I'm Both.....half is wired DC...half is wired DCC
H0 - All DCC except for one automatic hidden yard which is still dc. But it will be a while still before all my locomotives are equpped with decoders. In the meantime, they wait patiently on a shelf - I do not run decoderless locomotives on DCC at all.
LS - All DCC except for a couple of RC/battery locomotives.
Primarily dcc (digitrax) but I have switch for switing the layout to DC , for running vintage (like bachmann, tyco, etc..) peices.
Still and planning to remain DC. I don't care for sound in smaller scales and am building a large HO layout that will stage about 35 trains and operate 8-10 trains at once. Some will operate in a semi-automatic mode using computerized block control.
The computerized block control will allow colision free operation for display or walk around operation for "operating sessions", or both can be combined to suit the number of operators available.
Sheldon
DC... and don't ever plan to degrade my system by adding another C! The guys at the local club may snub their noses at me, but... who cares? I, and my FRIENDS are happy! -and the trains don't seem to mind, either! Isn't life GREAT? Ernie
Hendersonville,NC
p.s.
and, at least for the time being- until finances improve GREATLY, I still run HORN-HOOK COUPLERS!! That may change someday!! lol
ECD
OO and Large Scale = DC - Too many locos in OO to convert and don't run the large scale often enough to warrant it.
On30 = DCC - Decided to go down the path from the day I started in On30 - and i love the sound, especially from the Tsunamis!!
I have about 20 UK locos, and with a new layout in the build I thought I would also convert my stock to DCC and have simplied wiring. I am not interested in sound.
I found I bought into the wrong deal with the EZ Command Controller because it would not program CV's
Everything is on hold until I move from "EZ" to something else, or we get more than "vapour" about Dynamis.
My modeling interests have recently changed to On30, and with all of the nice, reasonably priced DCC equipped models out there it was a no brainer to go DCC. I've yet to be disappointed with my decision...As a matter of fact my BMan porter is scheduled for a trip to the roundhouse for a professional decoder install... ;D
Howard
I'm waiting for my Zephyr, so I'm still DC, but by this weekend, DCC HERE WE GO!
I'm in the early stages of building my fourth layout and I plan to wire it in preperation of using DCC. Jim Banner gave me a great idea of using a hidden yard in DC. This could also serve as a programming track. Thanks Jim for the thought. I, too, will slowly convert my DC engines to DCC.
Since I am just starting in the hobby, I figured I would make the investment to start with DCC. I have the Digital Commander starter kit and a little bit of extra track. I just built a table to do a layout on.
7 for DCC
5 for DC
Make that six for DC.
Just DC for me.
I noticed QSi is going to do a DC SOUND unit with a choice of Bemf & sensor for chuff rate.
This is perfect for me. Too much old 00 stuff to convert to DCC if at all possible.
DCC by NCE, both at cluband home
DC forever... I don't want to mill the frames on my older N scale locos.
I run DC/analog. Nigel and several other DCC experts on this forum have made a great case for DCC ... but for now, I am more into 'kitbashing' ICRR steam and green diamond diesels, as well as building resin kits and high quality styrene kits such as Branchline Blueprint series, etc.
So, this winter, my layout has remained unfinished with some trackwork and a yard to be completed and the whole thing to be rewired. Financially, DCC is not an option presently, so, while envious of those have DCC and are experts with sound, decoders, etc. I plan to stay DC for the forseeable future.
lanny nicolet
DC Only, looking forward to broadway limited new dc sound loco's for $169.95
OK,
The current score:
DCC 8
DC 10
This is about what I said in my many posts about this subject, DCC is a large minorty, something more than 1/3 but less than half.
Admittedly this is a small sample, but these percentages seem to match the other modelers I know and and what shop owners have related.
This has never been an inexpensive hobby once you get more involved, but if it gets to the point that just getting started is both expensive and complex, which may have hapened allready, the number of new modelers will be limited. That is not a good thing.
DCC can be very expensive, and it is an invisable expense. It does not add a locomotive or freight car or structure to your layout.
Again, I am not against DCC or sound in general. If I was modeling On30 I would have both DCC and sound. But for my goals in HO they are not desirable or cost effective. And I can't imagine why anyone in N scale would want the problems of fitting decoders in those locos.
And, dare I say, if you just depend on ready to run products to solve problems like N scale decoder installation, then it becomes more like setting up Marklin, not building a model railroad in the long standing tradition of this hobby. (It was hard, but I avoided the dreaded "serious modeler" phrase)
And computerized block control is offering a high tech choice that solves the same old fashioned limitations of DC cab control that DCC does, just in different ways with different trade offs.
Just remember, just my opinion.
Sheldon
1 DCC oval - 3 DC ovals
DC, or summat more accurately PWM (pulse width modulation) I just like the operating characteristics of the Crest power packs....BTW as I understand it mixing PWM and DCC will cause havoc with the decoders, so I doubt I'll convert anytime soon!
DC for me in N, HO, S, large, and some O (rest of O is AC). Plan to go with either Direct Block Control or Computerized Block Control for future HO layout.- Mike S.
When I started my new layout, I wired it for DCC and have had nothing but fun, greatly simplified wiring, multiple tains with on throttle in different directions on the same main. I'm not a DCC snob, but with the price and simplicity of DCC, I couldn't see myself spending hours on wiring (I do enough at work) plus the price of good electrical switches, wire and control panels isn't getting cheaper either.
brad
DC all the way! ;D
Current Score:
Still holding at about the same percentages
DCC 45%
DC 55%
With about 15% of the DC crowd interested in computerized block control.
Question for Jim Banner,
You did compertized block control in the past, correct?
Have you looked at Oak Tree Systems or Signal Research?
Both of which use a cab for every block rather than doing any high current switching. I know you are happy with DCC, but was just interested in you thoughts
Sheldon
Since I'm into On30, DCC is the thing as many engines come that way so to change to regular DC would be going backwards.
I vote DCC.
NCE DCC,
Since I was into CTC16/32 and Dynatrol in years past, when I built my HO layout several years ago I started from the beginning with DCC and when I converted to On30 a year+ ago it was a natural progression all with sound of course ;D.
Ken
Two Levels :
Lower Level - all DCC
Upper level - switchable DC/DCC
DCC - Uhlenbrock Intellibox
Interesting thread. I operate for the most part in DCC but then most of you already knew that. I also have live steam which in time I will also convert to DCC.
As the prices continue to drop and the quality for the low end stuff continues to improve in time most new modelers will likely start off in DCC. But that is just an opinion.
Stan Ames
Quote from: atlanticcentral on February 10, 2007, 10:05:19 AM
Current Score:
Still holding at about the same percentages
DCC 45%
DC 55%
With about 15% of the DC crowd interested in computerized block control.
I recently built a single-oval N scale layout that uses gravity as the power source. I built the benchwork so that it can be tilted a little in all directions with a finger. I also made two very free-rolling dummy locos from Atlas parts. I installed locks on the track that can open or close to prevent runaway cars and hold them. The entire project was done in a week and it was the cheapest layout I've built yet, since it required no power pack and powered locomotives.
Fn3 DCC SS track outdoors
100% DC in HO and LS all AC in O scale.
Stephen
a mix...
DCC in large scale, a little DCC in ho and dc in ho as well.
I use DC, but I'll probably convert to EZ-Command some time in the future.
Stephen : I'm interested in your O gague AC set-up. What is the direction changing system. I had AC Trix and it was a real toss-up as to which direction the engine would move when the voltage was increased!
All of my O scale is Lionel so I used the automatic E units in the locomotives where you could lock in the direction of travel or leave in centered postion where you could change direction simply via turning off the power then re applying it. Its has been ages since I have ran my 1970s vintage Lionel stuff so my memory is a bit confused on some of the terms now alot of my rolling stock I loaned to my cousin to run behind his modern Mth stuff.
Stephen
HO DCC & sound club & home. NCE. A little DC at both.
Lionel & Marx 0-27 three rail, AC
DC only for my large scale trains.DC is less work,and less money,more time and more money for trains.
David
DC only for my On30 layout. Like Dtrains I'ld prefer to spend my time and hard earned $ on trains, rolling stock, track upgrades, and buildings for my layout.
Barry
New to the hobby but I went with DCC. I like it so far. I have a friend that runs DC and after seeing mine, he is think about switching. Presently planning on converting 2 Proto 2000 and an Athearn that I've recently purchased.
When I was in O scale I was running TMCC, so it was only natural that I added DCC to my current layout. I love it!! More importantly, my wife and I can run trains together, which adds alot.
Plus adding DCC decoders is alot of fun as well. Gives you the chance to take stuff apart and(hopefully) put them back together in better shape than when you bought them.
Digitrax DCC ;D
Went with it mostly due to cost factors. I like multiple operators and since this will be my "last" layout, as well as the biggest 23 x 17', with 8-10 operators, the cost of the additional multiple level rotaries I was going to need, as well as the cost of adding additional wafers to the rotaries I already had, was going to be the greater than the cost of an entire DCC setup with the decoders for 1/2 my locos, I went DCC.
I have found the wiring a whole lot simplier and I wonder why I didn't do this years before I finally did 5 years ago. 8)
I'm not "putting down" those who still operate DC. Its just that DCC, in my case, was less of an expense.
If the market follows suit with MRC (Model Rectifier Corporation), we will have no choice! When you go with their Prodigy Advance system or Advance Squared, DC will not even operate on it! I am afraid that some day soon we will be saying, "Remember those old DC days?"
DCC in Large Scale (Fn3) on all but a few locomotives; just picked up 4 more decoders at the Springfield (MA) show, just haven't had the time :) to install them yet. Only locomotives that are NON-DCC are my 2 live-steamers ;D - an Accucraft 3-cylinder Shay (set up for RC operation), & a "Ruby #11" 2-4-2 (still manually controlled at this point, RC is planned for it). ;) Running brass track on both indoor & outdoor layouts, mostly Aristo with LGB switches. Tom
PS- for anyone who's wondering ???, the live steamers operate ONLY outdoors! :D
Count me as both DC and DCC. I'm currently trying to build a Christmas Layout in DC, but have had most locos converted to DCC for a full 9'x9' layout I plan for a hobby room -- although if I can't figure an easy way to put Plastic Rail Joiners on the Bachmann EZ Track to create simple blocks, I may be forced to go DCC on both layouts -- I have too much invested in track to do otherwise. :( I really hate to give up those little 2-6-2 Prairies and 2-6-0 Moguls Bachmann has - even though they are just modified 0-6-0 Switchers....
John Murphy
My layout is wired for both. An old MRC Tech II with momentum and an E-Z Command DCC from you know who. I really hope I didn't make the wrong choice with the EZC set.
Sid
I run my HO stuff in dcc, and my G, O, and N stuff in dc (well, ac with O). The N scale stuff I dont use often enough to need to convert, plus its a little too small for my soldering skills. My HO layout is the only "permanent" one, and is a 4x8 table plus a 2x10 shelf, connected by a hole in a wall-my dad was not very happy. I use the E-Z command system and run 5 locos. An athearn GP38-2 BNSF with the decoder from a Bachmann GP-40, Bachmann 70 tonner SP, Athearn S-12 painted for the CPLT with a MRC something decoder,an Athearn GP-7 MILW with the same type of decoder, and whatever DC loco I can get to work-usually an IHC 2-8-2.