Well I hate to say this but DCC ain't in my future for my layout. I've been running trains with DC since the day my dad got me into the hobby. And I don't feel the need to walk around with my steam loco's with a handheld controller, I just don't want to see the loco all the time. My plan is to have walkie-talkie's or handsfree walkie-talkies to dispatchers across the layouts, this gives me a feel of real railroading. Let's say if I asked each of the dispatchers if all the mains are clear, and they confirm it is. Then I'd dispatch them that I'll have a long freight that needs to be "High Ball" to another part of the layout. It's all in the part of realism, you set a certain speed for your loco and you just sit there til you reach your destination, or if something goes wrong all the dispatchers will dispatch the problem that lies ahead to acknowledge that your speed must be reduced.
Chris, I'm new to the hobby and DCC but will be installing the decoders into my steam locos in the next few months. Last night,our club had our first "Steam Night". Ten members brought their DCC + sound locos to run. Once seeing the motion control synchronized to good quality sound effects, it's hard not to get hooked. There is a cost issue but also the uncertainty of moving into the unknown world of DCC. The theory isn't complex, but selecting a manufacturer and retrofiting the locos is a challenge. Thanks for your effort. DCC is here to stay especially when DCC is installed by the loco mfgrs. Take care, Jim
Will All I can say is you have never seen DCC displayed or used in a way that more than adds to the realism, I do not recall Steam Engines being equipped with radios to ascertain if the road ahead was clear, thats what signals where for!! Take a look at DCC you may just be surprised at the realistic way you can operate.
