Railway Layouts Using DCC
A Digital Command Control or DCC system permits multiple model railway locomotives to run independently of one another. Your railway layouts can therefore have a number of locomotives and you can control numerous functions like the speed of your train, direction, lighting, sound as well as movement.
You will find some engines labeled as “DCC Ready” or “DCC On Board.” DCC Ready means that the locomotive has been setup to accept the DCC decoder. DCC On Board means that the chip has already been installed. If you want sound, it’s best to get it preinstalled otherwise you should get DCC Ready because converting DCC On Board is not easy.
When buying a DCC system bear in mind that the scale of your railroad will determine how much power will be needed. Different train sizes will have their own unique power requirements. Additionally, there are various other options which are available for different DCC systems and they will have a direct bearing on how much the system will cost.
In the end it all boils down to what you want and what your skills sets are. DCC is not the easiest thing to work with, so start with something simple and be certain that you really like it first. Even though DCC may look wonderful at train shows there are many people who favor the good old-fashioned DC system for their layouts. Only time will tell which system you feel is right for you.
Wiring Your DCC Railway Layouts
In case you are fed up with the traditional DC approach for operating your railroad, Digital Command Control can be a viable alternative. DCC calls for highly accurate electrical wiring and it can be a little restrictive.
When constructing model railway layouts you will have to run wiring all through the benchwork, and in case you’re not careful you may wind up having immovable benchwork. For instance, should you wire your layouts so the wires can’t be disconnected, or if the circuit boards can’t be dismounted, then there will be quite a problem should try to take your display to a model train show.
When it comes to your locomotives, the first thing you must do is install the decoder. Decoders are electronic chips which are fitted inside the locomotive. The chip picks up the signal from the track which then routes the power for the appropriate application.
Typically a beginner will only have one locomotive in which to install the chip, however, if you have more than one locomotive you will need a decoder inside each one of them. It is very important that you buy the correct one for your train size. You may run into a problem with small scale trains as there may not be enough space inside the locomotive for the chip.
If you happen to use steam engines, you could always install the decoder behind the locomotive in the tender. Your main goal here is to hide the chip so it is not noticeable. Since trains are all different there may be a specific installation method for each one.
In case you are uncertain on how to install a decoder, you can take it to your local hobby shop and have them do it. Naturally they’ll probably charge you for this but at least you won’t screw it up and possibly ruin the decoder before you’ve even had the opportunity to use it.
When wiring Digital Command Control railway layouts, it needs to be done carefully. Don’t forget that you’re working with electricity, and there will probably be power running through the tracks. Quite simply, don’t stick your tongue on the tracks.
Should you need additional details on DCC wiring, you can check out model railroading forums, ask your local hobby shop for information or get a book that will provide you with detailed info.
Wiring your railway layouts for DCC can be tough, however if you’re able to pull it off you’ll have a model railway which will provide a very gratifying experience not only for you but for everybody that comes to check it out.