Thanks for the kind welcome note, Frisco! I'm new to model railroading as an older adult. My first train set as a boy was a Lionel. These days I'm interested in N scale because of my space constraints and wish to do a lot with a layout. I'm particularly interested in modeling the Transition Era of steam and diesel and wish to build a layout of the SP train depot and roundhouse in San Jose, CA., but taking certain liberties with fantasy. As an example, my train station will have passenger platforms and, not only will the SP's Coast Daylight run through, but also Western Pacific's California Zephyr. And I'm imagining a short SP freight train, mostly idling on an industrial siding. I'm using mostly Kato locomotives, rolling stock, and Unitrack presently. I'm planning to break myself in with DC until I can go with full DCC. I have some questions about DCC, and Kato Unitrack (like, will a DCC loco run on a DC wired track? What do I need to do to merge two Kato Master Unitrack sets - which each have a power pack?). Enough for now. Thanks again for adding me to the group!
Hi Edbaar, Welcome, we're glad to have you aboard. We have members who can help with all your questions, so don't be shy.
Welcome Aboard. Go to the lounge car and have one and relax. Lots of great folks on here to help you out.
Welcome Edbarr! There are quite a few N-scale groups here in the Bay Area, so, once you get your bearings, feel free to look some of us up! The Great Train Expo (Pleasanton in Nov; Richmond in Jan) are great venues well represented. As for you immediate Unitrack question -- just use all the track, and hook up only one of the power packs! You could create two isolated sections, with a pack controlling each one, but for starters, go simple. Most (but not all) DCC decoders can run in DC mode, if set properly.
Welcome edbaar. You'll find this a friendly and interesting place to be a part of. Be sure to ask lots of questions. I lived in Los Gatos back in 1985. Also lived in Pleasanton from 1966 to 1974.
Thanks to all, for the warm welcoming messages! I do have a lot of questions in varying areas of model railroading. I want to be sure to post them in just the right places. I might have mentioned that I'm starting my project using DC, though I already have one locomotive with a DCC card installed and plan on converting to DCC once I've completed the planning of my layout. I'm planning my layout over one, perhaps two 4x8-ft. sections of plywood. I've read that the furthest you extend track from the power source, the less likely that you'll have enough juice to power the train, especially long trains; one might even have "dead spots." Presently I am using all Kato Unitrack, power pack, locomotives and rolling stock that I've collected over time, waiting for "the right time" to get set up. I'm extending the Unitrack M2 set using additional straight and curved track. What do I need do to assure that adequate power is available to all areas of my layout? Mind, my layout won't actually cover all of one or two 4x8-foot sections; more like a 3-1/2 -foot by 17-foot area as I'm planning landscaping and structures to provide a buffer area from the edges of the plywood. I've reasoned by doing this I'll hopefully prevent possible derailments from pushing a pricey locomotive over the edge and onto the floor.
