Mikey asks a question similar to others that have been posted previously on this blog (use the search box). His question relating to DC and DCC operation is also well covered in the Model Train Help model-train-help ebook which has an great section explaining analog and DCC as well as all the advantages and disadvantages of DC and DCC operation.

Mikey asks readers:

“What is the difference between AC and DC/DCC? I’m looking at making a Model Railway based on the theme of WII using DRG era II. However I’m unsure of the AC and or DC types of Loco’s. Also, I am unsure of how decoder’s work as well.”

It sounds like Mikey is reasonably new to the hobby, so I am sure others will be happy to point him in the right direction.

David from South Africa wants advice from anyone who knows about Piko compatibility and asks:

“I started my HO DCC railway project with the PIKO starter set which I must admit it is a great product and I have found it very good quality. It is a digital system. Sadly they do not stock any american products and I really want to include american stock into my setup. I am hesitant to order any products as I do not know if it will work on the existing PIKO system. Can someone please advise which DCC products are compatible with my existing Piko system. I live in South Africa and obtaining products locally is very difficult, so I am dependant upon ordering items from either Germany or the United States and I have to ensure that I order the correct products.”

For those who are interested – Piko has been in the model train business for more than 50 years and manufacture a selection of locomotives and cars. The Piko locos and Piko cars include coupler pockets and a close coupling mechanism.

Ted has an HO layout and a question about MRC decoders and asks readers:

“I am installing two MRC 0001007/1008 decoders in old brass engines. I think MRC may have failed to include instructions for installing relative to the DC operation. Apparently you unplug the DCC harness and hook up the three loose wires? But what are they and where do they go? Is the green wire for lights, and if so what is the voltage? The other two wires are black and orange. Does anyone have the answer to help me? I sent MRC an email last week, but I guess they can’t find the instructions either!”

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Krish sends in this question from India:

“I am a retired aeronautical engineer who decided to come down to ground level! I have just acquired bits and pieces to set up a reasonably realistic 4′ by 6′ layout. I am right now trying to understand the various intricacies of setting up a railroad layout- mechanical, electric, aesthetics and so on. Since I am a novice, I may kindly be pardoned for asking what may be a real layman’s question.

My short question is: can I have audio in a non dcc locomotive? I stay in India (Bangalore to be precise) and it would be almost impossible to procure a dcc system at the current prices. Model railroading is not at all prevalent in India and in fact should interest anybody wanting to set shop in this part of the world.”

To advise Krish, please use the green comments link below.

Brent has a DCC layout and wants to hear reader opinions on electrofrog turnouts:

“Some people suggest electro-frog turnouts should be used with DCC train layouts, whereas other resources say non-electrofrogs are more suitable with DCC operation. Why do views differ?”

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If my geography is correct, Jacques lives on a small island off the coast of Madagascar (Africa). Jacques operates program a WIN DIGIPET system to control model railroads, using Märklin-Digital/Uhlenbrock/Modeltreno Intellibox components. He has a question for anyone who operates this system and asks:

"I am from MAURITIUS and I am looking for someone who could advise me in entering information and electrical connections for the softwear WINDIGIPET ver 8.1. Awating your readers replies soon."

More info at http://www.windigipet.de/info/en/index.html

Art has a question for experienced model railroaders and asks:

“Can an analog-based train system be powered and controlled by DCC? I’m sure it’s a simple answer but I’ve not found it so far. I have a combination of analog and DCC engines… am ready to begin building my layout… but need to know which control module to employ.”

Post your comments to this blog below.

Bob operates HO scale and asks readers:

“I have 12 old Mantua steam engines that run perfectly. Conversion to DCC means I need to isolate the open frame motor. Can someone say, do I need to isolated the entire motor or just the brushes? Is there a diagram on the isolation of the brushes? Stall AMPS are below 2 running amps 1 to 1.5 amps”

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Jean has an HO wiring question for readers:

“What is the recommended wire gauge for connecting a DCC controller to a Loconet (phone line ok?) and to the track at several positions 6 to 10 feet away?”

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Jerome operates HO and asks readers:

“Has anyone had any experience installing sound in these DCC switchers? Bachmann says they are designed to have sound added but they don’t give a clue as to what will fit.”

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Dave wants ideas from those who know how to install a DCC decoder in a locomotive and asks:

“I want to install a DCC decoder in a small HO gauge model switch engine that does not have much room. Can I use an N gauge DCC decoder that might be small enough to fit?”

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Pictured above is a Bachmann E-Z Command DCC Decoder – HO Scale

Mike is a beginner to DCC and asks readers:

“Are all of the decoders that are installed the same with all the functions, or are there different classes, and how do you tell the difference?”

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Jimmy is considering DCC and seeks some advice from readers and asks:

I am thinking of changing to digital control ( Fleischmann) and I have two questions.

1. Is it worth changing to digital control?

2. Will Athern products with dcc chips run on the same control system?

Jimmy, the pros and cons of changing to DCC are fully explained in the Model Train Help ebook. There have also been several good contributions to this blog on the subject. Simply use the search box.

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

“I have 2 MTH engines with rail sounds and DCC capabilities. I have a new Lionel engine with all capabilities. Legacy only works with Lionel I am told. Is there a digital command controller that works with both brands?”

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Anthony

“With all the latest MOT/DCC capacity to run multiple shuttles and predetermined routes/Block control etc. Three rail needs one of the Earth rails cut in many places to link with decoders for feedback. the more the better. Looking for anyone doing this set up. Experience in determining section length. Can you do; stop/brake/run or can you do stop/run without brake? How long is best for each section?”

Joe has a question for the DCC pros and asks:

“I have an Atlas dash 8 with DCC and Sound and a few days ago it was running the way it should be, but I had to do some work with replacing some track. Over the Christmas I didn’t get anything done. Tonight I put the loco on the track and it will only work with the short address of 3.

I started over and programed the short address. I then put it on the main track to program the long address and it said the long address when I hit enter. However, it won’t do anything but sit there with the long address. If I put in the short address, which I don’t want to use because I am going to a train show in the morning to buy another Atlas with DCC and Sound and can’t keep two with the same short address. When I run it with the short address it won’t go over 28 MPH using the NCE Power Cab which is the same one it used to run okay with about a week ago. Can someone guide me please?”

Answer Joe’s question using the green comments link below.

Graham wants some guidance from ‘those in the know’ and asks:

“I have a hornby select and I am trying to find an idiots guide to putting a DCC chip into a X03/X04 motor, yes I can solder but I’m thick when it comes to diagrams so if any kind person has photos of this procedure I would be very grateful.”

You can add your comments below using the green comments link.

Norwood asks readers:

"I want to convert some of Bachmann's Thomas-The-Tank-Engine locomotives to DCC. Has anyone done it, and are there any tips, wiring specifics, space limitations, etc. that someone could share?"