DC or DCC dilemma, please help!

[Space24678]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this but I will anyway.

I recently went to japan and got some kato n scale model trains and I am planning to build an n scale layout out of kato unitrack, however im not sure of it will be best to build the layout in dc or dcc. On one hand i'd really like to use kato's n scale working signals and railway crossings but to my knowledge they only work on dc. On the other hand i'd really like to have multiple locos on the layout at the same time for shunting and such. Add to that i'd like to one day get some locos from other manufacturers and im not sure what the situation is surrounding kato's switch track pieces and they appear to be dc. Is there anyone that could help out and give some advice? thanks.

 

[ctclibby]

Space: Me thinks that you are trying to combine stuff that does not need to be. DC accessory stuff is just that: DC. You are not going to connect those accessories to DC track power as it has it's ups and downs; instead another power supply or 2nd power accessory output on your current supply. Even though there are DCC devices ( signals/block control, turnout control ) that could be connected; DCC it is mostly for control of Engines. I would never use DCC for accessories cuz if something shorts the DCC, everything goes down and you would be splitting ( unplugging or desoldering ) stuff to find the area of the problem. Yes, problems will happen. To me, the best bet would be to wire the track according to DCC standards even though you might start with DC engines.

In a nut shell, Consider for DC:
1 engine/train - track does not need to be split into blocks - just run your train.
2 engines/trains - track needs to be split into control blocks. DPDT toggle switch can handle: set one direction for train1, other for train2.
3+ engines/trains - DPDT toggles won't handle - rotary switches or relays which creates a wiring mess.
In case 2 or 3, you need provisions to setup power blocks. Small layout with 4 or 5 blocks the wiring is not too bad using 4 or 5 toggle switches for running 2 trains. Upwards of that you are gonna pay the price; both in orginal wiring each block cab to a rotary position and troubleshooting. So say you have 3 cabs with associated rotary switches for each block. What if you wanted to add another cab? Trash the control panel and add more positions to the rotaries. How about splitting one long block into 2 blocks - trash and rewire. It is not scaleable by any means.

Google 'DC cab control' for reading pages and pages of info on that.

DCC is/can be split into power blocks also, but in that case those blocks are setup for detection/signaling and troubleshooting.

With DC you control the railroad, DCC you control the train.

L8r

 

[RhB Michael]

DCC can and does control nearly anything you can think of on a modern DCC railroad. For signaling, DCC and block detection is invaluable. It also works for crossing signals and gates. Computer control is another area where it excels if you are into automation. DCC also works for turnout control.

A lot of these accessories can still be powered separately with DC or AC as the case may be, but the control is still DCC using stationary decoders.

 

[J.Albert]

For me, the ability to run multiple engines using dcc is far more important than having crossing signals or wayside RR signals.

And something you didn't ask about...
If you decide to go dcc, check out this system:

EX-CSB1 Express Command Station/Booster - With Power Supply

ATTENTION UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand users: You may be able to save time and shipping costs by ordering from the suppliers listed here: EU - MRW Electronics in Austria UK - Chesterfield AU/NZ - Millennium Engineering Canada - Narrow Gauge Model Railway Supply Canada (NGMRRSC) USA/Canada...

store.dcc-ex.com

Two videos to watch:

 

[trailrider]

Yes, DCC can be used to control multiple engines on the same layout. It is really the best way to have sound on an engine. However, if you are like me, I generally only run one train at a time as I have difficulty walking and chewing gum simultaneously! I also have dozens of older DC locomotives, which I have no intention of converting to DCC due to cost and time. So, I have my layout divided into block for DC, and have a master DPDT switch on my control panel, so I can switch from DC to DCC, as desired.

 

[DeaconKC]

Okay, I love Kato's stuff and use Unitrack on my layout. I built it as a DC layout as I was intimidated by the pricing and "mysteries" surrounding it. However, I did build it with the possibility of going to DCC later. Plenty of power feeds, etc. A few months ago I had the opportunity to pick up a bargain priced DCC starter set so I could try it out. {I already had 2 DCC engines}. I have fallen in love with the running ability of DCC and especially units with sound. So I will be selling many of my older engines that would be very difficult to convert over. Best of luck on your decision.

 

[2Tracks]

Control of the locomotives was also the main factor of DCC for me. As I only run one train at a time now, (well, when I get the bridges back in) looking into the future for multi train operations.

 

[catnippertom]

For me, the ability to run multiple engines using dcc is far more important than having crossing signals or wayside RR signals.

And something you didn't ask about...
If you decide to go dcc, check out this system:

EX-CSB1 Express Command Station/Booster - With Power Supply

ATTENTION UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand users: You may be able to save time and shipping costs by ordering from the suppliers listed here: EU - MRW Electronics in Austria UK - Chesterfield AU/NZ - Millennium Engineering Canada - Narrow Gauge Model Railway Supply Canada (NGMRRSC) USA/Canada...

store.dcc-ex.com

Two videos to watch:

I am currently running this exact setup. It can run both DC and DCC. Works great for me. I am slowly converting my fleet to DCC