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Track for DCC – What’s Needed?
Steve models HO and asks:
“I am thinking of converting to DCC and was wondering if I needed to change track to be able to run?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
NO! you dont.
I am into DCC and I have laied down ‘Peco’ flex-track, code 100 on my Woodland Scenics- Incline/Riser set, I do have two tracks , How can I drill a hole from the outside rails, down through the riser and into the 3/4 inch board! without damaging the risers!
Nigel
I am new at dcc,, all I had is a dc layout
Please can someone help me, on how to drill a hole from the outside of my ‘Peco code 100, flex-track in through the woodland scenics incline/riser set, and into my 3/4 inch plywood board! without damaging the incline section, When wiring this up for dcc operation!
Nigel
Nigel, when drilling and setting wiring in polystyrene such as WOODLAND scenic or other type use the longest drill bill you can buy – at least as long as the deepest hole. I recommend about 4 – 5 mm diameter. After the hole is drilled, place a drinking straw over the bit (while still in the tool and slowly push the bit with the drinking straw into your hole.WHY? – some foams will eat the insulation off the wires, and some will be carrying 18 – 24 volts at 5 – 10 amps – that is enough to set a fire. And we don’t want your layout, or your house to burn down, do we?.
Steve Save your money until you have enough to purchase that new track.and good luck to you when you have all the new track you need.
Only the track wiring needs to be changed.
Swapping wiring from DC to DCC mode is not a biggy! I recommend you read the literature from DCC Concepts or relevant articles in Model Railroader (USA), Model Rail (British) or AMRM (Australia). It is not as hard as the early “experts” made out. Fitting decoders to some older locos might test your soldering skills, and some might need their wheels changed over or the flanges ground to smaller profiles.