Stuart asks readers.

“Which controller should I buy? I’m new to the hobby but I want dcc with sound. I am in my 60’s and am not as dextruss with my hands. My own thoughts is the Viessmann 5300. If I am spending this sort of money advise would be welcome.”

Comment below.

Ben has a question and has kindly already contributed an answer to help someone else in need of advice. That’s what we like to see… a bit of give and take.

So, the message is; even if you need help with some things, please don’t be backward in coming forward, by helping others in areas you do understand. To continue, this blog needs lots of contributions as well as questions. This blog is currently a free service for the model railroading community, and we’d like to keep it that way… rather than paying people to answer questions and then turning it into a private members only site.

Please share your knowledge with others and help keep this blog free to everyone.

Now, here’s Ben’s question which hopefully you can help him with:

My question is an extremely broad one – where to Start with DCC? I am fully under way constructing Scene #1 of my 20ft by 24ft ‘Coal to ‘Synthetic-Oil’ circa post 1990 layout’ (the entire layout is modular and divided into 4 separately built scenes that in time will be added together) and will finish main construction soon. Thus comes the next phase – wiring the track and accessories up and begin running locomotives and an electronic turntable.

So in a nutshell I am asking, where to start with DCC. Methods in wiring up my track, turnouts, and turntable for and in DCC mode? Recommended DCC Manufacturers for both Command Control and locomotives? And is it easily expandable when I expand by adding the other scenes over time?

Help Ben by adding your comment below.

Mitch has a DC DCC question for readers:

“I am operating on DC. I am considering purchasing a couple of engines with sound. My question is : Can I use the sound that is incorporated in an engine with DCC on my DC layout? And, what if any, modifications would be required?”

Jerry wants to know what he is doing wrong with programming his Bachmann locomotives:

“I have five new Bachmann gp40 gp30 loco’s and a new EZ command station. I programed an Athern loco with out any problem but I can’t get any thing on the Bachmann loco’s. They will run on analog but nothing on station 3. Is there something I’m doing wrong?”

Add your comments below.

John is converting to DCC and asks readers:

“I have several old locos which I would like to convert for DCC operation. Are there any general rules to follow, or is each installation unique?”

Comment below.

Karl asks readers:

“I would like to see some specific diagrams or pictures regarding how to wire a layout for DCC. I have just completed my 5 x 10 layout table, and am ready to wire it. I would like to know how to wire it for the regular power bus to feeders, how to wire the tortoise motors to the switches, how to wire the tortoises to the DS64’s, and how to wire the digitrax PM42 to create the power districts?”

Comment below.

Herb has a wiring question to challenge readers knowledge:

“Can I use 14/2 wire for my main wire and what gauge of wire do I use running from it to my tracks? Also, how far apart should my wires be on my HO track?

Add your answer below.

Don wants to hear reader’s brand preferences and opinions regarding DCC operation:

“I’m very close to making my first purchase of DCC. I have a moderate understanding of DCC but still the most difficult question to answer is ‘Which Brand To Buy’. I live in the UK where, at the moment, we no not have a ‘home -grow’ system. I’ve read many reviews and looked up many web-sites but there is still doubt. To me, it’s a balance of (i) cost; (ii) functionallity; (iii)future proofing; (iv) looks and feel. ZTC stopped manufacture in the UK sometime ago. Their product did have some questionable technical problems but (for me) it was, and still is, the best looking piece of equipment on the market, anywhere. “

Comment below.

This question is a bit vague so I suspect readers will need to guess at an answer.

Keith asks:

“My Question is about the train stopping at the station and moving on. By using DCC can you help me here to fix the problems. “

Perhaps Keith could use the comments link below to expand on his question to help readers provide the best possible answer.

Butch has three DCC questions for readers and asks:

“How difficult is it to convert old analog trains to DCC? Are there trains just not worth converting? Which are the easiest to convert? Thank you.”

Comment below.

Daan wants to pick your brains regarding DCC and asks:

“I want to convert to DCC. What do I have to purchase to do this? I know my Loco will have to be fitted with decoders. Please note I have mostly Lima RSA locos with the old pancake motors. Is this feasible? By the way, I live in South Africa.”

Comment below.

Paul asks readers:

“I have a MRC Prodigy Advance DCC and I have purchased an Athearn Genesis loco with a Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder. I want to change the loco address from #3 (default) to #45. I have followed the instructions but the address will not change. I cannot “read” the address or the value of CV #1. The loco responds to address #3. I should be interested in receiving advice. Thanks.”

Comment below.

Edward wants advice on a DCC conversion and asks:

“I have a tender driven oo Scotsman with only one black pick up wire to the motor. I think its 5 pole and looks like the motor in the hornby chip conversion diagram but has only one black wire to the right motor conection.Look at the link. http://www.hornby.com/digital/guides/tender-drive-flying-scotsman-decoder-installation,123,HAR.html I would like to convert it to dcc, its a good runner and looks good. Can someone help please?”

Comment below.

Dave wants to pick reader’s brains and asks:

“Does anyone know of a source to purchase accessory decoders for my N scale railroad? I have tried searching the internet in as many ways as I can but so far all I have found are sources for locomotive decoders. Any help would be appreciated.”

Comment below.

Nicholas wants advice from knowledgeable readers and asks:

“Does someone have some suggestions on what decoder and how to install it on a Lifelike Berkshire N gauge Steam engine?”

Comment below.

Ken has a question for those experienced in DCC setup and operation and asks:

“I purchased a digitrax DCC system with has an 8amp rating. I hope I know what I am getting into. My question is – To get the max performance out of the system I assume I have to purchase an 8amp power supply? Is that correct?”

How about hearing from some of those in the hobby that regularly read this blog yet don’t contribute. This is a voluntary service that is free to use, so help us keep it going for the benefit of everyone. Don’t just sit there – share your knowledge and experience with others in the hobby who would value your help.

John doesn’t give a lot of detail about his HO model railroad project, but hopefully readers will be prepared to offer a “best guess” answer. John asks:

” On DCC what is the best type or brand of motors for slow movement of Diesel locos?”

Add your comments below.

Richard wants advice from anyone with knowledge of a 11001 pannier 0-6-0 GWR conversion to DCC and asks:

“I want to convert my 11001 pannier 0-6-0 GWR ‘shirtbutton’ 7768 to DCC. I know there is a web site that lists and shows many conversions but I cannot find it. Can anyone help me please. Thanks.”