconception that DCC model trains need to be different from standard model trains. This is not true. In fact, most model trains are sturdy enough to deal with the DCC system. The DCC decoder wiring involved installing the decoder within the train, and fortunately most trains have a universal frame or undercarriage these days. There was a time when they did not match up, but that was changed as the model railroad hobby grew in popularity.

Don’t forget that you can also add a DCC sound system to your train set. There are many sounds available, many of them taken directly from real trains or train museums. Choosing a sound system will be something you have to do on your own, but we do recommend choosing one of the highest quality.

When you are wiring your DCC model train system, you need to ensure that you make it so that you can break down the system easily and move the benchwork. Even if you are not planning to go to any train shows in the near future, it still helps to be able to move the entire setup. You could need to move it to the basement, or maybe you need to just put it in a better location. Either way, the wiring AND the benchwork need to be portable. You might also want to avoid putting the wiring blocks in an inconvenient location so that they don’t break as you drag the table.

We’ve just scratched the surface here regarding DCC trains. There is much more to learn, so head over to your local model shop today. Ask, inquire, buy e-books, whatever you have to do. Don’t be put off by complicated sounding terms like: DCC model train system, or digital control center… just try to learn a little each day and it will all make a lot more sense. There is a huge world of model railroading out there waiting for you. Enjoy it!

Mike writes on a range of subjects from business to real estate to model trains. Mike is a keen model railroader and enjoys sharing his model train tips.