Hello All, Note: this is a cross posting from the N-Scale forum as suggested in a reply because of the integral DCC questions invloved.... I am new to this Board / N-Scale and would like your opinions on a proposed Engine purchase / setup..... I have already decided to do my first layout as a Prototype of Marias Pass in the 80's to 90's timeframe. In addition, this will be my first foray into DCC so I must ensure that I purchase engines that not only represent the line but will run well and can accept DCC conversion. My plan is this: Purchase a small number of Locos for track layout testing that can ultimately be used on the final layout. I dont want to purchase an engine just because I can easily convert it to DCC but cannot use it in my layout because of prototype constraints. After extensive research on the Internet I have found the following compatible locomotives: Atlas EMD GP38s Atlas EMD SD60Ms Atlas GE B23-7s Atlas GE B30-7s Atlas GE B36-7s Bachmann EMD GP50 Bachmann Dash 8-40CW Life-Like EMD GP38-2s Kato (just to dang expensive for track testing) I would like to purchase several engines at once but cannot expend the necessary funds for an all Atlas buy... and cannot wait for them to release all of their planned Decoder installed locomotives. I need to know the following (for each engine): 1. Do they run well? (meaning no problems in switch running or crossing isolated blocks: AKA All Wheel Pickup) I am particularly interested in the Life-Like and Bachmann options because of their nice price point. 2. Estimated stall current draw? (need this for the Decoder decision) 3. Could I fit a Digitrax DN121 Decoder under the shell (Size = .36" Wide x 1" Long x .18" High) or would I be forced into a smaller sized decoder? (say .38" Wide x .6" Long x .18" High). 4. Are the frames isolated from the enigne in a delivered state or could they be easily fixed? ( I realize that most Atlas engines are DCC friendly but there are definite gaps in specifications on the Internet for Life-Like, Bachmann, and even some Atlas models) Thanks in advance for any input that you could provide... It seems extremely hard to balance price, performance, prototypical constraints, and DCC compatibility in N-Scale... Ron
Ron, stick with Atlas units and use the appropriate PnP Digitrax decoders. I converted a Bachman -8 to DCC, not a good move!
Hi Ron, and welcome to TrainBoard! DCC is a wonderful world, especially if you want to run a lot of trains in N scale. The easiest way to enter the DCC world is to buy decoder equipped locos. Sometimes, you can buy some locos that are easy to convert, another easy way to go. The best advice has already been given: buy locos that are good runners on DC already: Kato or Atlas are the best. Some LifeLike locos are fairly good runners (such as their E 6/7/8 line), but they are not DCC compatible and require more work or expense to convert. I am sure other members can fill you in on details. Harold
