I'm looking to build a 1' x 5' shelf layout (maybe in HO or N, haven't made my mind up yet) I will only use one switcher so having DCC and all that stuff is a waste for me. Can you buy them without dcc? Thanks.
There are many. If you read carefully, many of the adverts say either "DCC Equipped", "DCC Ready" or occasionally "DC Only." DCC Equipped have the DCC decoder already onboard. Those marked DCC Ready are DC locomotives with a prewired plug to make adding a DCC decoder simple if desired. "DC Only" are just that, and do not include any prewiring toward eventual DCC installation.
Let's ask a simple question first before suggesting a non DCC switcher...what region and era are you planning on modeling? Also, with your limited space, I would recommend that you go with N Scale. I have three different types of N Scale switchers, an Atlas VO-1000, Arnold SW1 and three Micro Trains SW1500's. The SW1 looks great but has crappy pickup, when it runs, it is a decent switcher, but if it wasn't for my prototype having one, I would sell it off. The Micro Trains SW1500 has crisp bodywork, perfect paint, and the good Life Like SW chassis, it runs pretty well, but is the best looking of the bunch. My VO-1000 is by far the the best running of the bunch and the details are good and so is the paint. These locos were all on the Southern Pacific SW1's were built in 1939, three were left in 1970, the last one was on the 1978 roster. The VO-1000's were built between 1941 and 1944, were off the roster by 1966, were still running in 1964. SW1500'S were built in 1967 through 1973 and many are still running on local short lines...
I'm not sure, probably 50' industrial. I want a switching layout. I even thought of doing something very simple like an Inglenook. I'm thinking of N at this point as well. I could get a nice layout in my space.
Atlas, Athearn, Walthers and more make DC Locomotives. Most of the time they will offer models with both DCC and without, so just check the box. If you see a model that is more expensive than another, usually those are the ones with a DCC decoder. Pretty much any manufacturer (except maybe some high-end brass) will offer locomotives without decoders. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Working on my first LocoFi install. The future beyond DCC.....with sound and micro SD card for sound and other upgrades on board. This connects to app on phone or tablet device and uses your local WiFi home network for carrying commands. LED's to replace bulb not yet installed. Engine is pre-DCC era Stewart/Kato F7 A Will be attached to LiPo batteries in B units later. For now using my NCE PowerCab to supply 16 va power to test track. .
It all depends on how much modeling vs. train running you want. Well gee, that would be perfect for narrow gauge. Perhaps 55n3, 35mm 2 ft gauge, or gn15, all possible with HO mechs and track.
