ok, so when i get some trains, figures, rolling stock, structures and track and turn it into a layout and lay the trains on the track, how do i control them? regular DCC or something else? i really don't know. Please help!
Don't worry my friend, your not allone. This was the same question I had because I have a Bachmann EZ controler, but can it work with my bachmann thomas stuff. Please help us in this matter.
well till the next post... later
quick! go to photo gallery, search "Island of Sodor," click on the words "Welcome to the Island of Sodor." It MIGHT have some pictures that will answer our problems!!
Well, in order to use a system to control more then one on one power supply, Thomas will need a decorder inside him. Bachmann is pretty cool about these kind of things, making EVERYTHING about plug in. For Example:
ATLAS: Screw in the wire and wire it up with a screwdriver.
BACHMANN: Plug the red one into the track, the narrow end into the controller, then plug it in, and plug the black end into the controler and *POOF*, that GeneralPurpose will be up and down the line. ;)
NOTICE: key word for all, PLANNING IS KEY!
THANK YOU! i've been trying to find out for a while now! you are a BIG help! thanks again!
well, your most likely better off with analog
whilst DCC you have to buy a kit (about $ 200-500) and you need to install decoders ($20-40) and you must have some electrical knowledge or pay someone to do it (an extra $20).
DCC is a great way to control trains, but for someone on a budget, and new to the hobby might wan't to stick with "ye olde analog"
i see. but, if i ever get enough money for DCC, will the thomas locos be DCC ready, or will they have to have the complete overhaul to be equipped with the decoder? also, how do you control thomas trains that don't come in a thomas train set and without a power pack?
Well, just get a Bachmann power pack and an E-Z Track plug-in terminal re-railer(Gotta love Bachmann's plug-in wiring).
and if I want to control more than one train withouth dcc? what then?
Well thats what DCC is for and every controller is different so I would read the directions they will tell you.
If you use Bachmann E-Z Track I would recommend the Bachmann E-Z Command DCC controller.
Me I use HORNBY track and I am fine with their Analouge controls. ;D
yeah, i would use Peco also because of their electro frog switches and all that so that will also be all right with analog too.
okay, but are the thomas locos dcc ready or do they need to have some serious metal surgery to make them dcc equipped. i really want to know.
Thomas models are NOT DCC ready. You'll have to buy a seperate chip and install manually.
thanks :). i've been trying to find out for a long time. but does anyone have any recommendations for dcc for a 4x8 beginning layout?
Personally, I'd go with Analog, UNLESS you have DCC ready to go. :)
or you can go to your neares hobby shop and they can install dcc to your thomas locomotives for you, but they'll give you a bill, even if you buy your own decoder
I have Several Thomas Engines, (Thomas, James, Percy, Emily) and have put decoders in all of them. Emily is not the easiest to put a decoder in. All of these will require you to take the loco apart. With Thomas and Percy you can simply pop the top off. You have to cut wires and solder to install decoders. So unless you have some experience doing this, have someone do it for you. Find a local train club. There will be experts there. if you have model train dealers in your area, they can do it for you. Some will install very cheap if you buy the decoder from them.
Bachmann makes a nice DCC controller. http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1453
I use the Digitrax model. http://www.digitrax.com/menu_startersets.php
You can purchase many locos with decoders already installed, but the Thomas series do not have decoders or slots to install decoders. You are on your own for those.
well, i entered this contest on the "World's Greatest Hobby" website to try my luck at winning a Bachmann E-Z Command system (fat chance with that :P). But if i do win it, all i'll have to do is buy the engines, rolling stock, and wire harness decoders, and i'm all set. so i'm keeping my fingers crossed (which is pointless. I never win anything. but you never know!)
don't you have to be over 18 or older to enter that contest