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 or DC – That is the Question
Andre is thinking about changing from DC to DCC and would like reader feedback:
“I have a DC layout an I want to know if I should change to DCC? I have 8 DC engines. Whats is so good with the DCC? In what ways are DCC and DC similar? Are some things better with DCC? What is the best system to use DC or DCC? I have a reverse loop so should I change to DCC because of that?”
A quick note to Andre – You need to get the Model Train Help Ebook as it answers your questions and compares the advantages and disadvantages of DCC and DC systems.
Wiring Signals, Electrical Accessories, DCC Setup and DCC Operation
Wiring Block Signals On Train Signal System
Jerald has an HO layout and asks readers this question:
“How do I wire block siginals or what do I use from Radio Shack with ‘do it yourself’ hardware?”
Wire Accessories
Sam has an O scale layout and asks for your help with this:
“I want to wire some MTH operating accessories and houses which light up to an electrical source. What do I wire it to? How without DCS and TMCC? How do I make the operating accessories (without the iTAD) operate automatically? Can one of your readers please help?”
DCC Setup and DCC Operation
John has several questions on DCC setup and operation:
“I would like to know what I would need for DCC ie. what do I need to purchase, how difficult to fit , can I run two or more engines on same track, what amps would I need to run say seven engines?”
If you would like to comment on any of these questions, simply click on the green comments link below.
Note: My Model Train Help Ebook includes a comprehensive section of DCC operation and what is required.
Digitrax Zephyr DCC Confusion
Al has a question experienced model railroaders will be able to comment on.
“I don’t quite understand the ‘slots’ that the loco numbers are supposed to occupy on the Zephyr system. According to the manual, you can have ten locomotives in ten ‘slots’.
Another source which I have read said 12 locos can occupy the ‘slots’.I have tried to pack ten or 12 loco numbers into the system to get a FULL reading; I got to 14 and the display never said FULL.
It seems to me that when you push the ‘Loco’ button to add the next loco number, the previous one is erased from the system. I wish there was a way to toggle between two or three locos that you have running on the track at the same time without having to press Loco, key in the two or four digit address (two in my case), then press Loco again.
My layout is so small that by the time I do all that, the train is halfway aroung the track – and aiming for the back of another train.What am I doing wrong?”
Al has a follow on question:
“The source that I read said that, when you are programming, if what you have written to the CV ‘takes’, the display is supposed to read ‘GOOD’. Never got mine to say that. Am I missing something else here? (At my age, I miss a lot…)”
To help Al, simply add your comments to this blog using the green comments link below.
Running DCC Trains With Old Transformers
How skilled are you with running DCC trains. Try answering this question for Al. Click the green comments link below to submit your answer.
Al asks you – “I have an HO train layout that I built over 17 years ago and it is still operating to this day. I still have the old transformers. Can I run trains that are dcc equipped on this layout, or do I have to rewire the mess to run a ddc train?”
DCC Control Problem And How To Wire A Wye
Harsh has a problem with his Bachman DCC controller. Can you make any suggestions.
“I have a bachmann dcc controller which is malfunctioning. What do I need to do check what is the problem?”
Jon asks about wiring a wye:
“I recently purchased an AR1 auto reverse controller from Digitrax. It shows how to wire for a reversing loop but not how to wire a wye. I’m not sure where to put the gaps.”
To answer click the green comments tag below.
DCC wiring Plans Wanted
Robbie asks for your help finding plans for wiring his HO DCC layout.
“Can any of your readers suggest where I could get plans for wiring a layout for dcc operation?”
Linking DCC System To A Decoder?
Vince has an Atlas Commander DCC system and operates an HO layout. Here is his question for you:
“Thank you for taking my question. I am new to model railroading and DCC. I recently bought a DCC system (Atlas Commander and Atlas Generator) on Ebay. My question is: Do I have to purchase an Atlas decoder and install it in my engine or will any brand/style of decoder work?”
To help Vince click on the green comments tag below.
Pictured above – The Atlas Commander DCC controller. The Atlas is a command station and power station in one. Thi lightweight unit gives you the ability to control speed and functions – like headlights, ditchlights and sound – of up to 99 decoder-equipped locomotives and 99 decoder-equipped accessories (ie. – turnouts). So by turning a dial you control the speed, and by pushing buttons you can turn the headlights of locomotives on or off, or change the direction an engine is traveling. It supports up to five additional Commanders and/or walk-around throttles and three additional power stations (for added power).
Explain DCC and Tortoise Switch Machines
If you operate Prodigy DCC and use Tortoise switch machines you might have some suggestions to help Francis.
“Can one of your readers take me step by step on how to use my Prodigy DCC system with an 8 amp amplifier to setup my Tortoise machines (14 in number) to be DCC controlled?”
To help Francis with his HO DCC setup, click on the green link below (marked ‘comments’), and type in your suggestions.
DCC Wiring And HO Gradient Confusion
Bob has an HO train layout and has some DCC wiring questions you might be able to help him with:
“I have been getting different answers re DCC wiring. Some folks have said that you only need one wire and others say that you need 2 – one for each rail. Can someone clairfy this for me? Also, what gauge wire should I use? My layout is about 12′ X 12′ with double track around the perimeter of the room and I have the controls from one end of the layout. Do I need a booster as well?”
John asks a question on gradient:
“Can one of your readers please tell me the suggested minimum gradiant for a HO track?”
If you feel you are able to make a comment on these questions, simply click on the green comments tag under this blog posting. It is as easy as that.
DCC and Live Frogs Need Explaination
Bill asks about DCC and live frogs:
“Which is better if building a DCC layout: live (powered) frogs in switches or the non-electro frog type? I see many different opinions about this in the trade press but no definite answer.”
Frogs are the frog-legs shaped rails towards the wide end of a turnout and they get power from the points (the moveable rails that you switch with switch motors).
To answer Bill’s question simply click on the GREEN comments tag below.
Experienced DCC Operators Can Help
Do you run DCC? If you do, then you might be able to help Donald, Raju, Al and Peter with their DCC questions. To suggest an answer simply click on the GREEN comments link below their questions. I’m sure they will be very happy for your help.
Donald has a question on DCC switching points in HO/OO:
“In the DCC world using the Accessory controller for point control, and using a CD unit – how many switching points can be safely operated? I am using Seep point switches, and am proposing say 6 units in the operation.”
Raju has an N scale layout and a question on DCC track sections:
“I am planning to use DCC for my railroad model. I would like to know if I need sections of the track for DCC, or can I use complete single circle track to run my DCC equipped Train?”
Al asks about DC and DCC:
“I have been collecting a few components to build an HO model railroad. Will a DCC locomotive run properly on a conventional DC power pack?”
Peter has an HO layout and a question about DCC decoders:
“I have a locomotive with two motors. Do I need two decoders or one for a conversion to DCC?
OO DCC Decoders Pose Problem?
Can you answer this question from Trevor about OO DCC decoders.
“I have several old Bachmann UK steam locos. I’d like to install DCC decoders in them. I have a Digitrax Zephyr system. Any suggestions from your readers on which type of decoder to install and instructions on how to do it? Thanks.”
Z scale DCC Question
If you would like to submit a question relating to model railroading, model trains or model railroads go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/submit-question.html
Here is a question from Mike about Z Scale DCC.
“I have been looking for books on exactly what DCC is, or how it works. There are no books on the subject that I can find. My question is, exactly what is DCC, and why is it better then normal operation.”
You can answer this question by clicking on the green comments link below.
NOTE: The Model Train Help Ebook includes a complete chapter on DCC advantages and disadvantages.
Share Your Model Railroading Knowledge
This is your opportunity to help others in the hobby. Here are three questions from fellow model railroaders who would like your suggestions. Simply click on the green comments tag below to offer an answer.
“I have a 6×10 train o gauge layout. When it comes around the far end of the layout the trains get very slow and sometimes almost stop. What can I do to fix this problem. How can I fix a Lionel coal tender it has a whistle on it, but it rattles & whistles. I see a wheel under neath the goal tender, should I spray WD-40 in the wheel that spins? Please can your readers let me know their ideas. Also I have built a lot of houses and different things out of cardboard, with paint they look pretty good instead of spending money on plastic models. The videos are great thanks a lot!”
“I am having difficulty in finding a book that contains layout plans (particularly n-scale) that includes a track materials list along with the plan. Otherwise it’s just a big guess on what to purchase. I received layout books from Kalumbach ( 101 plans & 48 top-noch plans) but they didn’t help. Any suggestions from your blog readers?”
“I’m doing a landscape design project for a class I am taking and would like to use a railroad flatbed as a bridge over a small creek. Do your readers know where I can get some drawings of flatbeds? I’d like to be as accurate as possible. Thanks for any help your readers can give me.”
To offer your suggestions or thoughts, simply click on the green comments tag below.
Model Train Videos With Australian Trains
Two of the videos in the new model railroad videos series are:
Video #7. Agriculture & Industrial Layouts
There are many clever model railroading scenery ideas in this video. Watch a sugar cane train on its journeys from fields to sugar mill. This layout features: a wheat growing district, a loaded coal train, open-cut mine and port facility. There’s even an outback town with livestock yards portrayed.
Video #8. Soldering The Track
In this model train video tutorial James shows you how to solder and wire track for a reliable connection every time. James talks you through the process step-by-step and reveals a little trick to get a good solder.
Feedback from model railroad fan Roger:
“I just wanted to drop you a line and say how much I have enjoyed your videos. I have already received the first 10 model train videos and they are great. When I received your first E-mail about the series, I was not sure as to whether I wanted to spend the money or not. I must say, just as your Model Train Help book is great, the train videos are great and well worth the money. Your videos have convinced me that I must visit Australia and see this stuff first hand.”
Roger B, Ohio
Amateur Model Railroad Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for all the positive feedback on my new model railroading video series. I am certainly no Steven Spielberg, and don’t pretend to be. It seems that the content of the videos is what people have been asking for, so that perhaps explains all the excellent feedback.
For those who haven’t yet seen any of the 42 videos here is a summary of what’s on the first four in the series:
Video #1. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 1)
75 year old John takes you on a tour of his HO layout. It’s remarkable how John has compacted so many ideas and featuresinto a small 10 foot x 8 foot room. If you are pushed for space,then you’ll be inspired by what John has achieved. Without giving too much away, I can reveal that John will tell you about the monorail he built, he’ll ‘double head’ a couple of steam locos and add smoke oil.He’ll also operate the ‘Big Boy’ locomotive and take you on a tour around the entire layout.
Video #2. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 1)
The C&SFT layout is modular, being made up of modules no more than 6 feet long. This makes it easy to add extra length at either end or anywhere in the middle by adding modules. Watch, as experienced model railroader James, shows you step-by-step how to construct a baseboard.
Video #3. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 2)
John has a lot for you in this video including his: GG1 locomotive, a level crossing, the 300kph Eurostar, a Union Pacific diesel, Stephenson’s Rocket, the John Bull steam engine, a service vehicle that gets stuck in a tunnel (and how he removes it), a jigger and crew, an SD70MAC loco and the engine shed. John also shows how he cleans dust from the track.
Video #4. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 2)
James shows how to align the tracks between modules to avoid problems with erratic running and derailments caused by poorly aligned track. He explains how to test track alignment before ballasting.
For full details on what is included on all 42 model railroading videos have a look here http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
42 Amateur Model Railroad Videos Released
After a year in the making a series of 42 amateur model railroading videos were finally released today.
These videos do not pretend to be Hollywood productions as they focus more on providing good content rather than flashy presentation.
The 42 model train videos cover a range of model railroading topics and include tours of several private layouts… not normally open to the public.
These videos, available by download, also feature visits to some train shows and include lots of useful ideas and tips to help hobbyists build, or improve their own model railroad. Other video topics cover baseboard construction, electrics, foliage making, DC and DCC operation. The series even includes three videos about building a garden railroad.
These videos range in length but average around nine or ten minutes each. The step-by-step tutorials in the videos provide answers to many common (and not so common) model railroading problems.
Access to these videos is by “membership only” so is restricted to a limited number of keen model railroaders.
To find out more about these model train videos and to read the list of contents and see a sample video click on this model train video link.
Happy railroading!
Hornby GWR Western Pullman DCC Train Set
Here is a train set to watch out for. A Castle Class Hornby locomotive, four Pullman cars, a Pannier tank plus wagons, add in the Hornby Digital Select Control Unit and you have more than a set, you have the makings of a really impressive model railroad layout.
The track configuration will allow the operator, using the Select digital unit, the ability to have the Pullman train running around the looped circuit while the 0-6-0 Pannier locomotive can be busy shunting the wagons around either of the two sidings.
There can also be interaction between the two trains with the locomotives double heading and pulling all the Pullman cars and wagons in one long train. This set includes a new design Hornby TrakMat.
Contents:
- GWR Castle Class ‘Whittington Castle’
- Three Pullman 1st Class Parlour Cars
- GWR 0-6-0 Class 2721 Pannier Tank
- Ore Wagon
- 6 Plank Wagon ‘Wallace Spiers’
- GWR 12ton Vent Van
- Track includes a starter Oval plus Extension Track Packs A & B (with two points and two buffer stops)
- Hornby TrakMat
- Hornby Select Digital Control Unit
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