I am working on a layout for my new table and was going to use the old transformers I had when I was young. I was planning on 2 smaller tracks so that I could have 2 trains going.....but I understand that DCC allows you to have multiple trains on 1 track.

This would allow me to have a bigger track for the train(s) to run on, but I don't know enough about the DCC.

Anyone out there have any experience with one?

Mike/Nightshade

I'm certainly no expert, but I do hit a lot of shows, do a bunch of reading, and I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night. You really need to sit and read a lot of info, and figure out what would work best for you. Bachmann, for example, is supposed to be real simple to set up and run. Of course, that simplicity comes at a cost, it is not able to do things that more complicated systems can handle. When I get everything settled, I will look into DCC again, but I'm not sure I want to convert all of my old Mantua steamers.
Try www.trains.com and see what they have on the topic. They often run articles comparing the different systems.

there was a model railroader several months back that reviewed numerous dcc systems. i'll see if i can find it to see what month it was. i've read and read and still haven't decided the best one but then i'm not ready for a new layout yet until we get into a new house. the g scale is wanting a real fenced in backyard (instead of the current hayfield... ughh) and the n scale is still in storage...lol

I personally own a MRC Prodigy Advance DCC system. I think that for smaller layouts and for someone that doesn't have a degree in electonics it is perfect. All the instuctions are on the back of the control cab, you don't have to carry the manual withyou until you learn the system.

It will do 90 % of what the larger systems will do, but costs about 1/2. I also had a Digitrax unit about a year ago, sold it to complicated.


My 2 cents, stick with something simple. Go with the MRC, I do believe that Tower hobbies has them.

Any othe ? just PM me

I have a question.... DCC?


Thanks

Rob

=Macs_Little_Car]I hav[QUOTEe a question.... DCC?


Thanks

Rob[/QUOTE]


hi rob this will explain it better than i can l.o.l. when the page opens just click on digital at the top of the page .

www.bachmann.co.uk

Digital command control is wonderful. You DO have to make sure of all your connections, and that they are isolated from each other. I do lots of Bowser Steam engines that I've remotered with Helix Humper style arrangements. I isolate both tender trucks from the frame, and use JUST my tenders for pickup. I use the smallest 2 pin connectors to connect the motor to decoder, and front headlight to decoder. The rear tender light is easy to connect because the decoder is already in the tender. I Use digitrax myself. It will handle up to 16 engines, and I oly have 13 right now...

bachmann has some dcc sets and they are great for the beginner of dcc they include a dvd video on programming as well as optional components you could buy hobby lobby has a set that includes 2 engines for 169.99

I'm certainly no expert, but I do hit a lot of shows, do a bunch of reading, and I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night.


LMAO! :cool: rr

I just bought the two engine set from Bachmann, only the DCC controller was bad out of box. Sent it in still waiting for the DCC controller. In the mean time I purchased a DCC controller (nib) off of e-bay plugged it in and it worked great. Unplugged it, went upstairs for 5 minutes came down to find the two year old plugged it in and now that one doesn't work. So all in all it is a great set just be careful if you get into the DCC sure seems sensitive. You can find the two engine set (nib) from a e-bay store for $109.00 I paid $139.00 before Christmas.
Oh and I did put my tyco race track with the train layout it was fun trying to beat the freight train. There were a couple of minor derailments. Them race cars go fast enough to derail an engine. When will those kids learn how to drive.

i have had no issues with mine the only drawback to dcc (with the bachmann set) you can run one analog engine but the instruction cd does make it clear you should not leave it on the track (analog engine), or run it for long periods of time (again analog) as it could burn it up. i tried an analog engine on it and it works but it makes a horrid grinding noise when sitting still (no biggie to me as i have some extra track and with the exception of the transformer and the corresponding track section could make an analog system to run it.