N scale DCC

I'm looking to get started in N Scale trains. And my layout will be small, 3X6, I'm also browsing around for cheep dcc, used if possible, and a loco. I plan on buying new track as the funds come avaible. But in the mean time, I want to get a loco deisel prefered, and some kind of power system, I was thinkin about the bachmann, ez command system, new 65.00 or a used MRC system.

My idea is to model a portion of Norfolk Southern rail way in my area.
Thanks in advance for any tips, or info on building a double line N scale layout with a tunnel, mabe two, and I plan on useing atlas code 80 flex, except for the turnouts, crossing ect, of course.

 

Welcome to TrainBoard!!!!!!!

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Ask yourself this question. Do I really need to go DCC on a 3X6 layout? Very hard to have two trains on one track on a layout that small. You only benefit would be the ability to make up a consist of locomotives that run at different speeds. Is that worth the price of DCC? Since you are just starting out I would say skip the DCC for now and put your money into track, locomotives and rolling stock. Then if you expand the layout you can always get a DCC system.

 

I think a 3x6 in N scale is plenty large enough to have more than one train running. My opinion is that IF you plan to run more than one train, DCC is more important on a small layout than a larger one.

The problem with looking at used DCC systems is that you will be most likely getting a limited capacity system that has little or no expandibility. Which is why it is available. But as long as you realize that going in, it can be fine for you. At $65 you aren't spending more than a decent DC power pack, so as long as you understand the limitations, I would say go for it!

Jeff

 

My layout is 2' x 4' and I am running DCC!

Mostly, because I don't want to deal with moving an engine to an isolated block, turning it off, just so I can activate another. Plus, my ntrak club has DCC and for the longer layouts, it's nice to have 2 trains running on the same line.

Do your research and do not buy crap. Buy something that will last a while.

The NCE PowerCab is my DCC of choice for my small layout, and will work for you. It lists for $190, but can be had for around $150 online. It will do much more than the cheapie DCC setups will do and is expandable. When your layout gets bigger, no need to buy a new setup, just add more power and you can add additional throttles. And since my club uses the NCE ProCab, I can use my throttle as an extra wired cab.

As far as locomotives, Kato and Atlas are the #1 and #2 for quality and can be had with DCC already installed, or drop in decoders are available. I've done a few retro fit installations of decoders, and the ones I have done were really quite easy if you know your way around a soldering iron and small wires.

Good luck and welcome to Trainboard.

 

I"ve got my old Atlas Commander system up on Ebay right now ending tonight, current bid is at $50:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330202844664&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=014

 

If you're just starting out, now is the time to consider DCC. You need to look at a system that is expandable if you grow out of the 3X6 layout you're now planning. There are many good systems out there. See what others in your area are using and if you like what they have. I'm extremely partial to Digitrax and would recommend the Zephyr to start with.


Rich

 

I have to agree that you could run DCC on 3x6.
You could have an outside loop Class 1 or 2 road with a small shortline with yard and switching on the inside. I'll try to post a sample this evening. A "through train" could be running the loop while you did the switching. Through train then becomes a local dropping off cars and picking them up at the interchage.

 

Welcome to Trainboard!

One thing to consider about starting out with DCC is that you won't have a conversion problem as your railroad grows. I have a large layout, and still haven't converted some older locos even after 5 years with DCC. Converting 10 locos at $25-30 a loco can put a big dent in the wallet.

I have no real problem with the cheaper DCC systems. I bought a Bachmann EZ system for my test loop (I use NCE Pro for the layout, which fills a separate room), but returned it because it supports only low addresses (01-99) and not four-digit high addresses (0001-9999), which is what my locos use. If you do buy a Bachmann system, just realize you will eventually scrap it. When I was starting out, the difference between $65 and $150 was huge. I would have bought the $65 system because that was all I could afford.

 

Depending on the era you're considering modelling, or perhaps like me you're not modelling a specific era I'd urge starting with either locos that already have DCC decoders fitter, or adopting models for which drop in decoders exist.

I'm in the midst of decoder installs into a mix of Atlas and Kato stock and all so far have been drop in decoder installs. This I've found is a good way to gain experience, and even the drop ins can sometimes have a few hiccups.

I do have some installs which will require soldering but for now I'm happier starting relatively easily.

Don't have any experience of a variety of DCC systems but I opted initially for a Digitrax Super Empire Builder. I don't have an enormous layout but as others have said already it does allow you room for growth without the concern of subsequent replacement.

 

I have had some experince with DCC in HO scale about 5 years ago. At the time I had a Atlas Master Command. Also I remember wireing up three DCC loco's with decoders that had several wires, some to operate lights sepratly, on the train.

 

Concept for a 2 x 5 I did some time ago:

This is only 2x5 and could easilly support 2 trains. It provides:
Small yard
Main line
Switching
Easy expansion

 

I was one of 'those' DCC non-believers which felt that it was only a 'toy' for very large layouts. In reality... even a small shelf switching layout could benefit from DCC. So... I not going to discourage you from the DCC program. I do agree that the DCC option can be expensive proposition. Making a DC layout first and then adding the DCC option is a more economical way to begin when one is on a tight budget.

 

Thanks guys, I really do plan on DCC since I have had some experince before with wireing decoders, And it's so cool not to have as many wires, ect going to the track.

Can you run turnouts with dcc, or do I need to do it manul, or just use DC power supply, and use a switch that come with the turnout?

 

I was wandering why their was no browse button in the avatar section, their is for $24.00

 

You can do it any of the three ways you've mentioned. With DCC you will need to have stationary decoders and each turnout would have an address (like a loco). The idea sounds great and cool but people have said that if you really think about DCC'ing turnouts may be a pain.

Imagine you are coming up on one and need to switch it. You will have to switch your DCC address, operate the turnout, and then switch back to your loco's address. It'll be quicker if you have a manual lever or a DC switch to operate the turnout.

 

Cheaper in the short term, more work, and more expensive in the long term. If I was really scrimping, I'd buy a "throw away" DCC system to start, for very little more than a decent power pack, and wire exclusively for DCC from the start. Then, when the dollars were there, I'd get the DCC system I really wanted.

Jeff