Sean, I use The 10 Amps Lenz system for my O scale and I'm sure it will work for G as well. But the best thing to do is to look on this site where you will find a lot of info on DCC for G scale. http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips5/dcc_tips.html#control
Well, that's the way I'll go.......when I get rich! It's quite a costly conversion and I only have 5 engines. Some lerge scale folks have 20 or 30 engines so perhaps money is no object for some. Another point, the DCC we use down at the club (HO) is far from uses friendly. The product is NEW, but the technology is 1960's and hasn't been updated in at least twenty years. As a result controls are a real pain to operate - and if it ever freezes up (7777) which often happens, it's just junk to reset. And even another point, the G scale units have to handle a great deal more current and so are more expensive than HO units. Finally, Aristo has announced that their latest research into battery ops suggests that the newest products on the market will fit IN THE ENGINE and eliminate that trailing boxcar. Tenders are no problem. I'll wait for that.......and who cares if the track is dirty
Dave I have no layout in G scale, but from time to time I lay one in the living room which is a big enjoyment for my both grandsons . I'm very happy with the train engineer of Aristo and the 13Amp crest stabilized power. I have no intention to run 15 trains at the same time and will use this system in the future as well. As you are looking for battery power and have also an outside layout, could you tell somemore on the reliability of the TE outside the house???
The TE and 13 Amp PS are all I use outside and they have worked beautifully for three years. In fact, I left both components "inside" and just ran a pair of lines, through a simple toggle switch, out to the track in the garden. The hand held controler still worked as far away as 60 feet from the house. Nice. But battery/radio control is the real option of the future. I think that's as close to prototype as your likely to get.
Dave, are you sure that you will able to control the battery powered locomotive as smoothly as one controled by the TE??? I suppose it will be also more expensive as you will need a receiver in each locomotive.
Think so. Yes, I'm sure it will cost a goodly sum, but I think the advantages of not having to worry about track contact will outweigh all other issues. Hope so anyway. In the meantime I'm happy with the TE and a couple of MRC 20's (although they're not nearly as nice to use) Cheers
The norm for large scale her in the UK is battery power and radio control. Today's R/C systems are excellent for very fine control, I have switched with the system, and it was very satisfying. Controlling a train from the deck chair with a cold one to hand is even more satisfying A useful feature on some systems is a sort of "cruise control", where when you switch off your transmitter (saving battery life), the locomotive receiver remembers the last command settings, and continues until another signal is received. There is, of course a "panic button" if you need to stop the train in an emergency! I have run R/C trains on very dirty track with no problems, as no current collection is needed. Sound is also easily controlled with radio control.
I'm an N-scaler and recently had a booth at the Train Expo in Pomona, CA. While wandering around, I saw the G-scale SD45s, and had to have one! These engines are really nice.....great detail, a 5-year warranty, DCC-ready! Looks like I'm going to be bi-scalar! Now.....point me in the direction of some rolling stock!
