Ok, I have recently relocated to Austin, TX. My N scale stuff is in Hilton Head, SC at my parent's house. I have a huge collection of MT and other brand rolling stock, and it's mostly from Northeastern roads, as I model that area. Here's the problem. None of my locos are dcc equipped, and all would have to have some creative work done to fit dcc chips. We're talking Atlas, Life Like, Kato Sd-45s, F3s, RS-11s, E units, FAs, etc. Should I send the mechanisms to be machined and chips installed, or should I just start over and buy units already equipped? Also, I may switch roads to Santa Fe and Mopac and SP. This would require a whole new roster of locos anyway. Now, I'm debating if I want to switch to DCC. I say this because when I finally have room for a layout, most likely it won't be huge, and if I have another person over to help operate it would be rare. I can wire the layout for 4 cabs no problem. Ironically, I worked in a hobby store until less than a year ago, and I sold so many DCC systems it wasn't funny. I know the advantages, so I'm kind of thinking along the lines of planning for the future and going for it. This brings me to the question, which system? I like the Atlas one because it's simple, but what do you guys endorse? Let me know what problems you've encountered be it from installation to troubleshooting to operational compatibility. I know it all works together, but do certain brand chips work better with certain systems? Thanks for your time. Also, if it has any bearing on your opinion, my next layout will most likelt be a switching point to point shelf type until my wife and I buy a house, which probably won't be for a few years, when I have room for my dream layout. No idea what that is, but...
I used to install decoders for a local train store. I was able to get them into about anything that came along. Although I used a milling machine to make room, it is not that hard to make a space for decoders using a razor saw or a Dremil tool. It takes a little time and does not look as good, but under the shell, who cares? I am sure you could get specific tips on each locomotive if you asked here. I have an Atlas system that I use to test installations but do not use DCC much on my own stuff. I have a few decoders that I install temporarily on trains I run at train shows where I set up NTRAK modules with other groups that use DCC. The club I belong to is still all DC. All in all, DCC does not float my boat, but that is just a personal thing.
The E's and F's probably won't be that hard, the others depend on how old, etc. You know all the reasons to go DCC, so there isn't any point in trying to convince you there. I think you are going to want to do it. I won't say it is cheaper to go DCC, but the cost of wiring the four cab system (quite a few switches) is going to be more than it seems, so that offsets the difference somewhat. Jeff
I have all the electronics I need for 4 cab wiring. I just hate the idea of giving up all my 9 and 10 year old Atlas and Life Like diesels. I still have quite a few steam engines, but they may go up for sale instead of me dealing with converting them.
The Life Like Es and Fs are pretty easy to convert. The others probably won't be bad. For the ones that need new/modified frames you can look at Aztec and Southern Digital. If you have steam that runs good, I'd convert them. At worst the decoder could go in the tender. I'm just saying that if you are happy with the engines I wouldn't not convert them. Still lots cheaper than new. Jeff
About your question of which system. Certainly there are many good ones out there and I won't say one over another, but I will give you a link to a thread you may find informative. I started it back when I was asking the same question. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=77389
