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Setting Up Tracks and DCC
Ben is new to the hobby and seeks advice from readers:
I have started planning my first layout – a 12 ft x 6 ft HO railroad with a small mining town, at least one industry and some mountains. I think I will cope ok with the scenery side of things, but will struggle with the technical stuff (not my strong point).
Can someone advise me how to begin the DCC setup with transformers and booster (how many would I need)?
Can I mix brands and loco types on the same track? Any other suggestions appreciated.
2 Responses to Setting Up Tracks and DCC
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G’day,
I would say with that size lay-out you will only need one unit, no booster. I know of lay-outs much bigger only using one system. You can wire as many control points as you need.
Some of us have found cordless style controller are best such as MRC. Far more flexible for moving quickly.
Read up on the web. Type in “how to wire DCC control” and you will find lots of help.
Run your bus around under the lay-out first after track – penciled or laid.
Don’t let it frighten you, if I can do so can anyone.
Good Luck, Derek.
Aloha.
A single system (command station and booster in one) is all you should need for your layout. Suggest you look into one of the entry DCC systems from Digitrax or NCE as they will be quite capable of running your layout with no need for additional boosters. The real advantage to these entry systems is that you can add on to them as your layout grows so you never have to “buy another system” should your layout change in the future.
For power reliability, don’t rely on the rail joiners as they will cause your engines to run slow or even stop. As Derek stated, run the power bus under the track, then add track feeders to the rails every piece of track and connect the feeders to the bus. Be sure to be careful wiring around turnouts (any of the published basis model railroad electrical books have good pictures to guide you).
DCC is very easy and really quite simple compared to previous methods. Have fun, Roger