Build now Convert to DCC Later

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Waggs

Waggs

New Member
Hi All, I'm new here and have had a "N" scale starter train set in the box for around 15 years now. Never before did I have time to get around to really doing anything with it. At the time, I was interested in the "N" scale because of the space requirements. So, my wife went out and bought me a "N" scale train set for Christmas along with a few extras.

Well, now I have time and a small bedroom I can use for setting up a nice layout. The room is 10' x 12' and I was thinking of doing an "L" shaped layout, maybe 10' x 8'.

I am wondering, if I build, using the standard power pack that came with the set, getting everything running right with all the tunnels, hills, mining camp, and trestles, how hard is it going to be to convert later on to DCC? I was forced into early retirement due to a stroke and a heart attack about a year and a half ago and the income was drastically reduced so the budget isn't as robust as it once was.

Thanks for any input you might give.
 
If the track plan is relatively simple without any reverse loops, wye's, etc.,.....you will simply move the two wires from your DC powerpack over to the outputs on the new DCC power unit. If you have alot of motor controlled turnouts and other complexities it might be a little more involved. And of course your locomotives will each need a decoder.


Mike
 
Well, I was going to have the mining area a working area and then come to the main line and then an area that is like a working rail yard at one far end. Both will connect to the main line. I need to start putting this layout on paper.
 


The only thing different you would really need is a few more power feeds to the track. You can do this now, and eliminate problems and modifications later.
If you want to have the mine separately run, you can use insulated rail joiners and power feeds to that area. You can later use that as a separate power district with a booster, if needed, when you go to DCC.
 
Waggs said:
I am wondering, if I build, using the standard power pack that came with the set, getting everything running right with all the tunnels, hills, mining camp, and trestles, how hard is it going to be to convert later on to DCC?
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Converting the layout is never really hard. In the perfect world it is a matter of removing the DC power pack and replacing it with the DCC. Just make certain you put enough feeder wires in.

It is the locomotives that are the "harder" conversion part.
 
Waggs -

What you are planning is exactly what I did with my N-scale layout.

I layed the track, ran a power bus around the layout, dropped plenty of feeders from the track to the bus, hooked up an old DC power pack and ran trains for a while. After a few months, I purchased a NCE PowerCab DCC controller.

At that point, I disconnected the two wires from the DC power pack and connected them to the PowerCab. I placed my (then) one and only DCC locomotive on the tracks and presto! I was running DCC.

Installing DCC decoders in my remaining locos has been gradual and relatively painless. I began with the easiest-to-convert locomotives and worked my way up to the trickier ones. There are companies that will install DCC decoders in locos for you if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

- Jeff
 
You've already gotten some pretty good advice on wiring the track, etc. I'll just add that if your budget will allow it, when you buy new locomotives, get them with decoders already installed. Most manufactures have their decoder-equipped locos preconfigured in 'dual mode', meaning that the decoders know if they are on a DC track or DCC. This way when you do finally get to the point of buying that DCC hardware, you won't be faced with having to install decoders in a large fleet of existing locos. [Don't ask me how I know this...:rolleyes:]

In any event, good luck with your project. It looks like you've got the real estate for a pretty decent-sized N scale pike.
 
Thank everyone for your advice. As it is I'm just in the planning stages so I can wire it however it needs to be wired. I'll upload my plan as soon as I have more of it in my mind as to how I want it. Then get your advice as to what I should put in the drops for DCC later on and just 2 train operation to begin with. As for real estate, I can am thinking about an "L" or partial "U" shape using 10' x 12' x 3' or there abouts. I have to stop thinking HO scale and how much room is needed for that and get into "N" scale mode.

I did find some really nice videos on YouTube by a guy names Mike Fifer and he's done a pretty good job of documenting his build. I was thinking about using some of his ideas as well. I don't think it's in my budget to buy the Kato Unitrack to start with.

Well, once again thanks and I'll be back adding as I go. As for now it's going to be a DC layout and hope I can run 2 trains.
 
Waggs -

Another thought (or two). The wiring to be able to run two trains at the same time with DC is much more complicated than wiring for DCC. To run two trains simultaneously with DC requires two power packs, numerous electrical switches, and extra wires, much of which is not needed with DCC.

So while you will save the cost of a DCC controller, you will spend some of that savings on all the extra equipment needed for two-train operation with DC. Not to mention the extra work it takes to wire up a two-train DC system.

Mike Fifer is a great guy. He and his wife Robin run a nice online store, Fifer Hobby Supply, specializing in N-scale trains. I have no affiliation other than that of a happy customer.

- Jeff
 
Waggs,

Keeping thinking HO and build N. Your layout will be much more prototypical that way. I run a larger radius (27") in N scale than I did in HO (24").

Glenn
 


jdetray said:
Another thought (or two). The wiring to be able to run two trains at the same time with DC is much more complicated than wiring for DCC. To run two trains simultaneously with DC requires two power packs, numerous electrical switches, and extra wires, much of which is not needed with DCC.
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I agree, seems a lot of work to do if one is only going to convert in a reasonably short period of time.
 
Having looked at the cost for DCC conversion and the budget I'm on, it may be several years before I can convert. Being retired, not by choice but because of health, I have lots of time on my hands. switches and wire are cheap and having been a network engineer, a spiderweb of wiring is nothing new to me. :)
 
Waggs said:
Just found this on Youtube. The guy says it's all DC.
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Well yeah, as a small child I often ran a zillion trains on a single track. The longer the track the easier to do. Notice he doesn't say anything about them being independently controlled. And one can even see one of the trains bearing down on another. Were the clip longer there would have been a big train wreck. On the other hand I do know of a person who has a very elaborate automated DC layout. He claims there is no block selector action going on. The trick is he has it all CTC signaled. The block controls are disguised by the computer control and driven based off the CTC panel, but they are still there. Very elaborate and complicated to build from the ground up.

I am one of the ones that finds electricity easy and can do all things with DC, a few transistors, and relays, but why? Were I an electrical hobbyist it might be different, but I am a model railroader. I want to spend time with the trains not working on them.
 
Ok, here's another question, Can I wire as if I am installing DCC right now and run a train or 2 on DC? I have in mind a yard with a turn table, round house and [FONT=&quot]maintenance[/FONT] area with storage. I also want an area where mining or logging or both is taking place. What are your thoughts on this?
 
Waggs said:
Ok, here's another question, Can I wire as if I am installing DCC right now and run a train or 2 on DC? I have in mind a yard with a turn table, round house and [FONT=&quot]maintenance[/FONT] area with storage. I also want an area where mining or logging or both is taking place. What are your thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

Sure you can. Unless you have some crazy complex track arrangements. Multiple power districts, reverse loops, etc. Your wiring for DC will easily convert to DCC. If you have the feeder wires going to a bus wires, and then going to your DC controller. Then all you have to do is connect your DCC system to that same bus wire, and bam your done.
 
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Well. when I get some sort of plan designed, I'll post it up here and ask for help wiring it. I will have a couple of DC power supplies to play with to start out, maybe more. Ebay is killing me right now.
 
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