DCC and Automation is it really value for money at Chadwick Model Railway | 169
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2022
- Are DCC components overpriced and over engineered for our requirements, or do we need to explore these functions more? Are we really getting value for money? Check it out with Chadwick Model Railway.
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Another greatly entertaining video Charlie! I’ve yet to delve into the ‘delights’ of DCC, not because of a Luddite devotion to DC but because we haven’t moved yet and, thus, I haven’t got around to using the old Lens system my friend kindly gave me when they had no more use for it! 😉 I have a few ready to go DCC locos which I deliberately bought at bargain prices to force my hand so I might just try out a simple old steam MPD for size as it seems a sensible starter project before I jump in the deep end and start upgrading to a new system! 😂
The sequence you showed illustrates exactly the reason DCC does appeal to me. My ultimate aim is a garden layout where I can set a sequence like yours so different trains can follow one another before disappearing into the large shed or garage that I will utilise as a railway room. I first saw a system like this about 15 years ago and this video has completely reinvigorated my interest…so I guess I really ought to get on with the house moving issue! 🤔
Thanks as ever mate, have a great week 👍🍻🍀
An excellent comment Tim. I’m so pleased that you will come over to us from the dark side! Happy modelling mate. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway: yeah, just got to work out how to use the force mate 😜
I can only imagine how much work went into making that video. Nicely edited and flawless operation of four separate trains. Good job.
Thanks mate, I’m grateful for your comment. Regards Charlie
Wow! It's so gratifying to see four or five trains just up and traverse the layout; but, I know the preparation necessary to show us that seven minute session was immense. Thank you for showing how Train Controller makes all this possible. My gang on this side really wants to 'operate" their layouts, and this kind of automation really doesn't fit into that type of running, Still, it is amazing to watch what you have created happen. Another brilliant video, Charlie! Can't wait for the next lesson!
Thanks Pat, that’s very kind of you to say so. Without the computer program I could never change all the points, or turnouts as you call them, in time. It would just be mayhem. I’m so pleased that you are enjoying your railway journey with me. Regards Charlie
I've given no thought to Train Controller on account of JMRI being free and having programming experience. I've never actually seen the price they're charging for Train Controller until now and HOLY CHRIST. I would find it hard to spend that on *any* software
You make an excellent point BA, however programming is something that many of us struggle with. Regards Charlie
my favourite bit is when they describe a $205 product (the bronze edition) as "Low-cost entry into model railroad control with the computer."
In the commercial world it is a little on the high side if you think about standard office software but how much is a licence for AutoCAD or Mettashape or ArcGIS? Quite a bit more. You are however correct that JMRI is a good mature alternative. IMHO the real question is how much effort you have to put in after purchasing the software getting it to work as described.
iam a dc guy i am housebound and cannot do most things i just run my trains on a large layout but i love your videos they are fun and you do all the things i cant keep up the good work and thank you
What a heartwarming comment Geoffrey, many thanks, stay safe mate, regards Charlie
well done on the explanation especially liked the split screen display of how it worked .Thanks
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards, Charlie
I'm DC through and through and my point motors are my two forefingers. lol Seriously though that was a very enjoyable video Charlie thank you, and just to see the trains running round was worth the admission fee in itself. All the best.
Thanks Tim, and good luck with your project mate. Regards Charlie
I'm strictly DC but I did watch the entire video nonetheless! ;-) My layout is "circular", but I can sit in the middle and reach everything, including my hand of god points. I am the first to admit electrics, and therefore electronics, is not my strong point, so I just keep it all simple. I have nothing against folk who want to invest in all this gubbins but it's just not for me (old dog, new tricks, etc) and there's only me going to see it. For example, loco noises are all well and good, but I couldn't honestly say I would know the difference if you played a Class 37 "soundtrack" while a different loco trundled past, or vice versa. Still a very enjoyable video Charlie. Cheers
I’m so pleased that you get much enjoyment from our hobby Davie. After all, that’s all that really matters. Regards Charlie
With you all the way there Davie!
Very cool. Love watching the progress.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Another brilliant video, Charlie. I appreciate not only the work that is put into the video editing, but also the programming and construction to make this possible. Many, many hours.
Thanks Richard, it’s great to be appreciated. Regards Charlie
As ever, Charlie, a very useful and thought-provoking video, thank you.
The more I’ve followed your blood, toil, tears and bank manager’s sweat in building your masterpiece in automation, the more I’ve realised DCC is not for me. Picking up from my main real-life career, my enjoyment comes from operating the trains myself to some sort of believable timetable. So the thought of setting up a system for trains to run themselves while I nip out to boil the kettle defeats the object for me, personally. Also, as Paul Cherry shows in his videos which run on a layout the complete antithesis to yours, there are all sorts of gems of DC locos from yesteryear available secondhand which encourage some good ‘retro railway modelling’. But, horses for courses and I shall continue to watch all your videos with eager anticipation and close attention as I always learn something from them. Good luck with the next round of construction!
What’s a heartwarming comment Will.
As you say, horses for courses and it’s that variation that keeps our hobby alive. It would be terribly sad if we’re all computer geek modellers!
Stay safe, regards Charlie
Wonderful Charlie, so much work to get this all set up. Well done
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Thanks for the clear description and great camera work!
Glad it was helpful mate.
Regards Charlie
Charlie,
I enjoy your videos so much. I learn with every one of them. My progress with my layout is just starting and the information you have presented over the span of three years has given me enough to think about as I plan. I thank you for that.
That’s great news Jim.
I’m so pleased that you find the videos useful on your own layout mate.
Regards Charlie
Impressive information Charlie! Thanks for sharing it in this video. These pointers will definitely help the guys with their respective layouts. Awaiting new updates again!
Adriel, I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
That's amazing Charlie. Well done.
Thanks RC, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie
Excellent video as ever. Well done on achieving all the screen sharing showing the progress of the trains on the layout and on the PC simulantonously. The automatic running is very impressive.
Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Well done, great info ... cheers
You’re most welcome Gene. Regards Charlie
Thank you for all your teaching
Great videos and well explains
Thanks Stephane, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, regards Charlie
Inspiring vid. Thanks Charlie
That’s most kind JP. Regards Charlie
Another great informative video Charlie 👍
Thanks Jeff, regards Charlie
Awesome video Charlie. That must have taken a long time. Thank you for your effort.
Thanks Antony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards Charlie
Charlie,
It's been a delight to watch and soak in all your info and experiences of how you have developed your layout in the last couple of years.
I am predominantly a modelmaker of dioramas, but have always had a urge to build a layout.
So have started on a very ambitious project of a very large 1960's London based OO gauge layout, which has started with the first board of the 4 lane scratch built engine shed.
Through lockdown your video's were inspiring, and this latest video has shed further light on the complexity, and also simplicity of how to run with DCC.
Keep up the fantabulous work with Chadwick Parkway.
Happy days
What a very heartwarming comment Rufus, thank you. I’m also thinking about building a diorama! Regards Charlie
Absolutely amazing set up 🤓
I’m glad you think so, have a great Christmas, regards, Charlie
Another great and informative Video. Would love another video on more detail about the wiring for Automation
Thanks Mark, do check out the video number 137. Regards Charlie
That is really a fine setup. Look forward to further progress.
Thanks Ronny, regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie for taking us on this journey of building the layout I have been watching since your first small layout and the evolution has been very absorbing and informative , it is truly a labour of love and I look forward to seeing more videos , I hope you get the issues on your Pullman and King sorted soon , cheers my friend all the best 👍
Thanks Leslie, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Once again a brilliant video, I for one am looking forward to the building videos
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Charlie, Great video on the uses of automation.
For your DC viewers, I installed a Soundtraxx Blunami 2200 Steam 2 decoder in my 0-16.5 On30 C-16 2-8-0. What is great about that decoder is you do not need a DCC system to control it. You can power the Blunami on DC, DCC or even by Battery control it using the Blunami app on an Apple device. You can reprogram the CVs right in the Blunami app. The Lego train guys are posting to TH-cam about installing those Blunami decoders in their trains, which now give them remote control and sound. But, back to my install. I have experimented with running the Blunami equipped locomotive with a Digitrax DCS-52 and I have controlled it with my iPad mini. No problems at all. As long as there is a power source your Apple device can control the loco. I am now about to take the experiments further. Tonight I will try the Blunami powered by a high end DC power pack. I also plan it to put a slide switch in the tender between the track pickup, battery power and the decoder. With the idea that I can just throw the slide switch to the power source I choose. I have an idea that the side switch could protrude through the tender bottom. I have been to a train show where a club's display layout was out of operation for a whole day because something was wrong in the Digitrax system. With the ability to run on battery (DeadRail) one could have run trains while they tried to figure out what was going on in their DCC system. This week, I have posted videos of my Broadway Limited Imports On30 2-8-0 on a Facebook Group called On30 Railroading. I have one running the original QSI DCC with sound, one converted to Tsunami 2200 Steam 2 and converted to the Blunami 2200 Steam 2.
Some of my peers have been encouraging me to post content on TH-cam. I keep thinking back to that video you did on being a TH-cam Content Provider. If I could find it, I would like to watch it again. That was an eye opener. Also, I may have an article in the next On30 Annual on converting, tuning and kitbashing the BLI C-16s. Soundtraxx is also asking me to post my conversions, but we are still talking about where to post. I have had a discussion with Soundtraxx on using the diesel versions of the Blunami in battery powered military tanks.
I would love to hear more about Blunami as I have just discovered this product and can see how it is a further step in evolving the hobby IMO. Downsides would be investing in new decoders for your trains and only US sounds available at the moment? But so many benefits in WIFI control and setup directly. Want to learn more.... This sounds like a fantastic product. Thanks for posting.
This really is a new concept to me, and I need to do some research before I can make a comment. All that matters really is it makes us happy in our railway modelling hobby. Regards Charlie
One of the truly great things about the model railway hobby these days is that there are just so many aspects to it which you can engage with.
You can see layouts with track just laid on plywood with little or no scenic content, and out of the box locos and rolling stock, but which feature amazingly sophisticated computer control and endless working lineside gadgets. At the other extreme you can find basic DC controlled layouts with manual points control and no gadgets, but with jaw droppingly realistic recreated countryside and townscapes and wonderfully detailed model locos and rolling stock. Of course, most layouts sit somewhere in between what we might call tech-head layouts and art-head layouts.
But that is the beauty of the hobby, the participants can concentrate on whatever aspect suits their skills or preferences and everyone still gets to see trains go round and gain satisfaction from their own embelishments to that basic function.
As you, Charlie, highlight in this video, with automation you can create a layout on which it seems like teams of intelligent drivers, signal systems, lineside workers etc are all cooperating to run the services. A little world with its own life, if you will - and very impressive. However, modellers who want to directly control their train movements can also do that with non-automated systems - albeit probably on a smaller scale (or with multiple operators). The key point is that both approaches yield the same result and the people involved have enormous fun and learning from making it happen. Yes, it is truly a wonderful time to be in the hobby.
What are terrific comment Alan, thank you very much. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Great photography of moving trains, which I am sure you will enjoy developing. I loved that as well as the DCC helpful video. Thanks Charlie
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you found a video enjoyable. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie for a very interesting video! I will do so more research! 👏
I’m so pleased you found the video interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Awesome video - another educational and entertaining vid. Thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it mate. Regards Charlie
Fantastic Charlie, very informative. 👍
Thanks mate, regards Charlie
Great video Charlie very impressed with the layout the automation you have acheived. You have my mind ticking over re my layout. Keep up the excellent work. Dallas
I’m so pleased that you found interesting Dallas. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Again excellent knowledge and advice shared as your layout moves on. The automation with it's accessory controls proves how realistic your layout is advancing. I agree with you the cost can be frightening depending on the layout size and where you want to go. I believe once you see progress as you have shown it can become somewhat obsessive, but give immense satisfaction.
Looking forward to the next and further video. There are great, keep the work up.😀😀😀
Thanks John, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards Charlie
Using DCC to operate the trains on the layout seems like a no-brainer to me. Improved driving characteristics, headlights always on independent of speed, reduced complexity of the wiring, ...
The use of turnout decoders, block feedback decoders and PC software is another discussion
You’re pushing on an Open Door on this one mate. I couldn’t agree more. Regards Charlie
I think this is what I want, trying to juggle the running of trains and signalling the layout is just so difficult with one person. This video has been a great source of info, thanks Charlie 👍
Thanks WS, I’m so pleased that you have found it interesting. Regards Charlie
great video Charlie, thank you
Thanks Onky Onky, It really is an interesting concept. Regards Charlie
Thanks for another great video. Funny story, I used a Dremel instead of insulated joiners. For my automation / control I use iTrains and everything was working great for months. Then for no apparent reason my blocks appeared to have doubled in size at various places on the layout. After tearing things apart, messing with the software, wasting hours upon hours and about to give up notice the cut I made in the rails no longer had a gap. Well as you know on flex track one rail moves freely, yes it was the side I cut. Even though it was ballast it still moved. A few drops of Super Glue on several of the ties should hold it tight , hopefully.
You’re certainly not the first person to have this issue. I know some guys who trim a small piece of plastic to insert between the rails once they’ve made the cut. This alleviates the problem of expansion. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway That's what I do. Superglue some plasticard into the gap then trim to the profile of the rail.
Very interesting video Charlie!!!! Thanks for sharing and stay safe my friend!!
You too Onno. I’m so pleased that you continue to join me on my railway journey mate. Regards Charlie
Dremel make a Flex Shaft attachment which has a smaller head, making cutting track square alot easier. It also allows you to control the speed with one hand while you cut, sand, engrave etc with the other.
Embarrassingly Martin I have one and I’ve never used it. To be honest I completely forgotten about his existence, but it will come out tomorrow. Regards Charlie
A fantastic video Charlie, I appreciated the yellow dot/stop point! It was nice to see that! I love your ability to explain this, even with you yourself saying you're a novice, if you don't know how to explain something WELL, it doesn't matter if you're a novice or an expert! well done! This really has cemented the fact that i want to do block detection myself!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting EP. Stay safe mate, regards Charlie
DCC: I finally decided to go DCC about 10 years ago but resisted sound decoders for 3-4 years. Then I started acquiring sound locos when they appeared on the 'used' market. Very quickly, the noise was turned off but I missed the bells and whistles, so I have silenced all the sounds except the bell and horn. I like to listen to the trains travel the track and the wheels crossing the rail joints. It is soothing to my ears.
As far as 'playing trains', sorry to say this Charlie but the software is playing your trains, and you are playing on the computer.
I have been messing with computers in one way or another since the late 1960's, but there are no computers allowed in my train room.
Thanks for the excellent video, it must have taken ages to film and edit. Keep up the great work!
An excellent comment, Doug, thank you. Yes, we all play trains in our own way, and I clearly like the intervention of automation. Good luck with your project, regards, Charlie
Thanks for the info. I had thought of building a DCC shunting yard, as you say, DCC might no be worth while.
I’m so pleased to be of use Martin.
Stay safe.
Regards, Charlie.
8:02 that gave me a lightbulb
Every day is a school day, Marc.
Regards Charlie
For me, DCC is definitely worth the additional expense to be able to run a train (or multiple trains) around a layout without having to toggle block power switches constantly.
I couldn’t agree more FK. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Love, love, LOVE the video Charlie, thanks again! Condolences on the passing of your Queen, may she rest in peace!
What’s a heartwarming comment Jade, regards Charlie
Great video as usual. I took great inspiration from the early days of McKinley and designed my layout with that in mind. It helped getting involved with setting up a visitor attraction in Birmingham (which I understand is no longer there), which gave me a chance to try it all out before splashing the cash. I can't envisage running my layout of 40+ trains, 110+ points without automation.
Unsurprisingly, every time I turn off Train Controller, it’s carnage! Regards Charlie
Excellent video again Charlie. I like the idea of automation and just wondered what version of train controller you operate. My own layout is still in the planning stage and won’t have a fiddle yard on your scale but will feature this albeit much smaller
Hi Tim, I’m currently using Train Controller 9 gold. However everything you see on mine can be done with a much cheaper version, bronze. Regards Charlie
Thank you for another brilliant video Charlie
Thanks Mels. Stay safe, regards Charlie
A very interesting video. Fascinating to see train controller working. Scarily complex and I'm sure fiercely expensive to do but mightily impressive all the same. Well done Charlie!
That’s very kind of you to say so Ed.
Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie, amazing what you can do these Days with DCC. Thanks for sharing.
You’re most welcome Peter. Stay safe mate, regards, Charlie
Train controller 10.0 came out this week and Rudy has started a new series of tips. If you into automatic train control it’s a very helpful site.
Yes thanks Peter, I spotted it yesterday and watched the first video. However, I certainly won’t be going down TC v10, for a few months until the bugs have been ironed out. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I have orderd TC v 10 Ill let you know how i get on.
Another great video Charlie. Thanks for the inspiration. Regards. Martin
Thanks Martin, I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting mate. Regards, Charlie
I adore watching you Charlie, i dont have any sort of train set, a did have a deltic somewhere double OO gauge when i was young. I'm currentl;y recouperating from a third operation but i find watching your videos relaxing and take the pain away for a short time and you, a fabulous knowledgable egg! Keep up the great work for an ageing trainspotter!
What a heartwarming comment Paul. I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting, and I do hope that you’re well on the road to recovery. Regards, Charlie.
Fantastic once again Charlie, watching your videos with a nice cup of tea on a Saturday morning has become a highlight for me.
I am contemplating modeling Irish steam in N gauge.. wish me luck 😁
It’s great to have you on board Chris and good luck with your project mate. Regards Charlie
Amazing running session Charlie nott sure witch way to go with controlling my simple layout thankyou for the tips and video
I’m so pleased I enjoy the video Mark. Regards Charlie
Great stuff. Finally got all my track down and working well. installing blockdetection modules is the next step. My layout is smaller than this, but I like the computer control aspect of this hobby.
Good for you ST, I do hope it all goes well. Regards Charlie
Another cracking video, thanks Charlie. Press start, sit back with a coffee and watch them all trundle around... Bliss.
I couldn’t agree more Mike. However, I did make it a little overbusy, to fit them into a limited timeframe. Regards Charlie
i model dc but still found this very interesting and you explain everything very well its a bit technical these days but a lot of fun not like years ago when i ran my triang jinty 47606 on a circle of track on the carpet great video thanks for sharing
I’m so pleased that you found interesting Kieth. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, so beautiful to see your trains running, I can see how fun train automation can be especially being able to make all the sounds programmable. I'm old school DC and I love your BR Blue era, maybe one day I'll do DCC
It’s a huge leap Andrew, and not necessarily for everyone. Regards Charlie
Fantastic video as always, thanks for taking the time to put it together and edit. Being on the verge of trying to automate part of my layout I was curious as to what hardware you and others use for block detection?
As far as I can tell some sections (certainly in fiddle yards) need 2 blocks and so with this in mind it seems like it could become a very expensive affair to have a lot of block detectors, or maybe I have misunderstood the need for so many blocks.
Great layout progress and looking forward to the next instalment already. Cheers, Dave
Hi GMT,
Please check out my video 137.
Hopefully that should answer your block detection questions.
Regards Charlie
This is so interesting!!! I am now wanting to do this!
Beware, it’s notoriously expensive. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, very informative video. Would be very interesting to see a video of the costs involved in getting to that level of automation? 😀
Gosh, what a terrible thought Steve! Regards Charlie
I love it! Great job!!
Thanks Rick, regards Charlie
Very impressive Charlie. Enjoyed that running session on Auto control.
Thanks Allan, stay safe mate, regards Charlie
Thank you Charlie for another interesting video, sadly I've gone down the road of Gaugemaster Prodigy so I don't think I can use train automation. It's always nice to see your layout running after I watched you build it right from the start. Look forward to the next video.
Thanks Simon, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting, even though it’s not for you. I do hope you continue to enjoy my railway journey, regards Charlie
I also bought the Gaugemaster Prodigy, and that was a few years ago now; however it seems to be possible to make some automation work through JMRI, if you have the computer interface cable (Mac and PC). You don’t have to be limited to one system either then - points can be controlled separately (away from Gaugemaster), for instance.
One reason I have stopped using Digitrax decoders and switched to ESU decoders is so I can have railcom and ABC braking.
I can only agree Dave, my first choice is always ESU decoders. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie
You lost me Just after "hi I'm Charlie"!
Absolutely intriguing.
Loved watching it All running on auto.
I have gone over to DCC a few years ago just for improved
Realism. Speed control with back emf is fabulous.
No more 0 _ 60 mph starts out of the station.
Individual address to locos, lighting,sound, stuff I could only
Dream about in the 70s.
No idea how it now lends itself to computer control.
I don't think I will ever get around to your level of control but love
To watch and Wonder.
I'm a retired electrician so have basic knowledge of general electronics and PLC programming
But I fear I am rapidly getting left behind.
With your sessions it does keep me up to date though.
As always many thanks
Best couple of dollars a month value ever and I can save for future reference when I get confused.
Stay safe
Howard
What a heartwarming comment Howard, it’s great to have you onboard mate. Regards Charlie
Charlie, thank you for another great video, that has given me soooo much to think about.
You are right, where do you stop, and how much money do you spend. I see new products demonstrated, usually a DCC Concepts part, and I think wow, how good is that, then check the price, and think, hmmmm, a simple toggle switch will suffice, I can't justify that much money.
I run DCC, and do use some of the sound functions, but not all, but you get what you get.
It was great to see your trains run, auto-magically, you are very inspirational.
Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that our outlooks are so similar. Regards Charlie
I am just getting my 60 year old Hornby Dunlop 2 rail system out after retiring. This is an excellent introduction to the glamorous world of DCC. It was so good of you not just to show the wonderful effects you have achieved but to emphasise the importance of reliability, predictability and repeatability. That must have taken a huge amount of work behind the scenes and thanks for sharing it. With my childhood layout trains would always stop, derail or even fall off. And your comment that you don’t use Series 1 or 2 curves means that practically all my track and points would be scrapped. That’s created some tough questions to ponder. Thanks very much for developing my “train of thought“ in such a “model” way!
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it Gordon. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Bloody predictive texting. Of course it was Dublo. Dunlop made my tennis racquets.
That last part, about getting the flow of the trains correctly........ I can easily imagine where having something that is intended to be 14th in line (sequentially, a.k.a. "Event 14") could rather easily end up actually waiting on some other train's "Event 10" because of a difference in speeds of the trains, some "unintended other delay" because of another train not starting "on-time" .... I'm going to "lose my own point, here" if I'm not careful. The idea I'm trying to convey is that getting the sequencing correct in the "controller" could be really difficult for some. Kudos to the folks such as yourself that have that capability.
You make an excellent point Kevin, it is so easy to get lost in the programming when it starts to become overwhelming. Regards Charlie
A very interesting and objective presentation Charlie thankyou. I'm not convinced it would ever be for me. Even our Grandson is not enthusiastic despite being very computer literate as they all seem to be these days at 13 years old! We've been at too many exhibitions where they've had a 'bit of trouble' and it's all gone pear-shaped.
I couldn’t agree more John. We should only do what we really do understand. Regards Charlie
Brilliant Charly, many thanks for sharing. Yes, Train Controller is very addictive and very powerful. Wish I knew more:)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Eddie. Regards Charlie
The automation looks very impressive, with the nights now closing in and the weather moving towards a cooler phase I think it may be time for me to have a go at this instead of getting whiplash from trying to keep an eye on my layout. All the best.
Thanks Steve, I’m so pleased that you found my video interesting. Regards Charlie
Flange squeal sound located at the points - brilliant idea!
Hopefully someone will pick it up Richard. Regards Charlie
Another excellent video. Chadwck is really maturing. And the features keep falling into place (proper prior planning works, even with the odd hiccup).
Yes I agree, but we all do like hiccups occasionally! Regards Charlie
Very impressive again. I enjoy watching and listening to exhibition layouts operated using DCC, especially diesel locos, (some steam seem to have the exhaust beats out of sync). My little steps wiring my DC layout has given me enough headaches and expense, and the thought of converting locos I have collected over the years prior to getting room to build a layout, would also be too expensive. Thanks again for your video.
Thanks Rob, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and good luck with your project mate. Regards Charlie
Thanks again for the inspiration
Excellent information and interesting too. My layout is only 2.8m x 2.5m. I have 2 tracks dedicated to DC and 2 for DCC. This is so that I can run my old DC locos and my more recent DCC locos. My Son in Law can also run his late father’s DC locos too. (Mostly Australian DC locos)
I’m happy just running my trains and building stuff. Block detection, train controller is way beyond my feeble skills 😂. My biggest problem is every time I want to have a running session, I have to clean the track. No big deal, just an irritation. Really enjoy the video’s
A great comment Redbank. You could try using Inox to clean your tracks, it might be just the thing you’re looking for. Regards Charlie
Quite like this video. Thanks! I find the speakers in the locomotives will never be good enough to justify the price of DCC and Sound. I tend to listen to music while running trains anyways!
Yes CB 8280, but the quality of diesel locomotives sounds is certainly improving. Steam however, still has a long way to go.
Regards Charlie
Another great and informative TH-cam video Charlie. Whilst at this stage I haven’t considered the automation route when I build my first layout, however, the information and explanations as to there ‘merit’ then I will give it some serious consideration. I do see the appeal and how operating your layout can be more fun following the automation route and I value your honesty as to the expensive nature of this wonderful hobby, but at the end of the day, no hobby is cheap, one just hopes that the hobby doesn’t become even more expensive as time moves on. We all have a budget, but at the end of the day it is the little things which give us the pleasure despite how much it costs.
Great comments Jeremy. If I were in your shoes, I would wire it for block detection, giving me the opportunity to switch to it should I choose at a later date. Regards Charlie
Great comments Jeremy. If I were in your shoes, I would wire it for block detection, giving me the opportunity to switch to it should I choose at a later date. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway
Thanks Charlie you must have been reading my mind when you posted your reply. Anyway having watched your helpful tutorials / videos about Block Detection there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I want to pursue the block detection route. This is all with the help of your excellent videos but “Yes” I will definitely be integrated block detection on my layout. Thanks again and keep producing those fantastic videos, For a first build they absolutely essential👍
Very interesting video. Automatic multi train and point control was always extremely popular with the germans from the sixties, I'm guessing that computer programs have superceded it to a large extent, of course the Japanese have continued the DC tradition, the Tomix TNOS system being a point midway I guess. One of the big things of the German system was the fun of working out how all the bits of the jigsaw were going to fit together and what the final picture at the end was going to be.
Good viewing Charlie
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Great video and it's good to see what you have accomplished with Train Controller and the possibilities there are with it you just couldn't run a sequence like that single-handed. I use the JMRI system myself but have never taken it further than simple route planning . As we all know the biggest enemy of reliable running is contamination and dirt on the track or the locos, in such a case what would happen to the sequence if say the first loco coming off the helix stalled when there was a second one following two blocks behind. Regards, Richard
Interesting comment Richard. The second train would not be allowed to enter the occupied block. It will just pause its schedule. Regards Charlie
Loved the video Charlie and love your layout. I’m DC all the way I’m afraid but appreciate your commitment to programming. Good luck.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video MJ, regards Charlie
Nice video as always Charlie, I've started construction on an X-mas tree base layout which will hopefully be ready for this year's tree! I've managed to cut down a piece of 9mm plywood and over the next few weeks will be sanding down the edges, laying the underlay + track (copydex at the ready!) And building a tunnel for the backside of the tree.
Next and hopefully last phase of building up the scenics with a healthy amount of cellotex, plaster cloth and sculptamold.
Eventually I'll chisel grooves into the underside of the base and put a bus wire in to reliably power the track and use it as a test bench for things like DCC automation concepts when I get a place with large enough space to make a med/large layout
What a great project to get stuck into JR. Good luck mate, regards Charlie
Loved the Senior Moment when you couldn’t remember “repeatability” !!
Yeah and the Comment about Grand Children shows the age demographic
Scary isn't it. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway don’t worry. Your not the only one to get a Senior Moment.
I get them all the time haha
Great video Charlie. Loved the running session and the explanation of how it all works. Found the comments really interesting too. Quite diverse opinions there. I am sticking with DC myself. That’s quite complicated enough for me at my age. Always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for sharing. Roy.
I find DCC is much simpler to use.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the channel Roy, whether You use DC or DCC, it’s a great hobby. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie
Another entertaining video.
You have mentioned in your videos that if you are using used points or track to always use new fish plates.
Just wondering if you or one of our friends out there know whether it's worth cleaning the underside of the rails where the fish plates would sit.
I would think if the points or track have been previously glued, ballasted, or weathered it would be of great importance to make sure they are clean and have good electrical contact, especially if every piece of track does not have droppers.
I look forward to watching more of your entertaining presentations.
Happy Modelling,
Craig Stow.
Hi Craig, yes you do make an excellent point. I’ve often run a little bit of glass paper over the ends. Regards Charlie
Thankyou for the reply Charlie
I am looking forward to the next video and the next phase of construction
Very interesting vlog Charlie with the running trains, but I did glaze over with the programming bit haha,more practical bits please 🙏
Thanks Martin, but I do try to keep a varied selection of videos. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I know Charlie and I completely understand haha 😂
Cheers Charlie fountain of knowledge. The helix is looking great
Thanks Rodney, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards Charlie
I haven't even assembled my train tables from the move yet, and now I already addicted to automation. Thanks Charlie... lol.
Because I will be building end to end layout to start with, I will have to do shuttles, and work out a time table for that, so I can have say 3 trains running, two mainline trains point to point with loco change, and one or two trains at grain silos loading and discharging in the sidings. Well that's the aim. lol.
Very nice to see a working automated layout. I now have a goal to work toward.
Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased that you found the video inspirational. Regards Charlie
That's a tremendous demo of your automation setup Charlie.
Thanks mate I’m so pleased that you found it enjoyable. Regards Charlie
Great video Charlie, superbly filmed, narrated and editted. I watched several times in order to follow the trains (and hunt down the man on the viaduct .....) and follow the changes on the train controller programme.
I like to follow the technological aspect of DCC Its amazing what can be done. What I like is the possibilty to run several trains at the same time and your point about not being able to operate points without it, is obviously very salient. That said, with thought, enjoyable layouts can be built with lesser degrees of sophistication.
The dublo layout that me and my dad built was end to end inside a double tracked mainline loop, it was wired and signalled such that when a train had to cross the other mainline to enter one of the ends the signals went red and power was cut at the signal until the train had cleared, a small and simple piece of electrics but it made it seem so realistic for me and my friends when we operated it. Of course it had to operate to a strict timetable as well. The Duette was perfect for this one controller for the loop and the other for operations within the end. I wonder whether my father would have been interested in DCC if it had have been available 50 years ago or so? Ill ask him, - flying back to the UK this afternoon for a long weekend with them! Happy memories!!
Look forward to seeing some saw dust flying in the next video.
Good luck from Spain!!
Thanks David, for such a heartwarming comment. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Very impressive Charlie, thankyou for sharing. I 100% agree with your views on CV 6. CV 's 2,3,4,6,5 are basic but very critical for speed matching too. I think I've finally convinced my fellow club members as well!
Good on you Peter, sometimes it is difficult to convince people that you have found a better method. Regards Charlie
Great video as ever Charlie. 👍👍👍
Thanks ST, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie. I am a DC bod and my layout runs on hundreds of metres of copper wires for control. But I do watch your videos and the wonders of DCC control. If I had the money I would change over to DCC. But for now DC will do me well. Regards Alan in the loft in Dover :o)
As long as it works for you Alan, and that you enjoy our brilliant hobby, that’s all that matters. Regards Charlie
Good morning Charlie, that was a very interesting thought provoking and entertaining video. I came on board with you several years ago and shortly after I started following you very nearly through in the towel because of what you called rivet counters, oh my am I glad you didn't. You layout is one of the most complex ideas I've ever seen. I admire your dedication commitment to this wonderful hobby. You've said that if you meet with others to discuss ideas then the information flow would be one way. Your knowledge is fantastic and a inspiration to us all. Having said that my level of interest is very restricted both financially and knowledge, I came to this hobby in the 1958 to 1964 period with my dad, and a very simple layout, I rekindled my interest with my son in the early 1980s, and now I'm back again with my grandchildren, you my notice a pattern here. I can only dream of even a small of what you've achieved, but me and the kids are happy with out three small circuits of track and some very old trains which I've managed to keep going, with the occasional s/h model. My interest was kindled as a child as was my son and now my grandchildren. They cannot start in the hobby at the hugely expensive and complex level of dcc, I hope we can continue to enjoy what for me I'm now in my 70s has been a lifetime of enjoyment in sharing with my dad my son and now my grandchildren. I don't envy other people I admire and dream. Thank you Charlie you are a inspiration. My head is spinning with all I would love to say but enough. Take care Eddy xx
What a heartwarming comment Eddying , I am so grateful. Take care and happy modelling with your grandchildren. Regards Charlie
Love watching your channel Charlie. Only got entry level EZ command DCC because i dont use more than 6 sound functions it keeps cost down and i get the same enjoyment with my layout as some of the more complex layouts i have seen.
If it works for you PG, then that’s all that matters. Regards Charlie
I'm not a modeller Charlie but I found this a fascinating video on DCC plus all the advantages it can bring
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Martyn. Stay safe, regards Charlie