DCC is set up differently from DC and requires different electrical equipment. There are a lot of locos that have a dual mode decoder and can run on DC and DCC, an example would be my Athearn Challenger or my Bachmann 70 tonner. Since I am not a whizbang on things DCC and operate on DC there are other members here who can basically outline what you would need, the cost, what it would require to set up, and the best operating system.
I'll concur that the Kato N scale NW2 is a fine running model. FYI, if you're particularly a fan of the NW2 and aren't tied exclusively to N scale, Kato also made an HO scale NW2 model about 20 years ago. You can still find them for sale at some dealers and, likely, in the secondary market on eBay and elsewhere. Although N is my principal scale, I bought a pair of the HO models (in the Pennsylvania roadname) after seeing how smoothly and silently they ran.
Tiffany, you might want to browse the DCC and Electronics forum here on TrainBoard, though that might be a bit of an overload, to start with. A good explanation of DCC, and how it differs, can be found on Alan Gartner's excellent Wiring for DCC site. Since you are just starting out, and do not have a lot of locomotive stock, now is a good time to look into DCC and decide if that is right for you. It will all depend on what you hope to do with your layout going forward. And, the biggest decision is "Do you want to be able to run multiple trains, independently".
I just got a bluebonnet f7 today and it does the same thing you described. kato unitrack no. 6 switches. but not on all switches...
hello guys............. l decided to purchase Kato Bluebonnet F-7's too, loved that blue bonnet nose!!!!!!!!!! guys is it normal for the Kato NW-2 to start slow then speed up when its bit warm up? as the trainroom i have is cold about 60 but after few mins it speeds up. I checked for mechanical problems and there is none, track is very clean. Does the cold room temp affect the N scale motors ? tiffany nw-2
Yup...cold temps will affect the speed until the unit warms up. The lubes in the engine thicken up sitting in colder temps...but once they warm up...your good to go. Mine usually take a lap or two ( 3-5 minutes ) to warm up and run right when the temps are around 60 out in THE RV. And thats without touching the throttle once its set.
I set up the Kato NW2's in my N Scale Database. I think I have all product codes, road names, road numbers and release dates set up accurately. It appears they were released somewhat out of order. http://www.trovestar.com/generic/index.php?Collection=4&Body_Style=KNW2 You can access the full N-Scale database here: http://www.trovestar.com/generic/group.php?Collection=4
hello gdmicheals............ thank you the links, that is GOOD information you got there !!!!!! tiffany nw-2
