HO Model Trains - DC vs DCC
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For years the power source to run electric trains has been the transformer or rectifier. Lionel, American Flyer, Marx and others all used the transformer which were big and bulky AC to DC power source. On the other hand HO, HOn3, and "n" Gauge use a rectifier to power their locomotives. This is called a DC system. The new system for model trains is the DCC system with its own power supply. The issue is what is better and a more efficient means to operate a layout and controlling locomotives.
The DC system has some major drawbacks that inhibit the use of multiple trains running simultaneously versus the DCC system. The big problem is the cost change over between DC and DCC. Each locomotive must have a CPU installed called a decoder. You are required to have a separate power supply and need hand held controllers to be able to operate and program each engine. This is a new dimension in the operation of a model railroad.
The DC system can run only one train at a time on the track unless the layout is big enough to have blocks. The block represents a section of trackage that is separately controlled by an operator. If a train approaches a block it will stop unless the operator passes it through. This means if there are several blocks on the layout you must have a individual located at each block point. Normally the block operator will have a head set so he or she can communicate with the other operators on the layout. If a train approaches a block and another train is in the next block the operator must stop the approaching train until the other train has cleared the block. This is not much different than the real railroad signal system where the engineer must stop if a red light is displayed on the signal. However, there is a significant difference between the DC operation and the DCC operation.
With DCC as previously stated each locomotive is controlled individually by the hand held controller. Also, there is a circuit board available for DCC that breaks the railroad up into four separate blocks. You may have as many of these circuit boards as necessary for your railroad. You may wire the system up so that you have signal blocks on the railroad that work in unison with the trains so they turn red automatically when a train is approaching and may interfere with another train. The decoder on board the engine allows for programming to a very high extent depending upon the decoders function level. Decoders range from 2 to 6 functions.
Without the block controller circuit board you still can operate multiple trains on one track with ease with DCC. You just have to make sure you know where each train is in conjunction with the others. Also, you must make sure you do not allow a train from another track to enter the mainline the wrong way. Corn field meets are bad news.
With the autoblock signal system you can just about simulate exactly what the real railroads do everyday. This allows the other operators on the railroad to do real railroading. This means an operator may bring in a train on a siding or yard to dispatch cars and pickup others and not have to worry about approaching trains and the possibility of a wreck. The sophistication of the DCC is so unique and is constantly evolving that it makes the operation of your railroad a real pleasure. The idea is not to watch a bunch of trains going around in circles but operate the trains in the manner that is done in the real world.
Another aspect of DCC operation is the new sound systems available to the modeler. This is not to say that the DC system cannot handle the sound systems. They can. The unique part of the DCC system is many of the sound systems come with the decoder already built in and thus you may program everything at once. When I say everything at once is not to say it doesn't take some time. It does and sometimes quite a bit of time especially if you are new at it.
For steam locomotives the new Tsunami by Soundtraxx is the best available at this time. It really simulates the sounds of a steam locomotive. One important advantage is the bell and whistle. If you are going to operate your system correctly the use of the whistle and bell can be significant in your operation. There are a series of whistle calls that can be incorporated into your operation. Fortunately a friend of mine has worked on the Milwaukee and BN for several years and knows how a real operation works and how to simulate it into your railroad.
I have operated both the DC and DCC system of operation and find the DCC the best of the best. There are several manufacturers of DCC equipment. I prefer Digatrax over the rest as far as the operating equipment is concerned. When it comes to decoders there are three manufacturers that I prefer. They are Digatrax, NCE and TCS. They produce very fine decoders that have been very successful in my fleet of engines.
One thing to remember is to research all of the manufacturers of DCC equipment before making a decision to buy. Talk to your friends and visit your local hobby shop for advice. The later can be a bit prejudice since he or she may be a dealer for a particular brand. Go online and visit the various manufacturing sites and price out what it is going to cost you and who seems to provide the best for your money. The operating system investment is all but final once you commit yourself so be careful.
The best way to approach DCC is to find someone or a club that operates with DCC. Buy a decoder for your engine and install it. Check it out at the club or friends layout and learn how it operates and what you can do with it. I suggest that you start with a diesel locomotive since most of them have drop in capabilities for the various decoders. The brass locomotives do not have this feature and take some time to install the decoder know has hard wiring. Many of the new plastic steam engines from China have the drop in capability. You may desire to just go buy a plastic steam engine or diesel that has the decoder already installed. That can be a bit pricey but you may be able to find one on eBay for a reasonable price.
Because of the constant evolution of the electronics provided for model railroading you need to keep abreast of what is available and asses how it might affect your railroad system.
For years the power source to run electric trains has been the transformer or rectifier. Lionel, American Flyer, Marx and others all used the transformer which were big and bulky AC to DC power source. On the other hand HO, HOn3, and "n" Gauge use a rectifier to power their locomotives. This is called a DC system. The new system for model trains is the DCC system with its own power supply. The issue is what is better and a more efficient means to operate a layout and controlling locomotives.
The DC system has some major drawbacks that inhibit the use of multiple trains running simultaneously versus the DCC system. The big problem is the cost change over between DC and DCC. Each locomotive must have a CPU installed called a decoder. You are required to have a separate power supply and need hand held controllers to be able to operate and program each engine. This is a new dimension in the operation of a model railroad.
The DC system can run only one train at a time on the track unless the layout is big enough to have blocks. The block represents a section of trackage that is separately controlled by an operator. If a train approaches a block it will stop unless the operator passes it through. This means if there are several blocks on the layout you must have a individual located at each block point. Normally the block operator will have a head set so he or she can communicate with the other operators on the layout. If a train approaches a block and another train is in the next block the operator must stop the approaching train until the other train has cleared the block. This is not much different than the real railroad signal system where the engineer must stop if a red light is displayed on the signal. However, there is a significant difference between the DC operation and the DCC operation.
With DCC as previously stated each locomotive is controlled individually by the hand held controller. Also, there is a circuit board available for DCC that breaks the railroad up into four separate blocks. You may have as many of these circuit boards as necessary for your railroad. You may wire the system up so that you have signal blocks on the railroad that work in unison with the trains so they turn red automatically when a train is approaching and may interfere with another train. The decoder on board the engine allows for programming to a very high extent depending upon the decoders function level. Decoders range from 2 to 6 functions.
Without the block controller circuit board you still can operate multiple trains on one track with ease with DCC. You just have to make sure you know where each train is in conjunction with the others. Also, you must make sure you do not allow a train from another track to enter the mainline the wrong way. Corn field meets are bad news.
With the autoblock signal system you can just about simulate exactly what the real railroads do everyday. This allows the other operators on the railroad to do real railroading. This means an operator may bring in a train on a siding or yard to dispatch cars and pickup others and not have to worry about approaching trains and the possibility of a wreck. The sophistication of the DCC is so unique and is constantly evolving that it makes the operation of your railroad a real pleasure. The idea is not to watch a bunch of trains going around in circles but operate the trains in the manner that is done in the real world.
Another aspect of DCC operation is the new sound systems available to the modeler. This is not to say that the DC system cannot handle the sound systems. They can. The unique part of the DCC system is many of the sound systems come with the decoder already built in and thus you may program everything at once. When I say everything at once is not to say it doesn't take some time. It does and sometimes quite a bit of time especially if you are new at it.
For steam locomotives the new Tsunami by Soundtraxx is the best available at this time. It really simulates the sounds of a steam locomotive. One important advantage is the bell and whistle. If you are going to operate your system correctly the use of the whistle and bell can be significant in your operation. There are a series of whistle calls that can be incorporated into your operation. Fortunately a friend of mine has worked on the Milwaukee and BN for several years and knows how a real operation works and how to simulate it into your railroad.
I have operated both the DC and DCC system of operation and find the DCC the best of the best. There are several manufacturers of DCC equipment. I prefer Digatrax over the rest as far as the operating equipment is concerned. When it comes to decoders there are three manufacturers that I prefer. They are Digatrax, NCE and TCS. They produce very fine decoders that have been very successful in my fleet of engines.
One thing to remember is to research all of the manufacturers of DCC equipment before making a decision to buy. Talk to your friends and visit your local hobby shop for advice. The later can be a bit prejudice since he or she may be a dealer for a particular brand. Go online and visit the various manufacturing sites and price out what it is going to cost you and who seems to provide the best for your money. The operating system investment is all but final once you commit yourself so be careful.
The best way to approach DCC is to find someone or a club that operates with DCC. Buy a decoder for your engine and install it. Check it out at the club or friends layout and learn how it operates and what you can do with it. I suggest that you start with a diesel locomotive since most of them have drop in capabilities for the various decoders. The brass locomotives do not have this feature and take some time to install the decoder know has hard wiring. Many of the new plastic steam engines from China have the drop in capability. You may desire to just go buy a plastic steam engine or diesel that has the decoder already installed. That can be a bit pricey but you may be able to find one on eBay for a reasonable price.
Because of the constant evolution of the electronics provided for model railroading you need to keep abreast of what is available and asses how it might affect your railroad system.
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