I'm not a DCC expert, nor will I claim to be one, as I, too, have neer worked with DCC. I would assume that the DCC power supply should have enough juice to power your layout. Unless you're running multiple, multi-unit lashups, and adding a bunch of electrical accessories... an 8x12 layout shouldn't tax the system too greatly. I'm building a 4x8 layout right now and I plan on using the Zephyr system. Not only because it has been reccomended to me by a few fellow modelers, but because it offers flexability for future expansion and/or operating features the lucky recipiant may wish to explore at a later time. I haven't looked at the Bachman system, so I can't make a comparison for ya. My only concern with it would be in asking what the capacity/capability of the Bachman system is. Yes, you get some track and two locos for your layout, and it has fewer bells and whistles (litterally!) than the Zephyr. But, even if you don't want or need all the features that come with the Zephyr NOW, you may want them later. So, why go through the expense of buying the Bachman system now and then buying the Zephyr later at an added expense? Get the Zephyr now and save yourself the mney and some agrivation of converting from Bachman to the Zephyr... or whatever it is you decide to go with. But, that's just my thoughs on the matter. Why pay more money to upgrade later when you can buy it once and be done with it? But, if you feel the Bachman system is what's best for you then go with that. Anyway... Whatever you decide to do, hope it works out for you and that you're up and running soon!!!
Thanks for the reply. I'm still leaning towards the Bachmann setup. I just think that would be a good starting point. As much as I would hate to spend the money then turn around and have to upgrade spending $150+ on the Digitrax doesn't seem like the right thing to do right now. Not to mention every thing i've read people have said to go with Digitrax so its making my decision even harder. But whatever I decided to do I'm going to get the layout over to my place tomorrow or sunday and then spend sometime getting it working with my DC stuff before I go buy anything else.
Not sure, I'd think the Bach would pt out enough but wire conducts better than rail. When in doubt, I'd still run exta wiring to the far reaches. This hardly needs to be complicated, just a BUS wire under the track (and the layout) with drop feeders every X-feet connecting to the rail. Usually 6, but some go shorter, some go a tad longer. You really don't need many drops, but your engine migght still end up as the track goes an engine could end up 15feet from the controller and slow down.
Thanks Morgan, I think your right, it shouldn't bee too taxing, I don't have too much track that needs power.
**UPDATE** Well I got the layout back to my place today and what do you know, I can't get it to fit in my basement. Right now i'm still looking at some options but pretty much my problem is with the mountain part. The turn into my basement is pretty narrow and thats causing the problems is the height. The length and width isn't a problem because I was able to get a pool table down there with no problems. So i'm not sure where to go from here. My best bet would be to take out the mountain and try to keep as much as I can of it in tact I suppose. Or I can cut the 4x8 layout in half into tow 4x4 sections which is what i'm leaning towards.
I'm curious how your two 4x8 sheets are connected. Can they easily be removed from one another without undoing the work your father did? In my mind it seems like taking down the mountain would do more damage than removing the other sections. Although it depends on how it is connected. Good luck on the project. Hope it lets your childhood dreams become your new basement.
The two 4x8 sections are apart from each other so as it sits in my garage there are 2 separate 4x8 sections. The problem is the height on both won't allow me to make the turn into my basement door. So my options are to reduce the height which would mean cutting off the mountain and incline parts of the layout or cut both 4x8 sections in to four 4x4 sections which is what i'm going to do. Once I get it in the basement i'll just reassemble it and reinforce it.
I have everything set and ready to go, its time for some landscaping, building, and roads. The attached pictures show the area I have to work with and i'm looking for some idea's. Right now for the pavement that I have laid down I'm using old roofing shingles, I'm going to get rid of them and use foam possibly, after a quick search thats one material I came up with that seems to be popular to use. The buildings are just there for now, might keep them, might get rid of them. My dad had a coal station setup at the first turnout in the 2nd picture but the building broke a while back but i'm planning on putting another one there. I'd like to put a factory of some sorts at the end of the track at the 2nd picture and use one of the turn outs as a loading dock. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Guy I knew did roads with, get this, roads. The parking lots were Concrete Patch and the asphault was with Aspohault. You build a fgramework, I belive he used gtoothpicks, pour it, andbe sure to smooth it and work it in one direction. he also said that as far as intersections go, to pour it one way, let it cure, and then do the other direction.
Wow, thats kinda cool but I wouldn't have the first clue where to get the materials. I'm thinking of going the route this guy took. Small Rails: How to make HO scale roads Seems easy and not too expensive and the finish product looks nice.
JE...I like the layout you have...it is certainly a great start for you! Another member mentioned the two places where the track doubles back on itself. It certainly wouldn't be hard to re-configure it so it all runs the same direction...unless you want to buy a couple reversing modules, but they might be a little spendy. I own the Bachmann E-Z Command and it has worked very well for me. My layout is 12' X 26' and it easily powers everything just fine...I usually run 3 trains at once. Good luck! Chad
Thanks Chad. I was able to use the Atlas Twin to get my reverse loop working. Have DCC made it that much easier as well. I went and bought a Digitrax Zepher and thats been a great command center.
Here's my town area so far. I've been working on it for a few days now, i'm pretty happy with it so far. The first picture is the before. Comments welcome.
Thanks. I've started detailing the road and parking lots and its looking even better. I bought some street lamps and I'll install and wire them up tomorrow. I found a really good way to ad "road grime" to the road, just take a pencil or a black colored pencil and lightly scribble on the are you want to ad the "grime" to. Then just rub over it with your finger. It does a good job of giving it the effect that its a busy road way. Same with parking lots.
