DCC
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
DCC Control?
Dave asks readers:
“I have built a HO layout Ana want to have it DCC. I want to start off with an expandable controller any suggestions. My layout is a 4×6 wth a 2′ x 9 foot leg with a dog bone.”
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DCC Equipped Engines
Bobby asks readers:
“I have been looking at N Scale engines on line and noticed that they, for the most part, are DCC equipped. Can they be run on regular analog DC or do they need to be modified?”
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To Block Or Not?
Newcomer Bob is hoping for some good advice from experienced RR’s and asks:
“I am new to the hobby and am beginning to build an N-gauge layout on a 4×8 tabletop with no reverse loops. I will be using DCC. How do I know if I should divide the track into blocks or not? I plan to run no more than 2 trains at one time, at least for now. Will blocks allow me more freedom for expansion in the future? At this point I’m still pretty overwhelmed by it all! Thanks for any advice.”
Add your suggestions to help newcomer to the hobby Bob.
Mixing DC and DCC Locos
Darren sent in this tip:
Don’t overdo automatic reverse loops. I prefer to wire reversing loops the old-fashioned way. I do this because I like to run both conventional DC locos with my DCC locos and I don’t want my old locos to unexpectedly reverse direction.
Use the link in the right hand column to send in your tip or article for publication.
Click here for more DCC Tips and Techniques
Changing DC Layout to DCC
Sharad asks readers for advice:
“I Specialise in OO/HO gauge, and have 15 steam locomotives collected over 20 years. Eight of these are from Bachmann, 5 from Hornby and 2 from an Indian manufacturer. Of the 8 Bachmann locos, 4 are DCC which I have purchased this year.
1. My question is: How can I run all the trains together- Analog (DC) with the DCC. Please advise me how to convert the DC to DCC. Should I maintain 2 track systems: DC and DCC?
2. The layout I am constructing is in a newly acquired garage 9x 16 Please advise me whether I should have along the wall layout or in the centre of the garage. Please advise me.”
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Why Does The Solder Joint Just Look Ugly?
Ugly solder joints can be a result of inexperience or maybe the surfaces or tip is dirty. It is an indication the solder did not properly flow, and that perhaps the soldering iron might also not have been hot enough. A good solder joint is typically flat and shiny. To achieve a good solder flow, you will need to have the surfaces clean and shiny, and the iron heated to maximum temperature, before the solder touches the tip of the iron.
Read the comments.
If you would like to learn more about DCC operation http://www.dccmodeltrains.org
Bachmann DCC Equipped Diesel Engines
Thom has a question for readers:
“I have 2 Bachmann DCC equipped diesel engines a GP35 CSK light future and a GP38-2 Dark future. I’d like to add DDC sound to both HO engines, however a Digitrax rep has looked at these and doesn’t believe sound can be added due to the limited area under the shell. Has anyone added sound to these Bachmann engines? Thanks in Advance!”
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The Evolution Of Model Railroading
Model railroading has evolved from clockwork mechanisms or steam power through to battery operation and now electrics and digital control. The last few decades has seen real improvements in the quality of model trains (detail, materials, and control). This biggest change in recent years came with the invention of digital command control (DCC).
With DCC you can control and operate each locomotive individually, and you can choose to have it operate on its own, or you can operate it in concert with other locos. By comparison; using conventional DC control, you control “blocks of track”, so any locomotive on the track will respond the same way. With DCC the wiring can be less complex – with more operational flexibility and possibilities. That’s not to say DC can’t be a huge amount of fun – it is!
Why do you prefer DC or DCC? Add your comment.
New DCC Books Will Help Many
DCC has been around for many years – yet for many in the hobby, how DCC operates is still a mystery.
DC Wiring
Basically with DC you need to break your layout into various electrical sections and add suitable switching. Pickups on the loco get power from the track directly to the motor. You need to have one controller for each locomotive running. You will also need to run a large amount of wire even on a small layout.
Tuning a loco’s performance on a DC railroad can be very difficult without changing motors or gearboxes. Locomotive lights will vary with the voltage. A low speed will mean low voltage, so stalling can be a common issue unless the trackwork is perfect.
DCC Wiring
There are several brands of DCC controllers to choose from.
DCC can be as simple (or as complex) as you want it to be. A DCC layout can consist of a simple common electrical circuit (you decide) – or if you are a wiring enthusiast…well, the sky is the limit!
With DCC each loco can be operated independently without worrying about unwanted interaction with other trains. There is no operational requirement for isolated sections or separate controllers.
The DCC controller provides a full voltage at all times so locomotive (and coach) lighting is constant. With the availability of a higher track voltage, the starting and slow speed running is often better than if the same loco were running on DC.
Two new DCC ebooks
If you are comfortable with DC then stick with it. If you want to explore new possibilities, then consider DCC. It really is a matter of personal choice.
If your layout operates well on DC, then it operate well on DCC too.
These new DCC ebooks are available from http://www.dccmodeltrains.org
Old Engines With DCC
Paul asks readers:
“I have three old OO Hornby models that have been adapted for DCC running. Unfortunately they do not run smoothly but seems to start and stop at will. It is not only over points. do you have any suggestions as to how I can make then run smoothly? Many thanks.”
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DCC Conversion
Rich asks readers:
“I’m fairly new to model railroading. I am confused about something….My layout is Not set up for DCC. Can I run an engine that has DCC on my layout. How hard is it to up grade to DCC if that is the coming thing? Is that something I should do, all my track is in place and a good bit of scenery,will that be a problem. Thanks for any help.”
Comment below.
DCC Conversion
Jay wants to convert to DCC and asks others in the hobby for advice:
“I have 10 trains 4 are O scale and 6 HO scale. What do I need to do to switch them to DCC. I have no computer skills.”
HO DCC Decoders
Malcolm asks others for help:
“I am about to change to DCC. I am reading up on it but cannot see an answer to this question. If I want sound do I have to instal 2 decoders or does a sound decoder also perform like a basic decoder to operate the loco?”
Comment below.
WANTED: Experienced DCC Railroader
We are looking for someone who is highly skilled with DCC to write some informative articles.
If you think this is something you could do; simply use the “Click To Add A Comment” link under this posting to submit your details (and maybe a sample). The blog moderator will be in touch via email. The articles will be used to help others in the hobby learn more about setting up and operating a DCC system. There will be payment for your work.
You might even know someone who might be interested. Please refer them to this blog posting.
DCC Compatible Vs Electrically Controlled Model Railroads
Sam sent in these thoughts:
“Many people erroneously believe that electrically controlled model railroad networks can’t provide speed control, backward and forward movement and many other sophisticated controls that DCC compatible model railroads have but this assumption is very wrong. If it is so, why are some of the best laid layouts these days controlled with DCC? The answer is simple; setting up electrical layouts with complex setups and sophisticated operational setups is a task that consumes several hours and massive technical skills. DCC on the other hand is easy and can be setup effortlessly although it is a little expensive.”
Getting Started In Model Trains
Those new to this wonderful hobby of model trains often get disheartened because things seem too difficult and everyone in the hobby (except them), already seems to understand the technical jargon. For a beginner to model trains it can seem like having to learn a foreign language, so many simply lose interest and give up in the early stages.
Unfortunately this is a shame and is not good for the hobby in general going forward. After all, the more people involved in the hobby, the more likely manufacturers will be to bring out new product ranges at competitive prices. If fewer new people join the hobby, then product ranges will diminish over time and prices will increase.So, it is really in everyone’s best interest to help and encourage beginners to get started. That is precisely what I try to do with this free model train blog. It is even better when experienced model railroaders chip in with answers to questions and submit useful articles for publication.
There are more helpful ideas to build your model train layout without making mistakes at the online Model Train Club.
An Overview of Digital Command Control
Even though many of us a reasonably experienced in the hobby, getting started can be confusing. Beginners hear all kinds of new terms and have a lot to learn. This steep learning curve can be intimidating and will put many off venturing further into the hobby. This is why it is so important we all help and encourage others.
DCC or Digital Command Control uses rails to send digital commands to the locomotives in such a way that multiple locomotives are independently controlled within the same block. A DCC system consists of the following components.
Command Station – controls all other parts of the DCC and determines the type of throttle controls that can be incorporated.
Throttle or Cab – acts as hub of the whole system, primarily used for controlling the train.
Booster – amplifies command signals so that enough power is generated for operating the tracks.
Power Supply – supplies power to the entire model as an AC transformer or DC power source.
Decoder – incorporated into each locomotive to provide power to the track, only when it has been addressed.
For lots more information of DCC operation check out the members area inside the Model Train Club. New content is added every month.
N Gauge DCC Conversion
Evert has a question for readers:
“I live in Cape Town, South Africa. I’m busy building a layout for my N Gauge trains. I’;m sitting with a bit of a problem as nobody can help me converting my locos to DCC. I have 2 of the following : Kato N 2016-1 D51 2-8-2 Japanese Steam Locomotive #498. Can someone please help me ? I have no idea what to do and I can’t even get the loco open. Thank you very much.”
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