Do not know which forum this should be addressed to so chose N-scale since that's my favorite in MRR. I would like to suggest that the Train Board setup a DCC forum in the model railroad group. It is a very interesting subject and would help those who are thinking about the possibility and those who are already involved in the digital world of train & layout control. Some DCC information can be found at other sites, but IMHO, is not as accessible or as user friendly to maneuver as this Train Board . Another thing that makes this site so enjoyable is because of the efforts of the developers and administrators, and the fine users that meet here. As Alan and others have said before, it is like a very close family of friends . Happy birthday Train Board. ------------------ MBR#307 Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI
I agree, I think a DCC forum would be a great source to learn and share. I have already learned much and saved myself countless hours of trial and error due to the fine memvbers of this site. In fact, tips from this site have allowed me to accelerate my testing process of my track plans. I plan to deploy DCC like many others. I know allot but there is still a ton of information I need to learn. I always prefer listening to someones experience before charting unknown lands first if possible. So, who else besides me and Patrick would like to have a DCC forum?
Count me IN! I have been using DCC for over a year now, but there is always something new to learn. ------------------ David http://www.geocities.com/nscaler_55 [This message has been edited by nscaler (edited 20 April 2000).]
Hadn't really thought about it before these posts, but with a subject like DCC, it would be very useful to have all the information in one forum. I know very little about DCC, except that it sounds expensive, especially to fit retrospectively. I work in N and would not like to have to remove too much metal to make way for the decoder, as weight is needed for good haulage. Is it true that DCC and non-DCC equipped locomotives can run on the same layout? You will have to gang up on E-8 How is it that I always spot a typo AFTER I have posted a message! ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com http://eurogallery.homestead.com [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 20 April 2000).]
Yes Alan, DCC and analog engines can run on the same layout. There are some guys that run on my DCC layout with analog engines and they run very well. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
Yes, Alan you can run DCC along with non DCC. With Digitrax, engine 0(zero) is the non DCC. You must remember, though, that all non DCC are engine 0. Also that any non DCC just sitting on the tracks will kind of jerk slightly (with engine 0 off). See? We do need a Forum for DCC! ------------------ David http://www.geocities.com/nscaler_55
Nscaler, I've not noticed DCC engines jerking ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
sd75mac Only non DCC will do it. And we are talking very small jerks and sometimes the motor will hum too. ------------------ David http://www.geocities.com/nscaler_55 [This message has been edited by nscaler (edited 20 April 2000).]
Alan, it really depends on how big a system and how many enignes you need to fit with decoders. Digitrax (among others) is now starting to make engine-specific decoders. I'm building a new layout (4x8) with DCC, and retro-fitting ten engines with decoders, and I estimate a cost of around $500, not bad at all for the increased operating ability. Now the system we have at our club (130 x 27, HO) cost over $500 to start, never mind decoders, so there is a wide difference in availability. It all depends on what you need. ------------------ Corey Lynch VP - Rensselaer Model RR Society NEB&W RR
All I get is a hum on analog engines ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
I have seen analog loco's jump too, and after exhaustive troubleshooting I found the cause... When I have somewhat dirty track oe DCC loco wheels,(not too dirty to run DCC), and throttling up or down a DCC loco, the analog one will jump every so often. It must be a string of streched DCC packets, because when I stop all DCC loco's or clean the wheels and track, no more loco jump! By the way...a DCC forum would be great! ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
I would love DCC board, however I would not be impartal! LOL! Ahhh, displaying DCC does stuff to your mind! ````~~~~`````` Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
WOW! Food for thought, folks! And it does seem we really DO need a DCC forum. How about it E-8? Could the above posts be moved to the forum if it happens? ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 20 April 2000).]
I'm indifferent about it. If you guys want one, fine, but DCC isn't my cup of tea yet. I've got too many pre-DCC loco's that I'm not in the mood to go grinding on, and I haven't heard to many pleasent things about the retro frames. Another thing, It's too far out of pocket for my taste. I've got better things to spend my MRR dollors on. So with that being said, I really don't care. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Maxwell Plant: I'm indifferent about it. If you guys want one, fine, but DCC isn't my cup of tea yet. I've got too many pre-DCC loco's that I'm not in the mood to go grinding on, and I haven't heard to many pleasent things about the retro frames. Another thing, It's too far out of pocket for my taste. I've got better things to spend my MRR dollors on. So with that being said, I really don't care. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Ahh, but remeber there are people like me who only has a small amount of engines and DCC does make sense! There are lots of people in a possision like you, they go to the store and say, hmmmmmm, it would cast me $100 000 000 to convert to DCC, I think I will pass. There is one guy in Van, BC with over 175 non-DCC friendly locos, and about 55 that are alittle easier, but still not designed to facilate DCC. Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
DCC will be as important to this hobby as the electric motor. The ability to operate trains in a prototypical manner with out growing a third and fourth arm to flip switches is a huge boost to the hobby. DCC adds a new dimension to model railroading that makes it much more enjoyable. Just another opinion and we know what those are like. [This message has been edited by mtaylor (edited 21 April 2000).]
I can picture trains starting to use Radio, and using the Ballard Fuel cell!!!!!! He He He, ahh, the future will be interesting! Dane N. The guy who had problems spelling his own name on this post.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BC Rail King: I can picture trains starting to use Radio, and using the Ballard Fuel cell!!!!!! He He He, ahh, the future will be interesting! Dane N. The guy who had problems spelling his own name on this post.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> NO MORE DIRTY TRACK PROBLEMS!!!!!!
For those of you who may not know there is an information web site devoted to Wiring for DCC by a fellow enthusiast named Allan Gartner. It is very enlightening. If you decide to take a look be sure and check out the section on the wiring of points (turnouts). The site URL is www.wiringfordcc.com ------------------ MBR#307 Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI Very good Nscaler No wonder I didn't become the CEO of the "Big Little RR". [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 25 April 2000).]