I have a small but interesting n scale layout that is DC providing two variable DC inputs into the layout. I can run two trains at the same time but I really need to be on my toes for the power switching etc. I have quite a few locomotives and was wondering about indulging in partial DCC. I have a MRC Command 2000 still new in the box and while I realize that these are highly outdated, I have it on the shelf. I'm wondering if it would be feasible to equip just a few locomotives with decoders just to run my outfit a completely different way for a change. I would run it all DCC or all DC. I can live without sound and a few things, as I've never had it anyway, but I am interested in locomotives running mostly forward at varying speeds. I had also thought of installing female decoder plugs in some locomotives and installing decoders if I am planning to use DCC. I have had no experience with DCC so I'm not sure what is feasible and/or worth the trouble. Thanks for any thoughts on this. Jim
Once you try DCC you'll never go back. (ha ha) The original investment is a little spendy, but in the long run it will be worth it. That is my opinion anyway. If you convert to DCC it will provide you with plenty of new projects to keep you busy in those long winter months. And by the way you can still run DC engines on the layout with a Digitrax system, not sure about other manufacturers. I put on/off switches on some isolated sidings so that I could leave some DC engines on the layout prior to placing decoders in them without them humming. I have since converted 60 plus locos to DCC. Can't possibly ever have to many engines! Good luck, I hope this helps.
Anyway we can see a picture of your layout? I have a 2' x 4' layout with another 2' x 4' section to form an occasional L shape ( L usually under a bed), and when I got back into the hobby a few years back now. Bought a 2' x 4' piece of board, then built a frame, then bought a 1/8" think 2' x 4' cork board. Ran my DC for a few month's, all the while looking for a deal ( cheap ) on DCC, and a member here sold me some yes, Bachmann DCC Equipped engines really cheap, and I picked up a Bachman DCC Control System really cheap. I mean really cheap, and you already have that, so your halfway there I mean from the start I was amazed and of course briefly confused learning the very simple DCC system. It's amazing is all I can say, to me and me only, how easy it is to run 2 or more trains on the same layout and also on the same line. But as I found out yesterday, you still have to stay on your toes when running them on the exact same track, and watch your speed The almost crash was completely my fault, because IT IS so easy to run multiple trains via DCC. Instead of installing your first DCC encoders, see if you can get a great deal here in the Swap Meet area, or at one of the advertisers here. Just make sure you do your homework about the product and the seller(s) Because I am so OCD, I would never have DCC and DC on the same layout, but that's just me. Better safe than sorry! Let us know, as it appears you have made your mind up. And also have the DCC Controller. Would really like to hear what you think about DCC? BTW, Bachmann DCC Control System and DCC Equipped locomotives still rocking after a few years of use, and that's all I will ever need Good luck! A simple example. That has since changed a lot!
DCC + DC: Best of both worlds! I think DCC is totally worth the trouble, no matter how small or large the layout. The slow-speed motor-control of modern DCC decoders is amazing! It's the first thing that really wowed me about DCC when I installed my first decoder and ran my first loco under DCC-control. I have two double-track loops, so four continuous loops total (plus, an analog-only Kato Unitram double-track LRV loop, so six, total). I have several DCC systems plus multiple MRC Tech II DC-controllers (which I love!). I like both DCC- and DC-control for different reasons. DCC for all the bells and whistles (e.g., lighting effects: MARS, strobe, etc.), and DC to be able to use my analog-only Kato Soundbox, which I have hooked up to a 150W surround-sound amplifier with a sub-woofer for 3.1 sound. The output from my Soundbox' Soundtraxx cards through the external Sony amp is literally earth-shaking, and sounds amazing! For safety reasons, I plan to dedicate specific loops to operate under DCC- or DC-control. I think I have the best of both worlds by using both DCC and DC-control!
