Thebrickfig
Member
I don’t know if this is a stupid question but I really want to know since trains with DCC are on the more pricey end. And the controller for it can be over 500CAD.
I agree w/Willy. I have ran 2 to 4 trains on the same rail at the same time. I had 3 Blocks on the last layout that would hold a long train, but I had a large layout to handle them. This Layout I'm building now will have a few Blocks too.Actually the answer is yes. But with severe limitations. There is no separate control, they both run along in tandem. Slow one down and the other slows with it. Invariably without blocks, one will catch up with the other at some point. If the layout is long enough and divided into blocks that can be turned off and on, one train can be paused briefly if it is catching up to the other. Or one can be pulled into a siding and switched off to accomplish the same thing. Most power packs will deliver ample amperage to run 3-4 locos at the same time, hence the ability to "double-head" your consists.
Absolutely. And I'll let everyone in on a little secret...........................I agree with Mixed Freight, also if you want, at a later date, update to DCC, you can, and if you look around, it's not that expensive, decoders you can fit yourself, the controller would be the most expensive part.
I've the Digitrax Zephyr, one of the reasons I bought it was that you can add a whole host of extras like throttles etcDigitrax may also have a similar, affordable starter system, along with others too. But I'm most familiar with the NCE DCC systems
Now you've opened a minefield in regards to DCC system's, we've had this discussion many time before and their are varying opinion's, everyone has their favourite.I was considering a minitrix DCC starter set when I was shopping around. What is the compatibility like between systems? Someone told me it's a bit of a minefield with different standards and minitrix was using out of date controllers or something which kind of put me off the whole DCC thing. My (new) Kato trains are DCC friendly what ever that means (apparently that can mean different things too)
I have and NCE Starter Set, which is far from a 'starter' set! I've had it about 15 years or so now and it's never let me down. I also have a Roco z21 as I thought having all the features on a screen would be great, I used it once and went back to the NCE. The reason I like it is because it is simple and bomb-proof. I don't know how many times I've dropped the handset, or poured liquid over it, it has always worked faultlessly.I was considering a minitrix DCC starter set when I was shopping around. What is the compatibility like between systems? Someone told me it's a bit of a minefield with different standards and minitrix was using out of date controllers or something which kind of put me off the whole DCC thing. My (new) Kato trains are DCC friendly what ever that means (apparently that can mean different things too)
Oops sorry I guess it is like a computer forum when someone says "Which is the best programming language or Linux distro"Now you've opened a minefield in regards to DCC system's, we've had this discussion many time before and their are varying opinion's, everyone has their favourite.
But it's really down to the individual and what you can afford, versus what do you want it to do, will you have multiple operators, do you intend to have a much larger layout, do you want to walk around without the hassle of cables, the list really get's quite long. If it's just for you, then a simple starter set like the Digitrax Zephyr or NCE Power Cab would work for you, but other member's will have different opinions.
I would look at Digitrax and NCE, they seem to be quite popular, and both can be expanded, with extra throttles etc. if you want, their are others such as Gaugemaster, Bachmann, Lenz and even Hornby (stay away from Hornby, tho) plus many more.
As for you Kato Trains being DCC friendly, that implies they are DCC ready, so a socket is already installed in the locomotive for you to insert your decoder of choice. (the box should read DCC Ready) and installing a decoder into an older locomotive that is pre DCC isn't difficult either, I've done around 40 or so, other members far more.
Well, we're here to help, so when your ready, just ask.Oops sorry I guess it is like a computer forum when someone says "Which is the best programming language or Linux distro"
Yes they have sockets for it but have no clue what to get (also i have some bachman DC trains. How to convert those with the Kato ones to run on the same system? But for my layout it is only 2 ovals, a reversing loop, some sidings and train storage so maybe Analogue DC is all i need.
After all it only really has room to run 2 or 3 trains at a time anyway.
Still it would be interesting to learn more.
Thanks for the information though guys, i am learning more every day
If i ever get a chance for more room (like when my son finally moves out i may be asking for advice with a list of what i have amassed and what i can do with it , until then i guess i will stick with my 2 DC controllers and a lot of DPDT switches and isolators)