Traditional Switches vs. Cab Control for DCC Turnouts

Hi,

I just got back into model railroading after a 14-year hiatus and am thrilled to see the advances made in DCC. My new layout is basically a 3-loop spiral using Kato's N-gauge Unitrack on the back of the usual 80x36 hollow-core door. I have 3 DCC locos running simultaneously using MRC's Prodigy Advance controller system. I also can't believe how much fun I'm having just running the trains around, switching tracks, etc, without having to worry about blocks. Haven't even mounted the tracks or started on the scenery!

My original intention for the turnouts was to also wire them for DCC using Digitrax DS51 decoders that fit right under the roadbed. This was further bolstered by the excellent series of posts in this forum on the topic (thanks for the photos). However, after running the trains for about a week and throwing the turnouts manually, I'm wondering if using the accessory functions on my MRC throttle to control the turnouts will be an effective way of operating the layout.

It seems very attractive to be able to control everything from one handheld unit, but I'm wondering if switching from loco control to accessory control and trying to remember the numbers of each turnout will prove more burden than fun. Now I'm thinking of creating a more traditional control panel with a track diagram and embedded control swithces.

Since I'm quite a novice, I'd love to hear folk's advice and opinions on what makes for the most fun - using a single throttle to control everything, or using a switch panel. I'm sure there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Gregg

 

Gregg,

welcome to the TrainBoard.

you can have both, controling the turnouts from your throttle or throwing them by hand. It depends on your wishes.

I like to switch. The prototype usually throws the turnouts manually. So do I. If you don't worry about frog polarity (using insulf frog) there's not much work.

Wolfgang

 

Welcome Gregg

I was watching a small layout at a show the other day and they were using DCC for the turnouts. Seemed like a lot of hassle to me, and you get to pay extra $$ for it.

To my mind the DCC is for the engineer driving the train. Someone else operates turnouts. So my turnouts are controlled from old fashioned switches.

The only times I'd say remote/DCC operation was justifiable is where the whole system is controlled remotely (like a model of CTC), or if you model a complex passenger terminus or a staging area where route setting is required - the latest MR has an article about this.

 

Gregg:

Welcome to TrainBoard. All the Unitrack turnouts on the JJJ&E are controlled using DCC. There are about 45 turnouts and after seven years of running the layouts, I don't find any difficulty in using DCC to control the turnouts.

You get to know the number control for each turnout on the layout.

Stay cool and run steam.....

 

That's my feeling too. I designed my block detection, signalling, and turnout control boards to allow getting tunout commands from the DCC but found it was inconvenient to remember the turnout numbers as well as the mode fumbling on the Digitrax units.

Instead of the DCC I use pushbutton switches on the fascia and they can also be controlled from the dispatcher program on a PC.

 

Welcome to TrainBoard Gregg.

My $0.02 worth, I agree with Wolfgang and Mike. It make sense to have conventional turnout control as well as DCC. On my layout the turnout switches are opposite the turnout they control rather that a central control board. Takes some of the guesswork out of it.

However, you might also consider cab control for your buisest routes. Bob has no trouble with 45 turnouts on his layout using DCC control. So it is definitely do-able. For continuous running it would be great to change routes form your cab. So my advise is to do both and double the enjoyment.

 

Gregg,
Have a look at the DS64 documentation. It will handle KATO switches at the same cost per turnout as the DS51.
With the DS64, you have the option of local pushbutton control as well as throttle control. There are many more features as well, including routes. It will handle up to 8 routes that can also be controlled by throttle or local control.

Martin Myers

 

I am not trying to sway you one way or the other. I will just post my opinion.

I had operated my DCC layout for about 18 months using NCE SwitchIts on nearly all my switches (turnouts). The SwitchIts were operated by both DCC commands and/or push buttons.
I never really felt comfortable using the DCC for operating the turnouts.

Just last week I removed all the SwitchIts and replaced the push buttons that controlled the SwitchIts with toggles.

I rarely used the DCC for switching and now I am currently much happier with the toggle switch method.

This in no way reflects on the NCE SwitchIts. Just my preference.

 

Hi all,

Thanks for the great advice and perspectives on the pros and cons of switches vs. DCC. Martin, I like your idea of using the DS64. I checked out the documentation and it looks like I'll be able to "have my cake and eat it too". The good part about starting a new layout is experimenting with different technologies and modes of operation.

When I built my last layout many years ago (HO on a 4x8 board) I did not think through the operational aspects before I putting down all the track. Two reversing loops and two up-and-overs. Looked good but was absolutely no fun to operate. And in spite of all that track I could only manage one train at a time!

This time around I'm running the trains first, seeing what I like about the flow, and then modifying the layout as needed. I guess that's what makes track from Kato so appealing - it's almost like using legos, especially once you figure out when to use 64mm track vs. 62mm track.

I think I'll order a DS64 from Digitrax, give it a try, and let you know how it goes.

Thanks,
Gregg

 

I will also be throwing switches manually, using a wire control from the layout facia...call me old fashioned but I have only had a single layout where switches were thrown electronically and that was only because there was no practical way to reach them. The C & S is going to be a hands on layout as much is practicle. Still wrestling with the DCC idea, but that is for another time...
John

 

I'm still considering the pros and cons of handset control and/or manual controls (pushbuttons, toggles, etc.).

Eventually, I think I'd like the option of full remote control of the mainline turnouts away from the layout for dispatcher-style operation but need a system to control them in the interim, and I'm still thinking local turnouts would be controlled locally.

Also, I haven't looked into the macro capabilities of DCC but I imagine you could set up routes using this method, setting multiple turnouts at once from the handset. This could give the interim control I'm considering.

 

I'll second Martin's point on the DS64. You can use local pushbuttons/toggles or DCC commands to control turnouts, as well as pre-programmed routes. This is oparticularly useful for yard ladders, etc. If you ever want to get into signaling or computer control, you will want decoder controlled turnouts in any case.

Whether you want to manually initiate turnout changes, automatically control them (sensor triggered changes can be setup within one or more DS64s using routes), or somewhere in between, the DS64 is super-flexible.