N
NP2626
Guest
DC; or, DCC
Title edited on 3/29/2017: Inadvertently, by the use of (Vs.) in the title, it makes it appear there is conflict between the two! Instead let's change the title to DC ; or, DCC. Thanks to Iron Horseman!
I've started this thread because there seems to be a lot of interest in discussing the two most popular methods of running trains, today.
I started my layout with DC control and ran my layout for 10-12 years via DC. However, I chose to get into DCC when Digitrax came out with it's Zephyr DCS 50 starter system. I added fairly cheap decoders to many of my locomotives. Digitrax DH123-D decoders that at the time ModelTrainStuff was selling for less than $20.00 per unit. My DCS 50 Zephyr cost around $169.00. I find these prices to be pretty much the same today as they were when I bought into DCC. I have found DC power packs that sold for higher than what I paid for me Zephyr. However, without doubt, most DC power Packs cost less than $50.00. The reality is that a DCC system is going to be more expensive; however, I don't feel it is that much more so, as to make cost a determining factor and feel most Model Railroaders, if they want DCC, can afford DCC. At an additional $20.00; or, so a locomotive, this isn't a real cost factor, either.
What do I like about DCC? 1). Without throwing block switches, I can run more than one train at a time. I can have two trains out on the main line running and be doing switching in the yard with a switcher all at the same time. 2). I like the fact that I am running a specific locomotive by it's number and not running the track it runs on. 3). I like the fact that I can configure how a locomotive operates by changing Configuration Variables (CVs) within the decoder. 4). I am buying locos with sound and installing sound decoders in many of my locomotives, as I like sound and feel it adds a whole nother dimension to operating my layout. Operating sound via DCC is very realistic and I understand that sound equipped locomotives will operate via DC. However, with DCC I have full control of when sound is operated.
These are some; but, not all the reasons I like DCC.
I also understand that many Model Railroaders are happy with their DC systems, I can totally understand this! I'm not talking about DCC in any attempts to sell DCC to anyone. I think if you've been in the hobby a while, you have all the knowledge you need to decide this matter for yourself! Go DC; or go DCC, the choice is completely up to you!
I'm sure this topic has come up many times in the past and will likely be brought up again! This was not posted to cause ill will between us Model Railroaders; but, in hopes of allowing us to share our opinions on both DC and DCC.
Title edited on 3/29/2017: Inadvertently, by the use of (Vs.) in the title, it makes it appear there is conflict between the two! Instead let's change the title to DC ; or, DCC. Thanks to Iron Horseman!
I've started this thread because there seems to be a lot of interest in discussing the two most popular methods of running trains, today.
I started my layout with DC control and ran my layout for 10-12 years via DC. However, I chose to get into DCC when Digitrax came out with it's Zephyr DCS 50 starter system. I added fairly cheap decoders to many of my locomotives. Digitrax DH123-D decoders that at the time ModelTrainStuff was selling for less than $20.00 per unit. My DCS 50 Zephyr cost around $169.00. I find these prices to be pretty much the same today as they were when I bought into DCC. I have found DC power packs that sold for higher than what I paid for me Zephyr. However, without doubt, most DC power Packs cost less than $50.00. The reality is that a DCC system is going to be more expensive; however, I don't feel it is that much more so, as to make cost a determining factor and feel most Model Railroaders, if they want DCC, can afford DCC. At an additional $20.00; or, so a locomotive, this isn't a real cost factor, either.
What do I like about DCC? 1). Without throwing block switches, I can run more than one train at a time. I can have two trains out on the main line running and be doing switching in the yard with a switcher all at the same time. 2). I like the fact that I am running a specific locomotive by it's number and not running the track it runs on. 3). I like the fact that I can configure how a locomotive operates by changing Configuration Variables (CVs) within the decoder. 4). I am buying locos with sound and installing sound decoders in many of my locomotives, as I like sound and feel it adds a whole nother dimension to operating my layout. Operating sound via DCC is very realistic and I understand that sound equipped locomotives will operate via DC. However, with DCC I have full control of when sound is operated.
These are some; but, not all the reasons I like DCC.
I also understand that many Model Railroaders are happy with their DC systems, I can totally understand this! I'm not talking about DCC in any attempts to sell DCC to anyone. I think if you've been in the hobby a while, you have all the knowledge you need to decide this matter for yourself! Go DC; or go DCC, the choice is completely up to you!
I'm sure this topic has come up many times in the past and will likely be brought up again! This was not posted to cause ill will between us Model Railroaders; but, in hopes of allowing us to share our opinions on both DC and DCC.
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