DC, DCC and Block Detection at Chadwick Model Railway | 78.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2020
- DC or DCC. Here are the basic differences between DC, DCC and Block Detection and how you could switch from one option to another.
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Charlie, Very well presented. I have been a DCC addict since the 1990's when it was first introduced. I have always stuck with Digitrax. Yes, DCC can be problematic at times but DC (seems to be called analogue these days) can be equally so. The undeniable fact is that DCC opens a new world of operating that brings a sense of, well to me, the satisfaction which I have never been able to achieve with DC. In other words, I would rather have fewer locos that operate well in a DCC environment than umpteen DC locos that run indifferently. As Joe Fugate from Model Railroad Hobbyist calls it "quality of run". In other words, would you prefer to have a small number of locos in a reasonably well scenic area or lots of poorly running locos in an undeveloped scenic area? Highly, recommend the McKinnley Railway video you mentioned. I saw it several weeks ago and forward to a number of modellers here in Oz and got lots of favourable comments.
Wow Mike, what a fabulous comment and put so much better than I did.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Charlie, I am somewhat chuffed yet at the same time humbled that you have pinned my comments. Thank you.
Brilliant video as always, and the sneeze was epic 🤧
I just had to leave it in.
yes! loved the sneeze! It feels more like a real visit with all the human aspects..
It’s a week later and guess what, I’m ill now... THANKS!
XD
That sneeze was -dare I say it- quite prototypical. Thanks for improving an already lovely day, Charlie.
Thanks RV, you too.
Thank you for taking the time to go over both aspects of DC and DCC. These are all-important points to consider when entering the hobby, or changing from one to the other.
Thanks Joe, I’m so pleased that you found it useful.
Charlie your video are one of four video that I real look out for to watch. Each of the four I watch are all different accpec of model railway .
Great job . Regards Mark
Thanks Mark, I’m flattered to be in such high regard.
I am a new DCC user and love it
Me too CN
Hi Charlie i am a fan of your work and videos,i am in my second year after a 40 yr break from this great interest of ours.On my return i was shocked at the cost of DCC thats why i went DC.I am also a fan of Budget Model Railways and Barrie Davis,they run DC,and like me they enjoy it,Im not going to lie to you,but until i found those two channels,i had second thoughts of coming back to model railways becuase of the cost.Cheers regards Michael.
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Thanks Charlie, I now understand lock control
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan.
DC DCC, Block detection, a sneeze, and telephone call wow chum you threw it all in at the end of the decade.... totally enjoyed that all the very best my friend from Paul at Sandling Junction
Thanks Paul and good luck with yours in 2020.
I'm sorry if this is not an appropriate place to say this here but I'm not a modeller but love watching you guys videos. I haven't the patience or skills to even begin one. Even so it's great to see these videos. The sneeze was funny and I thought Hornby were ringing to tell you they had the best sound chips. I look forward to more. Thanks for sharing Charlie.
Thanks Mickey, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hi Charlie, another thought provoking discussion.
I opted to go DCC simply as I like being able to drive the loco rather than driving the track.
Here, here.
I've only recently subscribed, but the way you tell things are very interesting to me. thanks for this explanation, and thanks for not editing out that sneeze :D it adds a bit of comedy to the education
I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting Stefan.
Hi Charlie, thank you for another informative video.
DCC is more expensive than DC (except you don't need the isolating switches and all the extra wiring), but so much more versatile, and with the "DCC++" (Arduino + Motor shield) based system and JMRI, it doesn't have to be that much more expensive. A command station and power supply (2 Amp) for about £30 or £40 and a Raspberry Pi 3B+ and power supply for about the same amount (if you haven't already got a computer or want a dedicated one for your layout) is all you need for a small layout. I have been very pleased with the results so far!
A very interesting comment Stephen.
I go back to the days of Hornby Dublo and Triang, yes I'm that old Charlie. (75 to be exact). The last time I had a model railway was over fifty years ago. Anyway, About two years ago, I decided to get back into the hobby again, just to create a littl bit of nostalgia from my younger days. DCC was uncharted territory for me, plus much more expensive than running Analogue dc, so I decided to stick with what I know and build a layout controlled by anlogue.I also wanted to incorporate running trams, so running with dc was the best option. All my controllers are Gaguemaster and I have two duals with brake simulation more duals brake simulation. I have built up quite a large collection of locos and rolling stock over the past two years, as well as quite a good collection of trams, which I am slowly motorising. I am happy with dc control because it is simple and easy to understand. The only gripe I have is spending some of my money on tender drive steam locos, which as far as I'm concerned, was a bad move by Hornby. I just don't think they perform as well as loco driven locos, so these are being replaced for loco driven locos.
Anyway Charlie, it was an interesting topic you talked about, and I am sure that if I was modelling modern image, I might have decided to go DCC. BUt my interest in model railways, goes back to my childhood, when everthing was steam, and trams were still running in some of our cities like Liverpool, near to where I lived back then. So my humble Analogue DC layout will see me through the rest of my life, creating that bit of nostalgia of the good old days of steam, in my little 10 x 8ft shed, I call Tramway Junction.
Cheers
Geoff
A very interesting and commendable comment Geoff.
Thanks, Charlie, another great, informative and entertaining video, wow, that sneeze, not supprised your eyes hurt, I thought you had blown them out.
Looking forward to lots more videos from you in 2020.
Thanks David I’m so pleased that you found it interesting.
Hi Charlie, Love all your videos. Like you, I spent way too long at sea. 40 years in my case. Moved to Canada in the eighties from Scotland and just getting ready to build my basement OO gauge railway. Keep them coming, especially the wee laughs etc. Stay safe. John Young.
It’s comments such as yours John, that make it worthwhile.
Thanks Charlie, this is a video I needed to see to answer DCC questions etc! Thanks :)
You’re welcome Nicholas.
Regards Charlie
One advantage of DCC is the ability to tailor speed tables. As I may have mentioned, my modeling interest is North American. Here the railways tend to run longer trains, and run multiple locomotives. With DC, one had to be careful to mainly run similar units together. Different brands had differing gear ratios and motors. Dissimilar gearing running together tended to wear the locomotives out. Now anything can be programmed to be compatible with anything else, by using DCC.
I also like the fact that DCC can work well with a computer for signal logic. I may have a go with signaling. This will require more research as to my best option.
Once again this was a very informative episode. Thanks again Charley.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Brian.
Brian, when you set up a consist, how close do you get the running speeds? So running the two locos about a foot apart on the same track, how long do they need to remain a foot apart? And do you have a reference loco that you make all others match, over a number of speeds? Or just one match for a best nominal speed for that consist?
Thanks, Tom
Tom Lawton This is a complicated topic. First some guys have programs like JMRI to set speed tables. You can do this on your programming track. That’s how I do it.
I model N scale, with the primary focus of 1970s Boston and Maine. In that era they tended to run 3 unit sets of GP40-2. I just put a decoder in my third. It was much slower that my previous two. All are the same Atlas model.
One could try a thorough lubrication and run in. Some have put Pearl Drops smokers toothpaste in the gears. The abrasive nature of the toothpaste will wear in the gears. After this process, it is imperative to clean out the toothpaste, then give it a good lube. I need to do this to the one which is slowest.
On the same topic, it might be wise to use a meter to see if the motor is drawing excessive current. This may be a result of binding gears or drive shaft universal joints. Very excessive draw could result in burnt out decoders and motors.
After doing the above to a slower running out of the box model, then I’ll use the slow poke as my standard. I try to match the others to the slowest runner of the bunch. It’s all trial and error. My technique is to just get them as close as possible. Sometimes it is impossible to get them exactly matched. Just remember that there are several CV adjustments, high medium, and low speed. Also the starting voltage can be adjusted, as well as the kick. This is a pulse which helps overcome the starting friction in the gear train.
Some posters on forums and videos like this say “I use this speed table for all my xx brand class yy models. As I’ve made mention, no two are the same. Even on the prototype, 66 001 might run slightly different than 66 002, even though they came off the EMD assembly line consecutively, and likely used the same batches of parts. The same goes with any human manufactured device. We aren’t perfect, and neither is what we make.
At the end of the day, you’ll just have to try and break them all in, then do your best to match them.
Hello i am Manuel from Portugal.
Congratulations on the channel.
I am loving all the explinations that you are giving.
Is helping me a lot.
Thanks.
Manuel, I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
"That'll be the phone then!" always cracks me up! Even more, confused now with DCC and a few videos back with gauge/scale confusion in 00 so I've decided to go 0 gauge and empty my pension pot when I get to the Model Railway Show at Ally Pally next March! That's right I've not got a single piece of the track yet let alone rolling stock but am really enjoying watching your videos and getting inspiration. Thank You!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Ian and good luck with O Gauge.
Could have been worse. I went from N gauge to O then gauge 1 now im thinking
3” gauge sounds good. A very empty pot,
Quote: 11:52 - "To take things further you begin to invest in money!" - Too true!!
Barry
I thought that I’d leave it in!
Gazuntite! ;-) Well done on getting, for the most part, all the DC and DCCs the right way round and rememberting all the system names. The mind boggles! Cheers and Happy New Year
Thanks Dave, you’re too kind
Happy New Year Charlie, good video and sound advice as usual.
Thanks Nige, it’s good to have you onboard.
Afternoon Charlie and a happy new year 🥳 Bless you with your sneeze 🤧 Great interview with new junction 👍🏻 I’m on DCC and found it took over my obsession with train sound and control 🙄 My block detection is a simply one as I used DCC concepts current detection in the block with resistor on each wheel so it lights small LEDs on my mimic board like in a signal box 😊 Will get back working on my layout one day and might even post it on TH-cam lol 😆 Love your channel Charlie as you give a real honest opinion on the model railway world and hopefully encourage model railway fans to make fantastic layouts with your help 😀 Looking forward to seeing more Chadwick videos in 2020. Also great work on McKniley You’ve made a real professional take on it!! Cheers Stevie 😎
Thanks Stevie, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Happy new year to you too Charlie. All the best for 2020.
Thanks SJ, and the same to you.
Happy new year and bless you.... good sneeze... Great and informative video as usual, thank you so much. Keep them coming!
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile TM
Another great video Charlie, i watched the interview previously to this one .I would add to your comments about a successful channel , people buy people so to speak not only do i follow your channel because of the informative content of it but most of all its YOU Charlie your such a great character and a genuine person., keep the videos coming and a Happy new year too you.
Thanks David, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Happy New Year Charlie. Keep up the good work but more importantly keep on having fun.
Me and you both Ian.
Informative and entertaining as always Charlie. I’m just starting in the hobby and will have a contemporary based layout based mainly on freight that I see locally in Yate and Pilning, all DCC with sound. I have found your videos of huge help as I embark on my adventure, thank you.
TonyS
It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile Tony.
Hi Charlie, from someone considering getting into the hobby, thanks for your informative & interesting videos. Keep up the great work! 😀
Thanks Nick, you’re too kind.
I must say all your videos are very educational and you couldn't of explained it any better I'm in the process of mixing dcc and dc but having one dedicated track for dc and the smaller ones with dc/dcc ready
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and good luck with your project.
Happy new year Charlie! I found some of the comments as enlightening as your explanation of the multiple choices now available to control what has often become an overwhelming hobby
And the same to you Chris, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
I, unfortunately, am at the overwhelming part..
Great video on explaining the DC vs DCC info. I agree it can be cost consuming, but that is a price for technology. Thanks for sharing. Ken
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Ken
Very entertaining and very interesting video this Charlie, answers a lot of questions, I'm just getting into DCC and glad I did ;)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Steve
Bless you.
I seen that interview and I really enjoyed it..
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Jim
i like that you left the sneeze in
One chap was appalled by it!
@@ChadwickModelRailway he needs to go out more.
Thanks Charlie, another interesting and certainly informative video. Glad to see you took notice of comments on your previous video about leaving in mistake etc, add's so much more humanity. Cough, Sneeze, Ring Ring. Lol. Happy New Year and all the very best for 2020 to you, keep em' coming ...
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Chris.
Good advice as always Charlie.
Happy New Year.
Thanks Tony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Thanks for another year of great videos
Thanks Alan, you’re too kind
Aside from the sneeze (Bless you!), great information!
Thanks Bruce, you’re too kind
Charlie you should be on the stage! Absolute brilliant video on the pros and cons of DC v DDC. I did catch your interview on New Junction and it was good to find out a bit more about you yourself. Really think you should be a presenter on GMRC - ratings would rocket. All the best for the New Year. Cheers Euan
Euan, you’re making me blush.
Very many thanks for your informative video on DC v DCC. You have an uncanny nack of making all your subjects so interesting and I for one, (am sure like everyone else!) always find your contributions to be "inspiring and entertaining". I also much enjoyed your chat with N.J. as you always call a spade a spade without any flannel or frills and "that'll be the phone!!!" jibe. May 2020 prove to be a great year for you and I look forward to many more interesting and informative videos. Happy New Year and many of them!!
Thanks Murray, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Thanks for another excellent video,you’re content always answers alot of questions and is presented in a easy to understand and dare i say it dry comedic way 😂which is no bad thing,keep it up Charlie im looking forward to the next one already 👍
You’re too kind Enterprise!
A very good interview really enjoyed it like this video nice one 👍😀
Thanks LJ
I run a little 8ftx4ft layout wired so it can be used with DCC or DC.
I only have the Hornby eLink controller for DCC connected to a 10yo laptop but it seems to work ok on my little layout.
I do it this way because I have a LOT of older locos and I'm slowly converting those I can to DCC.
A very instructive video from you as usual and I love your 'warts and all" approach.
Thanks Gerry, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Great videos, been a great help thank you for the time to educate us newbies
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Sam.
Thank you for a great video. Really helping me to decide if i go to DCC
It’s a must Dave.
I just finished watching your video and it was very entertaining. It was nice to know that things happen that we have no control of and how good you took care of those situations. Also I've taken the route of re-modifying my locomotives to DCC. I find that is not that difficult but then I do have a electronic background of sorts. I love your opinions and I find your videos very informing. Keep up the good work and happy new year, may you get everything you want. Till next time; I have subscribed with the notice. I look forward to your videos.
Thanks Big foot, it’s great to have you onboard.
You need your own TV show 😂😂❤❤❤
You might stop paying your license fee! Regards, Charlie
Charlie, a very nice informative and personality filled video, well done!
You’re making me blush.
Credit where it’s due 👍
Hope the colds better and the Mrs got home safe. Enjoyed the interview with Richard. I am embarking block detection with Digikeijs at the moment but is time consuming...Happy new year
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it David.
God bless you Charlie, there's one for the blooper video lol. My future plans are to upgrade to DCC operation. And this video has been informative. I would have several locos to convert.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Sean.
I don't know how you kept a straight face and carried on after the sneeze, I would have cracked, up well done.
As per usual very informative and interesting. I picked up a few ideas. Thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thanks
Thanks Charlie, Happy New Year !
And the same to you mate.
Charlie you are a legend!!!The sneezing was hilarious 🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧😷😷
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it JP.
Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year
And to you too Ralph
Very nice and interesting video. Wishing you Charlie a happy New Year and all the best for 2020
Thanks C2R, and the same to you.
Everything about that sneeze reminded me of my late grandpa. Who I inherited his upside down Christmas tree stand from, high has an upside down train set built in. This year I plan to refurbish it. And then build my own but more elaborate then just a white base with a circle track.
Great memories Daniel.
Hello again Charlie
Thanks for another really well put together video. I have just finished a rushed build of a U-shaped layout for my dad who has been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. He wanted a train set that he could watch his new n gauge trains go by, so that’s what we did. With inspiration from your videos mum and I smashed out his layout in record time and it’s awesome. I have wired it up for both dc and dcc with a simple flick of a switch and we also have block detection and auto signalling to add a bit of animation to it. I’ve got Chadwick up in Mum and dads ipad now so they can also watch your videos
Thanks again for the effort you put into each video. It really makes it easier for us new comers to try new things and if you could give a shout out and say hello to my dad Ray on your next video that would be awesome and mean the world
Love your humour. Keep it up
Regards
Aaron Bischoff
Hi Aaron, what a sad yet heart-warming comment.
I will certainly give your dad a mention and I might just read out your comment in full should you approve.
Indeed it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Regards Charlie.
Chadwick Model Railway
hello mate. Thanks for quick response. Dads layout whilst a rush job, had a lot of effort put into as best we could. A lot of new things were tried such as our first attempts as doing a creek, pond, plaster rocks and air brush painting to name a few. People like yourself , Kathy Millet and Luke Towan should stand tall as you guys give us the inspiration and courage to try new things. Whilst mum dad and myself aren’t what I call expert modellers, we have achieved something which looks great and whilst it may upset those who insist it must be prototypical for everything we get the enjoyment of dads set up. Especially when you see dad admiring his new layout. He especially lives the farm area and hills. It was a fun team effort and we tried to ad detail as best we know how too and I think it looks right. Main thing is dad is happy and he has trains running. Whilst a British countryside it not unusual for dad to run a Eurostar or a US outline freight train.
Anyway keep up the good work. Love your work in McKinley too
Great video as always Charlie, Happy new year...Chris
Thanks Chris.
Happy New Year, Charlie. Another great and informative video! I have only a small layout, L shape and 9 ft x 6 ft, end to end with one loco in steam. I bought most of my locos "used" from a local shop in Southampton - DC machines traded in by folk with bigger layouts and going to DCC. It's adequate for me. On another tack, keep taking the tablets!!!
We all make good choices Peter, for various reasons.
Hi Charlie, Happy New Year. I can`t recall if I made a comment on this subject before, so I will try to keep this short. I have a moderate size layout which until just recently operated on DC. After procrastinating for sometime and as I approach my 82nd birthday I decided to take the plunge into DCC, which is the best decision I have ever made. I found this video very interesting and for anyone about to build a new layout they could do very well to follow what you are doing with your layout. I don`t think I will go down the "Block Detection" route as I get enough satisfaction with a basic DCC layout. With a little concentration I can run three trains at once and not have any mishaps. Thanks for all your great videos over the last 12 months and I shall look forward to 2020 with much anticipation to see what you have in store for us this year Cheers Greg PS: I can hardly wait to see trains running on your layout.
Thanks Greg, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and I do hope that I can keep you entertained in 2020
That's the first time in nearly 60 yrs I've seen someone sneeze on what is the modern equivalent of the TV! Hilarious, Monty Pythonish. Enjoy all your videos, keep up the good work.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it SR.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Just seen Clint Eastwood sneeze during an interview.
Thanks Charlie. My conclusion over automation or not is to consider where I get the most enjoyment out of the hobby and for me it's about the trains and the scenic. I appreciate for others it's about the engineering or the era compliant aspects. Im also in agreement over DCC as being the way forward as it becomes the hobby/industry standard. Great interview with NJ. Happy New Year.
Thanks GP, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos.
Just now watching Charlie. Bless you mate. Now on with the show haha
Thanks Shame. 🤧
My local club has a fantastic box that lets each of the 3 lines be either DC or DCC. My home layout doesnt have much point work so I also built a box that switches between the 2 of them.
An interesting option Ricardo, although I’ve never wanted to go back to DC. I feel that DCC is where my future lies
Thanks for covering this topic - very interesting and thoroughly enjoyed it! There's an "intermediate" option for end to end automation without block detection that guards against trains running into buffers - that is to use asynchronous waveform detection. It's available on most higher end decoders, and gets the train to slow down to a realistic stop in a constant distance (no matter the speed) in one direction as it approaches the end of the line. You can then be rather generous with the timings while being confident the train won't crash, and without the need for railcom or a similar system. Reasonably simple, but rather effective.
I'm "lucky" in the sense that I'm a software engineer by trade and an electronics hobbyist, so the automation side of things is something I'm at home with, so to speak. But without the confidence to start building custom electronics / writing custom code, it can get very expensive (and challenging) very quickly if something complicated is required. I suspect this will be one of the major developments in the hobby over the next decade - making automation cheaper and more accessible.
Thanks Berry, an interesting insight.
For me having a small collection on older engines staying with DC is just easier. One thing though if you are choosing to stay with DC invest with a decent controller makes it so much better.
Sound advice mate, thank you
There seams to be a more personal touch on this video and if you combine this with your comments on Richard's interview, it just makes sense! Getting to know you while being a totaly unknown it is funny and strange at the same time but this is the power of the image that the videos bring! Keep it up Charlie, you help me and others enjoy more and become better on our hobby!
Thanks Manos, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.
Thanks for the mention and bless you! 🤣
You’re lovely !
Good day Charlie. "Bless You". That was quite the sneeze. I just finished watching your latest video. Very entertaining and informative. It may help someone actually finish a layout before they have unfortunately realized that it is going to take a number of years for them to finish due to the big expense of "DCC" or "DCC" with block detection. Saving up money for purchases can ruin the fun in the hobby. It can seem to be a never ending wait to put another $10.00 in the cookie jar. Just a few thoughts on the subject. All the best to you in 2020. Please keep the videos coming.
Thanks Thomas I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Great video Charlie, TrainController is s wonderful price of software. I have been working with it for a few years now. I love the functionality. I run trains fully automatically, fully manually and semi automatically with various levels of automation.
I love it too MRT
Hello Charlie.
I want to thank you for the videos. I find them both inspirationel and educationel, they are very professionel produced. Both ligtning, sound and of corse good camera settings. This particularly video has help me to decide what to choose. I have manny years ago had Feischmann (DC) and was quiet happy with that. Now I want to start up again (I have retired and have more time) and have to decide what I will go for. I have joined a model trian club to get advise and to learn. Mostede of the members drive DCC and they surgest that I do to. I , as a pensionist, don't have very much money, so I'll go for - the old-fashioned - DC. I don't have much space six by ten feet and I don't want a lot locomotives. Furthermore I have two running loco's from back then.
I do realize that there are a lot of funktions that I don't get, especialy it would be nice with the sound, but I guess, I just have to do without that ;-).
An other question: How do I find a list over you videoes? I would like to watch all of them and return to the one, I want to wach, when I need it.
I'm danish and that's why my english isn't perfect ;-).
Yours Steen
Hi Steen, welcome back to our glorious hobby.
If you click the Chadwick name you should go to my home page.
@@ChadwickModelRailway That worked. Now I can find, which one I like to watch.
A great video dealing with a complex issue. Rather than getting tongue-tied with "dc/dcc," just call dcc "digital." In the most basic sense, we are still talking analog systems versus digital, even if we have digital controllers for analog layouts.
An interesting contradiction AD.
Nice one Charlie, thanks.
Thanks Jon.
Great explanations Charlie. I have only recently come back to the hobby after a good 20-25 years and have gone the dcc option. I myself am in early stages of track work and am still tossing the coin on whether I head into block detection before I proceed too much further
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it CRL and good luck with your project.
Hi. I'm just starting off and I think more into scenery than trains. That was really useful as trying to decide which to go for I have a few d c bits and pieces. But I thing start with that and see how my enthusiasm lasts as it appears to be quite an investment getting into dcc route. Thanks for a well presented easy to watch video.
Thanks Norman, I’m so pleased that you found it useful.
Charlie, another good article.
Thanks Nige
Hi Charlie, Many thanks for your reply.🤓
Your welcome Edward
That was a very good video and was well explained. As I was starting from new I went DCC as I like sound and for me the Hornby TTS decoders have been fine for me as I am not too sophisticated to now the difference between the more expensive options. Although the Oxford Rail Sound fitted loco is very good. I have gone for Hattons decoders and so far all is well !!
Happy and Healthy 2020 Cheers Kev
I’m glad that things are working out Kev.
Happy New Year to you Charlie. I've opted for DCC on my small 8' x 2' N-gauge layout, and having converted an old GF class 25 and purchased a Dapol 33 that was DCC ready, I can say that anyone with older DC locos would be better off selling them and replacing with DCC ready as most of the older locos use the chassis as one side of the electrical circuit, and as you know in a DCC loco the motor feed is isolated from the pickup, so it is a fiddly job converting older DC locos. The reason I opted for DCC was constant track power means constant coach lighting even when the rain isn't moving. Sound is nice, but in N-gauge the options are limited, cost a lot of money, and don't sound good compared to OO or O gauge. I made my own controller based on a miniDCC board. The advantage is that you can control upto four loco's directly from the unit without having to dial up each loco address. So for those who like the simplicity of DC, it's just like using a 4 track DC controller, but controlling 4 locos rather than 4 tracks (if that makes sense?). You mentioned that this feel of driving the loco with DCC is one function of the system that appeals to you, but then go on about automation. What's the fun in having a fully automated layout? You miss out on the driving experience when the computer is having all the fun !!
A great comment Malcolm but each to our own, I do love the engineering challenge too.
Hi Charlie, I had a very busy holiday season and have just now had the chance to view your video. First off I'd like to wish you and your family a Safe and Happy New Year. I got started in the hobby back in the early 1970's in the era of DC power packs and block control. In the late 1970's I switched to CTC-16 command control. If folks today think DCC is a tough pill to swallow, they should have tried CTC-16 where you had to cut traces on the locomotive receiver (note: they were not called decoders back then) to program the receiver number. There was no such thing as plug and play, everything had to be insulated and hard wired to install a CTC-16 receiver. Plus you only had 16 channels to choose from, after the 16th locomotive you had to purchase "MU Receivers" and physically hard wire the MU receiver in the second locomotive to a master receiver in the lead locomotive. Talk about the days of DOS and Dinosaurs. Moving on, I made the DCC plunge in 1999 purchasing a Digitrax Empire Builder DCC system and have not looked back. That early Digitrax system used the now out of production DT100 throttles which required you to program decoders using the Hexadecimal number system, which many folks got hung up on. It never bother me as I took a course in Hex in school as part of a programming class, so for me they were just different numbers and Digitrax provided a conversion chart in the back of the manuals. Anyway I've since upgraded my throttles to the new DT500 throttle (night and day compared to the DT100, I simply love the DT500 throttle) and I've also purchased the UT4 throttle. I enjoy the large knob and small size of the UT4 for running trains (if you do purchase the UT4 throttle, read up on the part about dispatching locomotives) but for all other tasks I use the DT500. I agree anyone interested in DCC should shop around and not just purchase a Digitrax system because I think it's the best system available, many of my friends use NCE and MRC Prodigy / Gaugemaster Prodigy advanced systems and thoroughly enjoy those systems. In closing, this was another informative video, thank you. I also enjoyed your interview on New Junctions TH-cam channel. Cheers, Rich S.
Wow Rich, what an excellent comment.
As I recall there was also a Zero One, in the mix somewhere.
I’m still using the DT400, is there much difference to pay the extra?
@@ChadwickModelRailway Unfortunately I've never own the DT400, I upgraded from the DT100 directly to the DT500. My understanding is the DT400 supports Simplex radio operations and the DT500 does not, beyond that I'm not sure what other differences there are between the two throttles. Cheers, Rich S.
Recapping on block detection...thanks for the best wishes for 2020.....if only we had known.
Thanks DakDak. I’m still hunting for that laser level!
@@ChadwickModelRailway rons trains - I linked it in response to the other comment I think.
Sorry mate but you didn’t. 😢
@@ChadwickModelRailway th-cam.com/video/wz-gzkLXXUo/w-d-xo.html sorry tried again.
Great stuff.
It arrives on Saturday !
Good video as always
Thanks Adam
BZ to you and your channel Charlie - from a fellow RN matlot...
Thanks KC, it’s great to have you onboard!
Hi Charlie, Happy New Year and yes I did catch the session at Warley with Richard, made me chuckle... Hope the cold gets sorted soon. Have been DCC from the get-go on the new layout, with Digikeijs and iTrain having done a huge amount of research on automation software, including Train controller, which I understand you can't get in the UK now anyway. In terms of DCC ready locos, I've also had a wild ride in terms of converting older N Gauge stock including some purchases on the dreaded eBay. Some have been a total bargain, others have been a mistake and caused more pain and anguish that they were worth. I also started with a less sophisticated DCC system (Gaugemaster) but now have gone down the Digikeijs route, after a lot of soul searching and research on Digitrax, Z21, Diamo and so on... The only thing I would say is it's starting to become a distraction to the real reason I like railway modelling, scenery work and building the layout. But having said that, when it's all said and done, the automation does allow a level running complexity that I could never have achieved with a DC layout or even a basic DCC solution.
Hi Stuart, I totally understand .... but ... automation can become very addictive!
Have just subscribed to your channel and working my way through you’re videos. Excellent stuff! I’m hoping to start laying track on mine soon. I have built the baseboards about 6 years ago and then done nothing.......... they are a sort of square U shape. One board on one side is 8x4. The other side is 9x4 and they are joined at the top by a 2x7 board. I’m now trying to design a track plan and have done a load of head scratching lol.
Happy scratching mate and it’s great to have you onboard.
Already watched the interview. Fitting jumper
A great purchase but most wouldn’t see the irony.
Very good video keep it up.
Thanks David
That helps. Thanks. I currently have 2 outer tracks for my DC and am thinking of adding 2-3 inner tracks that I want to be DCC
That sounds like a sensible plan RB
Happy New Year Charlie.
I’m afraid to say that I will be watching fewer videos this year - because I can’t get on with my layout for watching the videos!!
As described before I’m not a videographer, although I’ll have a bash at it (remember me buying a £50 JVC Everio?), and will se how it goes during the build. Baseboards have been made up for a while now and they’re “shouting at me” to get cracking.
However, I still enjoy your presentations and will, eventually, catch up again! Chat later. All the best. As ever, Bob
Keep at it Bob and stay away from TH-cam! 😜
Amazing. Thank you!
You’re welcome.
You are on to something, for sure. Earlier this week I saw a YT vid on a layout modeled on the BNSF (about 2000' of N scale track) and they were using tortoise motors for the turnouts, and DCC, with Digitracks. Which was going to let them circulate 4 heavy freights, and an Amtrak commuter train through the layout, with a enough room left over for up to 4 more people just shifting stock aound various classification & industry yards.
Sounds like a great investment.
Very informative video.
Pretty much confirmed my thoughts for my own revised layout. I only have about a dozen loco's but all DC and I'm not really that competent with electrics. More interested in the scenery aspect of model railways.
My space is approx 15X10 ft loop but nothing fancy. Just need it to be reliable on a budget.
A very good point Mark, model for your own enjoyment.
Charlie, I truly enjoy your videos and thank you for introducing me to British model railroading. Since subscribing to your channel, I have started watching and subscribing to several other British model railroaders. I am extremely impressed with how much passenger service you fellows can squeeze into limited space. Double track in American layouts is not uncommon, but quod mainline track, wow.
I have a lot of questions I would like to ask, but will limit myself to what is the typical length of your passenger cars and what is a minimal radius you use for them? My passenger cars are 80 feet HO and although they will work fine on a minimum radius of 28 inches, I prefer 32 inches, and it usually recommended in the states to do 36 inches.
Lastly, you could do a whole show on translating railroad terms for us colonials. For example, I have learned you have sleepers, not ties, and guard vans, not cabooses. But there are many other terms you and others on your side of the pond use that mystify me and other Americans.
Hi John, I’m so pleased that you enjoy my channel. Our trains can go to a maximum of 13 coaches. That’s what stations were designed to take in the 1960’s.
Your right 36inch radius curves are ideal.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie...Another informative and entertaining video..my DCC layout is as simple as it gets one obsolete Lenz compact controller, all my locos have budget level decoders only my S15 has a Hornby TT sound decoder which has never given any trouble (touch wood) so it needn't be mega expensive. Keep up the good work Charlie Rgds Mike
Thanks Mike, and thanks for your input.
Hi Charlie, very interesting video. It comes at an opportune moment as, for a small fortune, I've just ordered an ESU Ecos control unit to plunge into DCC for the first time. My older non-DCC compatible locos have mostly been replaced by newer models already and the quality of DCC sound has reached the point where I'm happy to get on board.
For a while though, the layout will have to be dual DC/DCC as it will take a few years to sound chip everything with the best decoders and some incompatible locos will still remain - this is a dilemma that many must contemplate. My (unique?) plan for dual wiring is to wire the new DCC Ecos directly to the outputs of the DC Gaugemaster controller (obviously only ONE control unit will ever be ON at any time) rather than re-wire my whole layout to both units, which would take ages. As my layout only has isolating breaks to account for electrical flow through points and has no isolated sections this would seem to be okay.. or would it? I have not viewed/read about anyone having such a set up, so opinion would be extremely welcome!
Hi SNG,
I can see no reason why your plan shouldn’t work. Financially, just convert your favourites first and see how it goes.
Great ambition though and I wish you luck.
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks!
Thanks Charlie, I'm sure I'd like to invest in dcc at some point, however my 10 x 6 shed layout will remain dc until I've the time to make the necessary changes. As always your videos are well thought out and very well made.
Thanks Kevin, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it
Hi Charlie, great start to the new year Warts and all! makes your videos so good, saw the interview also, again very informative and can now fully appreciate all the time & effort that goes into producing & uploading these videos many thanks 😊 quick question on DCC bus circuits have mixed input on weather you should run the buss as continuous loop or break as told the signal being sent is ‘ chasing its self? Again many thanks for great updates 🤓Eddie
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Eddie. I recommend breaking the bus wire on a tail chaser but hundreds might disagree.
Thank you. In the time that I have been away from the hobby the price of ic chips have become reasonable. I will have to add them to my locos.
Thanks Ken.