DC is very easy...it starts at the + and goes to the -. If you want it to do anything, you install it in between. To run an engine, you have the + go to one track, it then goes up the wheels, through the motor, down the other wheels and back to the -. Voltage is how fast it will go. The problem starts when you want to run more than one train (and on a 10X9, I'm guessing you will want to). Then you must only have voltage where the engine you want to run is while there isn't voltage where any other engine is (called blocks). Now you have switches to route power where you need it and not where you don't. This QUICKLY becomes difficult and expensive to do. DCC has full power everywhere on the tracks all of the time. The decoder in the engine determines if the engine should be moving and how fast. The wiring is very simple, but now you have to install decoders (some are plug and play, some are difficult, depending on the engine) and program them (which the program JMRI makes much easier). So, if you want to run one train, go DC, if you want to run multiple trains, go DCC. I would also recommend using switches that have an insulated frogs while you are starting out (Kato Unitrack switches are insulated). Keep in mind, it's more important to just get a train to run than getting caught up in all the details of wiring. Make a loop and be able to run a train, then start building your layout. Layouts can take years to build and being able to watch a train move, even in a circle or loop, reminds you why you are doing it. The purpose of a hobby is to have fun!
Wise words Jeff! That's the first thing I did two months ago when I completed the table for my modest layout. After years away from the hobby it was SO nice to see a train running, even on a simple oval.
My problem is, once I can run a train it's hard for me to make progress on anything else. "I think I'll go work on the layout"... and then proceeds to go run trains for a couple of hours...
Thats what i am doing! Trains running and nothing else. If you like me go around the layout enough times you start to get tired of bad or missing scenery, Gives inspiration to start working on the scenery again. Not sure when that will happen, but i was told that will happen. Will let you all know on my thread when it happens...
Been there...done that...still doing it ! 10 years into my layout and I still find things that need to be done... Another way to look at it..if I wasnt having fun running trains...nothing would have gotten done ! .
Nothing wrong with just running trains! Usually I make a loop on a module, then start building the layout so that running won't interfere with the building.
There is some great stuff here. The simple fact that we can make an oval and be happy with it while a train running is fabulous. Explains the rush I was in while building my layout hahaha. For me though it gave me a reason to build. The faster I could get certain scenery parts done and another area of tracked laid, the closer I was to running my first train. and BOY OH BOY I should have started with an oval lol. So many things went wrong when I ran my first train I realized everything I messed up on. So it probably benefited me more then it hurt. It still hurt though hahaha That Size? DCC for sure. Its more intimidating than it is difficult. Plus there are tons of Groups, Videos, Forums Etc. on Social Media and youtube for your hearts desire. Have a little fun with it and learn something new. The amazing things you can do with electronics is a hobby in a hobby! Cheers and good luck!
I think DCC is one more facet of model railroading that helps attract people to the hobby. Whether you are into computer control (JMRI), electronics (DCC), scenery, super-detailing, or just running trains, you can find something in model railroading to tickle your fancy. Whether you have a full basement, or a folding table in the corner of a bedroom for your rail empire, there are so many facets of the hobby to engage different people. Whether its an oval of Unitrack on the kitchen table, or a hand-spiked empire sprawled across your entire basement, we all can share and increase our enjoyment in this wonderful hobby.
I didn't know this was out there, but when I came across it looking for something else I remembered the discussion of walkaround control for DC in this thread. It is a DC controller that you connect to with a phone or tablet using Bluetooth . It gives you wireless walkaround control of a DC layout: https://www.ironplanethobbies.com/product/kato-smart-device-controller-for-n-and-ho-scale-22-019/
Model Rectifier Corp. makes a walkaround throttle control and power pack. They're MRC 1325 and MRC 1310. That's what I hope to be using on my planned layout.
Would a fairly new Smart A phone that isn't connected to the outside world function for this purpose? And how?
Yes it would, though you would have to briefly connect to the outside world to download the app from the play store. You can do that through wi-fi so you don't have to have a phone plan on the phone, and since it uses Bluetooth to connect to the controller, once downloaded you can turn wi-fi off.
