Sandro, This has gotten away from DCC, so If you want to respond to this, do so off the DCC subject board please. I've made my decision on that subject. I model for as close to 100% accuracy as is possible within the confines of what is supplied by the N scale manufacturers and my own limitations, that is the fun of it for me, so I'm not interested in looking at stuff that doesn't try to be accurate. There is too much to look at out there that is, but I understand your modeling philosophy. I think you guys call us rivet counters. For example: if a particular steamer that I would like to have isn't built by a manufacturer I try to kit bash it up myself. As I did successfully with four CNR 2-10-2 Santa Fe type steamers, kitbashed up from 16 Mintrix Decapod, Bachmann Northern, Kato Mikado and Atlas Light Pacific steamers. Now that's fun! So all that really matters is....that everybody is having fun within the limitations of what they are capable of.
Watash: After reading your posts, I am thinking of ditching my newly purchased DCC and going to a battery system! To answer your question.. NOTHING. Agreed w/ the posts directly above. Were I in your shoes, I would not do it. Not only that, but I would venture to say your set up operates somewhat flawlessly. Just keep modeling and having fun!!!! I have enjoyed reading your posts on the battery system. Thank you. Kitbash
Nothing. About your experience with a modern MRC power pack: Most of these put out around 5 or 6 amps of power. Modern HO models (that is, models made in the past 5-10 years) the electric motors mostly draw under one amp of current - so those packs will easily run 5 or 6 locos at a time. If you are still using those re-wound 12v motors - I bet they draw 2+ amps and the modern MRC packs aren’t (most of them anyway) designed to handle that (I think they make a beefy pack for larger scales.) Anyway - here is where DCC simply won't work out for you - to convert these older locomotives to DCC will require either large and expensive decoders designed for larger scales or repowering with modern motors - If I were facing such a task I would be more likely to replace the whole locomotive (and I know modelers who are doing this.) In my case I have only two older locos that I am bringing up to modern standards and will repower and add DCC to - but this is only two. I am a very strong DCC supporter and urge anyone who is building or getting ready to build a NEW layout to take a long hard look at the DCC systems out there and try them out. But for layouts that are well underway and modelers with large collections, well it is not always the best thing.
Watash, I am also a DCC proponent. In your case though, I think you have everything you need AND, more importantly, you are happy with it. Besides, your system is so unique, I'd hate to mess with history and have you get the same as everyone else.....LOL. I wish there was a video we could watch with you explaining it. I would enjoy that!!!
Watash, I agree, if you are having fun, you like your system and it isn't broke. Don't Fix It! It sounds like you have the system you want. I went DCC only because I didn't want to mess around with block control. Though I still have a couple blocks, but not like the 20 plus blocks I had in my old layout. Plus I belong to a club that runs DCC and I run my equipment there as well.
