Frank is using a Digitrax Zephyr and has a question for readers who might be able to help him:

“At the present, I am using a Digitrax Zephyr controller. I do not have a permanent layout. If I do, I gather that the Zephyr system would not be enough? Can someone advise me? Before investing, what system would other model railroaders suggest would be advantageous for me to purchase in moving upward towards more power and flexibility?

Below is a video about the Digitrax Zephyr Controller.

Willem from South Africa (I think) has sent in this question for anyone with knowledge on how to program turnouts and asks:

“I just bought the Bachmann Wireless controller (36505 supposedly the new model) and some Bachmann DCC equipped turnouts. How do I program the turnouts onto the handheld controller? Neither the turnout or controller has instructions on doing this.”

Use the green Comments & Feedback link to add your thoughts to this posting. You simply register (if you haven’t already done so) and you can then join in the discussions on future postings. It takes only 2 minutes to register.

Tim has a question for anyone with experience with LED’s and asks:

“Does anyone know what LED’s can be used for HO engines and what size resistor is needed for both DC and command control operation?”

Brian wants help from anyone who can answer his model train question:

“Dear Railroaders, I have a chance to buy a model loco set which is AC powered. My question is it possible to convert this loco to DC power and if so how do I go about it. I appreciate your help with this problem. Regards Brian.”

Click the green Comments & Feedback link to add your feedback and help Brian.

Al has a question on schematic drawings and asks readers:

“Does anyone know where can I optain a basic Schematic drawing on how to install my BD4’s in conjuncction with my DS64. I find Digitrax narrative directions confusing. I need a plan from someone or need to buy one. “

Heinz from Queensland in Australia has a question for readers on digital conversions and wants to know:

“I run Marklin AC Anagalogue and a few years ago acquired a Fleischmann Locomotive for AC, it ran Okay and then stopped. I sent it for repairs, the company fixed it and said they converted it to Digital. Now it doesn’t work at all. Should I get it ‘converted’ again back to Analogue? The company told me it should also work on my Analogue System. Which is True? Please let me know. Thanks to your readers in anticipation.”

Register (it takes 2 minutes) and then you can participate in future discussions on the blog. Use the green comments link to register and comment.

Tom has an HO layout and wants to covert from Analog to DCC and wants to hear from others who have gone through the process. You can share your experiences, views and ideas with Tom by clicking on the green Comments & Feedback link below his posting. It takes just 2 minutes to register and then you can participate in future discussions on this Model Train Help blog. Tom asks:

“I have accumulated a great deal of analog HO rolling stock. Can I convert most, or all, of the engines to DCC, no matter if they are cheap stock or not? What’s the approx cost of conversion kits? Is it a reasonable DIY project, if one is pretty savvy? Can I wire the layout to run both analog, and DCC, at separate times? “

If you can help Tom convert from Analog to DCC operation please add your thoughts using the green Comments & Feedback link below. I’m sure Tom would really appreciate hearing from you.

If you have used sound decoders you might be able to answer Jeff’s question:

“I am about to equip some of my Kato N scale diesels with MRC sound decoders, starting with model 1644 in a SD70MAC. I have an old first-generation Atlas DCC throttle. Can someone with experience advise me do I need to upgrade to get the best out of the MRC 1644 decoder?”

Mike has a question for anyone with experience of Control Systems and asks:

“Have built the Base Board and I have bought some rolling stock 00. I have a good idea of the layout I want to build. But, now looking for recommendations for the overall control system in DCC I think I need guidance on signalling systems and motorised Points/Switch systems leading to an integrated system with overall control and to include automated or semi automated systems for subsiduary events like a Tram system to operate alongside the main Railway system. Any help or guidance from those in the know would be appreciated.”

You can help Mike by adding your feedback to his posting.

Samuel faces a decision that many in the hobby decide to make – DC or DCC. Some people have been running DC for years and so it is only natural to fear (or resist) change. If you are comfortable with DC and don’t want to change, then why should you. However, most who are into DCC wonder why others continue to persist with DC. So, it really depends on the individual and whether you are one of those people who embrace change, or prefer you are the type who prefers to stick with what you know.

Anyway, here is Samuel’s question for readers:

“My question is what is the best system to for a train layout…DC or DCC? I am running DC for my layout.”

Samuel, thanks for submitting your question. The Model Train Help Ebook will more than answer your queries as it includes a good section on DC verses DCC and the advantages/disadvantages of both systems.

Before you get around to reading Model Train Help, some other helpful reader my like to add some comments for you.

Jacob is new to DCC and wants to hear comments from others who operate a DCC system and asks:

“What do I need for dcc, and what are boosters? Also, how do I know if I need more than one booster?”

There is a whole section on DCC in the Model Train Help Ebook which I’m sure Jacob will find really helpful. In the meantime someone might like to give him some quick pointers.

Use the green Comments & Feedback link below.

Ernie has a DCC question for a helpful reader to answer:

“Can some say how difficult is it to use DCC on Z scale? I have a number of Marklin locos which I would like to retrofit with DCC. If it is possible to do it, who sells this type of equipment?”

James asks readers a BIG question in one short sentence. If you want to help James – you can leave your message using the green Comments & Feedback link below.

“Does anyone know how or what is the smartest way to set up a dcc railroad from scratch from plywood and foam board to railroad empire?”

Jim has a question readers may be able to answer:

“Is it feasible to convert old American Flyer engines to DCC operation? “

Keith is new to the hobby and wants some advice from those who have been model railroading for many years. Keith asks:

“Hi, I am a beginner to the rail modeling hobby and my layout will consists of between 4 to 6 engines along with many cars. Does anyone know what type of a dcc power unit I will need to operate my layout, and will I need a seperate power source to supply the accessories (lights, turnouts, building lights etc)? Thank you to anyone who can help.”

To reply, use the green Comments & Feedback link below Keith’s posting.

Milton is converting DC engines to DCC and wants advice from anyone who has gone through the process:

“I am in the process of converting all of my DC engines to DCC and I am begining to plan a layout of an early steam era SP freight yard. It has 81 turnouts and a round table that I want to run as a prototypical layout.

I have chosen Digitrak as the DCC controller, but to date, I have found out there is only a mobile decoder for engines and nothing that I have found out to identify rolling stock cars as too layout location or car idenity. Stationary decoders might work but need to have a power source or contact to the track to communicate and power. RFI chips might work but will require censors in the layout specific enough to identify specific track locations.

Finally, there needs to be a last car identity as a consist is built such that every car that becomes a last car identity as they pass through turnouts. Without this identity turnouts will not indicate passage of a consist and a turnout that needs to be switched back to normally closed or normally open.”

Give Milton your feedback. Use the green comments and feedback link below.

Randy has a DCC question for readers:

“I want to buy a digitrax system but my power suply is 220V 50Hz not a problem to convert to 110v but it will remain at 50Hz and not the 60 Hz that is standerd for 110V. Is this a problem?”

Charlie wants to hear from anyone who can help him with schematic plans and asks:

“Can some one please tell me where to get a schematic of how to wire a stationary decoder, a momentary contact switch and a turn out using DCC Digitrax. I want to operate the switch from my throttle, but also have the option to operate it manually. I am using PECO turnouts and Peco switch machines. Thanks a million.”

Add your feedback and help Charlie using the green comments link below this posting.

Also please add feedback to other postings on this blog. Lots of beginners need help from experienced model railroaders.