DCC
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DCC and Tortoises w/Peco switches
Dick has an HO layout and has four detailed questions and is hoping readers will be able to advise him:
I have pretty much decided on NCE DCC PowerCab (other consideration is Digitrack) with Peco switches and Tortoise (or?) switch machines on a very small (10’x10’) HO layout. The rough plan includes ~20 -25 switches (which includes double slips, 2 & 3 Y’s) a few Xings and 3 reverse loops.
I want to use DCC and will probably only run just 1 or 2 locos @ a time. I don’t have any long wheel base engines. It has been suggested that I use Tortoise switch machines for ease of installation, operation and simply more fun experience, but am open for other recommendations.
Here are a few questions that I specifically have.
1) Should I use Insulfrog or Electrofrog Peco switches? I have been told Insulfrog is best but have read that elecros work fine. Does one or the other work better w/a particular DCC (NCE or Digitrack)? Is one or the other type of switch easier to install and operate?
2) Do double slips, wyes, and crossings need special treatments? For example, I think that I was told that double slips need 2 Tortoise machines.
3) What decoders are recommended for Tortoise and DCC, or is there a particular one recommended for NCE vs. Digitrack?
4) Can NCE or Digitrack handle this setup better? From what I have read so far it seems that NCE has the greater flexibility and expansion capacity. I may not have read enough yet, so that is why I ask for input. I’m sure that it’s obvious that I’m a newbie in the hobby (out of it for 45+ yrs.). I look forward to reading responses, getting ideas/tips/suggestion/recommendations/cautions, etc. Your help is appreciated.
Add your suggestions below.
00 Scale Single Track D.C.C. Operation
John asks readers for advice:
“I am building a Scottish layout in OO scale and it will be single track. Can I operate more than one engine at the same time using just one D.C.C. controller?”
Add your feedback below.
DCC Beginner
Richard has a DCC question for readers. He will find good info on DCC in the Model Train Help ebook as well as in the online Model Train Club.
“What is DCC and will engines with it run on a regular powered layout. My layout is not yet wired so how should I proceed? Can I run engined with DCC as well as without on the same layout?”
Diorama End to End DCC
Chris asks readers:
I have inherited a diorama with open ended track, by this I mean not a complete loop that was originally wired for non-DCC. I want to attach a DCC supply, what do I need to do to make the supply complete?
Comment below.
Programming Turnouts in DCC
Ralph asks readers:
“I just connected my new NCE Pro Cab to my 4×8 HO layout. The 2 locos run fine. I have 4 turnouts. One turnout works fine, but I cannot get the other 3 turnouts programmed. Can anyone help please?”
Comment below.
HO Wiring For DCC
Ray asks readers for guidance:
"I plan to wire my first DCC layout soon; however, I dont know what to do about lighting. Shall I get a separate power supply and put all the lighting on it and if so do I need terminal blocks to separate and reduce wiring runs? I don't mind if the lights are on all the time because I will be using a reduced voltage.
Also, my turnout motors should be to toggle switches and hopefully to a panel which I haven't done yet. Is there anything I need to know about running 24 AWG on a 4ft x 8ft layout like mine?"
Reader can suggest solutions below.
DCC Reversing
John asks readers:
“With dual main lines parallel to each other, and with the inside main reversable, do I need a reversing module between crossovers? If so how would that work since the crossovers are of minimum length?”
Readers can comment below.
Sneak Peek Inside The Model Train Club
My new online Model Train Club is proving really popular and the feedback from members is very encouraging.
Randy has kindly made a video with a quick inside look around the club. I’ve put it on the blog for you to watch. Click here to read more about the Model Train Club.
DCC Conversion
A reader asks:
“How difficult is it to convert an ho engine to a dcc engine?”
Others can comment below.
Read about Model Railway Clubs
MTH DCC and Sound
Rick is having quality issues with his trains and asks readers for guidance:
“I recently bought a MTH Mohawk with DCC and sound. One driver was not connected. I replaced it with the Dreyphuss which is perfect. I then bought a EDM demonstrator. I broke the rear trucks after 2hrs. I then replaced it with another one, but the Dcc and sound chip was not working. Out of the four locomotives I only have one that works. What brand will give me the bang for my buck?”
Comment below.
Changing Marklin Analog Locos To Digital
Henk is switching to DCC and asks readers:
“What is involved in changing Marklin analog locos to digital. Can I do it myself? Does the tracks have to be changed? It is M track Marklin. What is the approx cost per loco?”
Comment below.
DCC Control
David seeks the opinions of readers and asks:
“I bought a Bachman Locomotive secondhand that has DCC. What would be a good controler to get started with DCC?”
To express your opinion use the green comments link below.
oo Salota 3701 DCC Controller
Ian has a question for readers about an early DCC controller and asks:
“My grandson has been given the knocked down layout together with engines all controlled by a Salota 3701 controller by someone whose father had died and her children did not want it. This is obviously an early DCC unit. Can anyone provide some information on this system?”
Comment below.
Just a reminder that only about 50% of the questions submitted get published. To maintain standards all questions go through a moderation process edited by a real person. Many questions fail because they don’t make sense, or don’t have sufficient detail for someone to understand and provide an accurate answer. Other questions fail because they use txt language and are filled with spelling errors, or are in ALL CAPS. We want to maintain standards and publish good questions and good answers. It is in everyone’s best interest.
Digitrax System Problems
Ron is struggling with technology and asks DCC pros out there for help:
“I recently purchased a digitrax system and I can’t understand how to get the train to move. I cant believe I am asking this question.’I did read the quick start up, but one time it goes down the test track and I can’t control it other times. It sits there and doesn’t move. I’m not into this modern stuff I guess. I do like my switches and my blocks.”
To advise Ron please use the comments link below.
00 DCC Decoders
Graham has a DCC question for experienced model railroaders and asks:
“Being new to DCC, how do I hard wire a decoder into a tender-driven loco. The engine in question is Hornby Flying Scotsman.”
Comment below.
DCC Speed
Chris has a question for DCC experts and asks:
"This is my first layout I've now done and I jumped into DCC straight off. I'm glad I did it but I have just invested in a Kato Bullet train in analogue. It is blisteringly fast but once the Decoder board is inserted it slows down. I have set the acceleration and top speed and volts on the board to maximum but even this programming has not changed things. I tried removing the decoder chip from a Dapol loco and that increased it's top speed so it was not the decoder chip at fault. Does anyone know if this is to be expected and if not what I may have done wrong?"
Readers can offer suggestions below.
Starting A DCC Setup
Frank wants to get started in DCC and wants advice from experienced DCC operators:
“I am running ho on a basic transformer. My layout is a double shelf around the wall design. 5 track yard; industries for switching; towns; and more industries. All sections of track are isolated, with loads of separate switches for each isolated track section; this is all from one control panel which I designed in. Where I have to stay in one spot to operate railroad. (and you know the problems that arise to the furthest spot from control panel) I would like to switch to DCC for realistic operations. I need DCC for dummies: Could anyone start me off on the ground floor (or is that Basement floor level). Also along with a basic dcc setup; the brand and cost is a factor.”
Add your comments below.
DCC Switches
Tom has a question for DCC buffs and asks:
“I currently have several new switches, code 83, being gathered for my new layout when I retire out west. I am starting to change over to DCC with new engines.What, if any, is the difference between a DC switch and a DCC switch ? None of my switches indicate they are DCC and I want to switch over to DCC power and engines.”
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