Here's a link to a site with a lot of information on DCC. 

http://www.tonystrains.com

I talked to them on the phone, they love helping beginners get started, and have some excellent PDF files for download, expecially one called "DCC for beginners".

I might add that DCC is not the "be all, do all" for everyone as it is being hyped to be.  Many experienced modelers still prefer the old reliable DC,  with block control for multiple locos.  I think Krongo's idea of buying the EZ Command/loco combo is a smart way to go. 

Bachmann has a 0-6-0 that I wanted but it was not DCC.  They have the same loco, DCC equipped with the EZ Command for only $125.  That is only $45 for a loco that would normally cost $100 by itself so equipped.  For diesel they have several that could be repainted if you are so inclined.

Bachmann will be releasing their 2008 catalog sometime this month.  It is only $10 and they pay postage.  It's all in color, and it will get your juices flowing.  Give them a call, it is by far the best catalog I have seen. 

For the best prices check out the following.  When you order from them, you have 30 days to return it for any reason whatever, no questions asked, even if you just change your mind and don't want the item.  If an item is defective when you get it, or within the 30 days, they will even send you a prepaid UPS label to return it, and pay the postage to send the replacement.   

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/listings/cat-u.html

For the combos, look in the "Power Supplies and Transformers" section under the Bachmann listing.

Yampa Bob

Thanks Gene
I know I'm being fussy about the buildings, but I want them to look very realistic.  Mention "ranch houses" and people think of the look alikes in cities.  I'm thinking more of a "great house" like on the Ponderosa in Bonanza.

We don't have attached garages here, because most of the garages are actually huge barns used not only for vehicles but for equipment as well.  I don't recall the Cartwrights having the stable attached to the house. 

We think our ranch theme is a very unique idea.  Most layouts have a lot of industries crammed into them.  We want wide open spaces, with a singular theme.  I should probably start a fresh post, I'm kinda hogging Sid's space, or add these comments on my other post. 

If I could find a really good price on the company houses, I think I could chop them up and make some things.  I'm about to give up on the log idea.  I wish someone would make an HO version of the old wooden Lincoln Logs.  My dad bought 20 huge boxes of them at a farm auction and I played with them for years.

Bob

Hi 9ers
As you learned in your post on track, you will not get simple answers here.  So many modelers, all with different preferences.  That's good as you will get a lot of information, although some may not be totally accurate.  We are all learning.

The Bachmann EZ command is only 80 bucks and will give you some experience at first. 

I only buy DCC Equipped,  the quick way to go.  Bachmann will run on DC power right out of the box.

As for sound, to each his own.  Many like it, others hate it.  I tried one, but sent it back because it wasn't realistic sound.

Installing a dual function decoder is not for the beginner or the faint of heart.  You will need a fairly expensive controller capable of programing CVs (Configuration Variables)

These are short answers, others will be in to add much more than I can. Good luck.

Yampa Bob

Atlas must have different statistics, as they just redesigned  all their Code 100 turnouts.  Before I made the choice, I called them and was told 100 is actually growing in popularity.  I know one hobby shop that doesn't even carry the 83.  Could be because he got stuck with a truckload of 100?  The Atlas catalog says "Code 83 is the choice of discerning modelers" which Webster defines as " Insightful, perceptive."   

There will never be a clear "winner" in the code debate but it makes for fun reading.

Over the years we picked up hundreds of discarded ties left by UP along the tracks through our ranch, to build corrals.  They were all black.  Maybe Code 83 has brown ties so when a guy paints the rails rusty brown it doesn't matter if it slops onto the ties.

Bob

Hi Rich
You don't mean to be a rail snob, you are a rail snob. LOL.  But that's ok, new modelers need to know all the pros and cons. 

I just checked  Atlas and Bachmann Code 100 track with a very precise digital caliper, they are both .100" high.  I don't know about the other brands or codes.

Yampa Bob

Code 100  rails are .100" high with black ties. Code 83 is .083" high with brown ties. I'm only familiar with Bachmann and Atlas, other brands may look different.

Most "fine scale modelers" prefer the Code 83 for a more prototypical appearance, and the ties are closer to scale in size and spacing.  Some modelers use both, 100 on the main lines carrying heavier freight, and 83 for sidings or yards.   Transition joiners are available to make the different rail heights match up. 

I've never seen brown ties on full scale tracks, at least not up here.  New ones are black and fade into a dirty gray.  I like the Code 100 as it is a bit sturdier. 

Bachmann EZ track is code 100 and is compatible with other brands of 100 track.
It's your choice.

Yampa Bob

Everything up here in the mountains is high priced, often higher than retail. All the merchants scream about the internet.  I know they can't compete, and they claim we have a moral obligation to buy locally.

Anyway, the closest HS is 200 miles away, so without the net I wouldn't have a hobby.   They say "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" and many stores are doing just that.  It's too bad I can't buy diesel fuel on the net, we're paying almost $4/gallon here, it was $1.75 just a year ago.

Check out the following:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/listings/cat-u.html

They have supplied all my hobby needs for 25 years.  If you join their "Super Saver Club" you get even more savings with monthly quantity discounts. 

Yampa Bob

Thanks Gene
I finally found it in the Walther's catalog, lised under City Classics.  I agree a bit pricey, at $18 a pop.  My favorite discount source doesn't carry them, other sites are out of stock with no expected delivery date. 

Not much info on them, are they wood or styrene?  I would prefer wood that I can stain or paint. 

I'm ready to add buildings to my layout, and can't find a single thing I can use.  I spent many years as a Class A contractor,  and I can say the manufacturers haven't a clue about what a building should look like.  I'ts pretty frustrating.   I don't mind bashing, but at least need something to start with.

I'm really looking for early and modern log houses for a ranch, found one site that will build custom but at $500 each.  The lap siding of the company houses will work if I stained it to look like real wood.   After all I don't live in a plastic house, although we do have mostly metal roofs (Pro Panel) for all the snow. 

Yampa Bob

I like the outhouse too.

I haven't seen these in the Walther's catalog, can you provide a source?  They have good bashing possibilities.  I'm having a problem finding suitable buildings, and I hate to start from scratch.  The windows and doors would almost be worth the price.

You mentioned they are "kits", but this sometimes means prebuilt with some pieces to add.  Are these styrene, and totally unassembled? Prepainted or not?

As an aside, I've been looking for a large ranch house.  I live on a ranch, and I wouldn't live in a house like the ones being offered.  So many structures look like toys.

Your houses look very realistic, nice job.  I added your pictures to my structures file for reference. .

Yampa Bob

I no longer use remote switches, as they don't have the spring force to keep the points tight against the stock rail.

I started out with EZ switches, had similar problems.  Most were corrected, but I am gradually replacing with another brand of manual Code 100 switches, and adding Caboose Industries manual throws.

For hard to reach switches, I add flex aircraft cables under the base.

Yampa Bob

If you're using EZ Command, the manual says Function 10 will give you lighting control.  I'm just starting in DCC, so that's about all I know.

The manual also has information about using a low voltage test track to program user-installed decoders.  I'm fairly new in the hobby, so I only have DCC equipped.

Good luck.

Yampa Bob

My first EZ command went out shortly after I got it.  I sent it to Bachmann,they sent me a new one.  Haven't had any problems since.

Considering I only paid $79 for it, and about $4 for the shipping to Bachmann, I am very pleased with it. 

Yampa Bob

Lot of information at this site:
http://www.tonystrains.com/

There are some sound gurus on the forum who will probably advise.

Yampa Bob

You're welcome, Harry

Woody, my math teacher was also the phys ed instructor, and carried a ball bat around the classroom.  We got the message. 

Good luck with your project, Dr TrainMan.

Yampa Bob

I thought it might be but wasn't sure as I've never seen one up close.

I'm trying to figure out a switch console, with momentary toggle switches and a  digital display indicating the positions. The picture turned on an inspiration light bulb in my mind.

Yampa Bob