New to DCC

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AliG
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:36 pm

New to DCC

Post by AliG »

Hi. Am considering changing over from N Gauge to 00 but thinking I would venture into DCC.

Questions. Where to start.
What kit do you recommend?
I see loco's advertised as "DCC ready" and "DCC sound fitted" Explain please.

Any help would be much appreciated.
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Mountain
Posts: 5856
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2016 3:43 pm
Location: UK.

Re: New to DCC

Post by Mountain »

DCC ready are locos that do not have a DCC decoder, but they do have a DCC socket to make the conversion to DCC easier.

DCC fitted are locos that have DCC decoders already in them.

DCC sound are locos that have DCC sound decoders fitted to them.


There are lots of DCC systems to choose. From Lenz to Gaugemaster and many more.
Bigmet
Posts: 10172
Joined: Tue Aug 14, 2007 2:19 pm

Re: New to DCC

Post by Bigmet »

If going OO, use Peco Streamline track so you have the option of live point crossings which are very helpful in maintaining good electrical pick up, especially valuable if you plan to have any short wheelbase locos.
Currently manufactured OO locos are overall pretty good; but some don't make it easy to fit a decoder.
In steam Bachmann for example make BR standards, 4MT 2-6-4T, 5MT 4-6-0, and the LMS Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0: all these can be swine to get the body off for decoder fitting, and the Ivatt offers very little space for the decoder just to add insult to injury! (That said all good models that run well once the battle is over and victory won...) Hornby have several old low cost clunkers in their steam range and they garnish them with a 4 pin decoder socket which isn't supported by any other manufacturer. Those two dominate the market for steam , but there are also models from Dapol, EFE, Hattons, Heljan, Oxford Rail, Model Rail, Rails of Sheffield, Rapido...
For diesel and electric traction go for the models with centre motor drive to both bogies, there's a good choice available and an even longer manufacturer list, these are typically the easiest thing going for decoder fitting.
Just ask for opinions on whatever specific models are of interest.
DCC systems, wait for the end of lockdown and try out as many as possible to find the control interface that best falls under your hand. It wants to be a pleasure to use; this is a hobby, and enjoyment is pretty key.
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