DC or DCC?? - Page 2

Biased turkey · 05-09-2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brakie

In case you are wondering it is possible to have 2 train operation on a 2x4 footer .

I agree Brakie, my 25" X 36" layout ( see picture above ) is divided in 4 blocks and I can run 2 trains .

Jacques

MadHatter · 05-09-2008, 05:32 PM

DCC for me...

Biased turkey · 05-09-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadHatter

DCC for me...

Could you please tell us why you opted for DC ?

Jacques

lester perry · 05-13-2008, 09:49 PM

I was a die hard DCer. then I bought a BLI C&O T1. It would run on DC with the sound. but it had momentum that I couldn"t get rid of the momentum with DC,so I started shopping. I decided I liked MRC Prodogy Advanced. Watched ads and ran across a sale in Model Rairoader. It had a typo and prodogy advance was $180. I called they they were not very happy but sold it to me for that price. I got 2 more decoders with sound for GP7 or 9. Installed them and never looked back. The typo was Tonys trains.
Les

b28_82 · 05-13-2008, 10:55 PM

I also have the Digitrax Zephyr along with a UR91 and a DT400R. Also my latest addition was the DS64 for turnout control

**RobertInOntario** · 05-15-2008, 12:14 AM

My layout is DC because it's small and I have a lot of stock (much of it is 30- to 45-years-old) that is already DC. It would cost a lot to convert at this point.

I recently considered DCC when I learned that it's actually quite easy to convert my older locos but the cost (and time?) is putting me off. I have about 24 locos and the change over would cost a lot, even if I just converted half of them.

If I ever build a large layout one day, I might consider DCC, but right now DC is just fine for me.

Rob

iis612 · 05-15-2008, 05:54 PM

I just aquired an mrc Prodigy Advance. A LHS was going out of business and sold it to me for about $75

slekjr · 05-15-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iis612

I just aquired an mrc Prodigy Advance. A LHS was going out of business and sold it to me for about $75

That is a great buy. I got mine for $175 and was very happy, you should be elated.
Charlie

iis612 · 05-16-2008, 01:09 PM

I am well beyond elated! I am willing to bet that at that price it was sold to me for below their cost.

Matt

dawg70 · 05-23-2008, 12:02 PM

I am just getting back into the hobby after a 18 yrs absence and plan to start with DC and then once I get up and running I will make the change over to DCC.

**MasonJar** · 05-23-2008, 12:07 PM

Dawg...

There are many who take this approach, and my question is always - why? If you plan to create a basic DC-controlled layout with only one train running, then the switch over is straightforward. If you intend to go for full block control allowing for multiple locos and using multiple cabs, then you will be doing a lot of work for DC control that is not necessary, or not exactly what's needed for DCC.

Tell us more about your plans... and welcome to The Gauge!

Andrew

steamhead · 05-23-2008, 01:49 PM

Actually, if you use common wiring in a DC cab control setup, the conversion to DCC is pretty straight forward. Just plug your DCC system into one of the cabs, DISCONNECT the other cab and put it far away...
Then you can set all your blocks for the active cab which is now DCC. You can use the existing blocks as "parking" spots for trains/engines you don't want/need powered up all the time, by just setting that block to the inactive cab position.....

dawg70 · 05-23-2008, 02:02 PM

I am working on the bench work for a set up in my garage it will end up being in a space of appox 18ft by 21ft. I am going with early 1900 logging industry and working on modeling it after the Crossett Lumber Company here in Arkansas. Still a lot of work to be done but also alot of fun. I might just go ahead and make the plunge into DCC right off the bat but I really haven't made that decision yet. I am trying to find which issue of Fine scale modeler had the building a skelton log car in it but haven't been able to yet. does any one happen to know?

steamhead · 05-23-2008, 07:13 PM

Hi Dawg70...No find the article you refer to, but...
Have you checked this thread out..?

Skeleton Log Car Ideas?

ScratchyAngel · 05-23-2008, 09:02 PM

Since he was the one that bumped the thread, I'd assume so

BTW, I never posted why I chose DCC. One of the main reasons was to have sound, since my layout will be mostly a single operator affair. I guess I chose DCC too because I thought the experience with it might give me more options in the future.

View Poll Results: DC or DCC
DC	22	31.88%
DCC	48	69.57%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 69. You may not vote on this poll

05-09-2008, 05:32 PM	#17 (permalink)
MadHatter Charging at full tilt. Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Posts: 1,024	DCC for me... __________________ J. Wilson Take it easy...Take the train If you win or you lose, it's a question of honour.

05-13-2008, 10:55 PM	#20 (permalink)
b28_82 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fort Dodge, IA Posts: 450	I also have the Digitrax Zephyr along with a UR91 and a DT400R. Also my latest addition was the DS64 for turnout control __________________ Miraclestrip Model Railroad Club http://www.geocities.com/miraclestri.../GCW_20x15.jpg

05-15-2008, 12:14 AM	#21 (permalink)
RobertInOntario The Gauge Moderator The Gauge Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,194	My layout is DC because it's small and I have a lot of stock (much of it is 30- to 45-years-old) that is already DC. It would cost a lot to convert at this point. I recently considered DCC when I learned that it's actually quite easy to convert my older locos but the cost (and time?) is putting me off. I have about 24 locos and the change over would cost a lot, even if I just converted half of them. If I ever build a large layout one day, I might consider DCC, but right now DC is just fine for me. Rob __________________ Work: Is doing something you like to the point you that get weary of it. A Hobby: Is doing something you like but only to the point that you keep enjoying it.

05-15-2008, 05:54 PM	#22 (permalink)
iis612 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 378	I just aquired an mrc Prodigy Advance. A LHS was going out of business and sold it to me for about $75 __________________ The winds of change are blowing again...

05-13-2008, 09:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
lester perry Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Delaware Posts: 817	I was a die hard DCer. then I bought a BLI C&O T1. It would run on DC with the sound. but it had momentum that I couldn"t get rid of the momentum with DC,so I started shopping. I decided I liked MRC Prodogy Advanced. Watched ads and ran across a sale in Model Rairoader. It had a typo and prodogy advance was $180. I called they they were not very happy but sold it to me for that price. I got 2 more decoders with sound for GP7 or 9. Installed them and never looked back. The typo was Tonys trains. Les

05-16-2008, 01:09 PM	#24 (permalink)
iis612 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 378	I am well beyond elated! I am willing to bet that at that price it was sold to me for below their cost. Matt __________________ The winds of change are blowing again...

05-23-2008, 12:02 PM	#25 (permalink)
dawg70 Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 6	I am just getting back into the hobby after a 18 yrs absence and plan to start with DC and then once I get up and running I will make the change over to DCC.

05-23-2008, 12:07 PM	#26 (permalink)
MasonJar It's not rocket surgery The Gauge Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 6,637	Dawg... There are many who take this approach, and my question is always - why? If you plan to create a basic DC-controlled layout with only one train running, then the switch over is straightforward. If you intend to go for full block control allowing for multiple locos and using multiple cabs, then you will be doing a lot of work for DC control that is not necessary, or not exactly what's needed for DCC. Tell us more about your plans... and welcome to The Gauge! Andrew __________________ Check out The Gauge's Modular Layout Forum Questions? Visit The Academy at The Gauge for all kinds of How-To's Planning a layout? Try the Givens and Druthers form

05-23-2008, 01:49 PM	#27 (permalink)
steamhead Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Brownsville, TX Posts: 1,986	Actually, if you use common wiring in a DC cab control setup, the conversion to DCC is pretty straight forward. Just plug your DCC system into one of the cabs, DISCONNECT the other cab and put it far away... Then you can set all your blocks for the active cab which is now DCC. You can use the existing blocks as "parking" spots for trains/engines you don't want/need powered up all the time, by just setting that block to the inactive cab position..... __________________ Gus (LC&P).

05-23-2008, 02:02 PM	#28 (permalink)
dawg70 Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 6	I am working on the bench work for a set up in my garage it will end up being in a space of appox 18ft by 21ft. I am going with early 1900 logging industry and working on modeling it after the Crossett Lumber Company here in Arkansas. Still a lot of work to be done but also alot of fun. I might just go ahead and make the plunge into DCC right off the bat but I really haven't made that decision yet. I am trying to find which issue of Fine scale modeler had the building a skelton log car in it but haven't been able to yet. does any one happen to know?

05-23-2008, 07:13 PM	#29 (permalink)
steamhead Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Brownsville, TX Posts: 1,986	Hi Dawg70...No find the article you refer to, but... Have you checked this thread out..? Skeleton Log Car Ideas? __________________ Gus (LC&P).

05-23-2008, 09:02 PM	#30 (permalink)
ScratchyAngel Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pullman, WA Posts: 192	Since he was the one that bumped the thread, I'd assume so BTW, I never posted why I chose DCC. One of the main reasons was to have sound, since my layout will be mostly a single operator affair. I guess I chose DCC too because I thought the experience with it might give me more options in the future. __________________ Jason "Why the heck not? Its my railroad and I'll do wacky things if I like " -- screwysquirrel

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