What do ya reckon? If you are building a small switching layout and will mostly operate it by yourself (occasionally with a second user) and would most likely never have more than two locomotives on it at one time, would you go DCC or DC. I am probably going to get some biased replies since this is a DCC forum... But for me, I would go DCC - if only for the special effects (lights and sound.) I think I am at a point with the DC / DCC debate that I no longer view DCC as a monetary 'expense' but rather view DC has having an non-monetary 'expense' associated it. [ 04 February 2002, 21:33: Message edited by: yankinoz ]
I am building an Ntrak Yard module set. What am I going to control my tracks with? You got it, DCC. I think that the realism offered for DCC, especially if you have a second operator and/or loco, outweighs any cost.
I would opt for DCC for all the reason's you mentioned, but to keep the wiring simpler as well. As soon as you have a second independent loco being operated by some one else, you're talking blocks.
Considering you're starting out fresh....... you ought to choose DCC. It may cost a bit more initially, but the advantages far out- weigh the additional cost. DCC gives you sound, continous lighting and direct control of every locomotive.
A small switching layout would be ideal for DCC. Then you can spend your time running your train instead of worrying about power to your track. If you have another operator over, you can work in very close proximity to them, or even have them help you pull out a long block of cars. You can also have operators be in the same siding at the same time, going different directions. As for systems, I have NCE myself but there are good systems out there. If you are switching you may want to check out System One from Wangrow or North Coast Engineering (NCE). I know on the programming throttle from NCE you can have your throttle set to what I believe is called "ballistic" mode. This is where you rotate your throttle thumbwheel forward or backward to control speed and direction, once you go back through zero you go into reverse, without having to press the direction button. Good Luck.
I too have the NCE system with a small layout. With the thumbwheel in yard mode, you can do some great switching with one hand, and use the other to throw the turnouts for realistic yard operation.
My layout-in-progress is not small, nor large. Dcc is planned to alleviate wiring woes, and to simplify loco operations. What system would go well with a modest loco fleet or about 15-20 loos, on a 17'6" x 9'6" layout? Which, for the price, and features that I'll actually USE, is best? Which brands are best? In N scale decoders, which are best bang for the buck?
You are going to get as many answers to those questions as there are DCC systems. It's really not a cut and dry question of which is best, but more an issue of which is best for you. If at all possible, find local DCC users and join some operating sessions on their layouts (this is easier to do that it sounds) and get some hands on experience with at least one system. Then you can start to tell what you like and don't like. The other thing to consider is local support. The net is great for Q&A but if you need someone to walk you through something you really need to find local users of a particular system. The best part: no mater was system you choose, the decoders are interchangeable so if you end up hating the system you choose - you will not have to reinstall decoders to switch.
I only used DCC on a larger layout, however like was mentioned Before, when you want 2 or more locos runing independantly, it's better with DCC.......one thing I recomend that you leave one number open so you can run undecoder equiped units on the lay out. Onle a few of my Es have decoders so when I ran freight I only could use the channel for non docodered units. But I have to admit I do like the DCC concept for yard switching..even if this is a DC guy talking
