Hi folks,
After many years I'm picking up the model railroading hobby again. I'm starting very small, but have moderate ambitions to expand a small layout to a large one. As background, before the actual DCC question, I'm planning a outdoor On30 setup and trying to immerse myself slowly to avoid sticker shock. At the same time, I remember all too well losing interest with really cheap train sets. To keep my interest up I've decided to buy fewer higher quality pieces over a longer period of time. My first step was to place an order for the Model Mountain Imports D&RG K-27. Should the model ever get released, I figure I'll have a great looking model all set for DCC. But, I get stuck on how to power my modest effort. I know I want DCC in the long run, but in the short term I'll only have the one engine and my trackplan will be a pretty linear terminal or switcher, so even with DC the wiring will be minimal.
My question then is should I buy a 5 Amp DC powerpack to drive it, figuring the sound decoder and motor will eat more current than a cheaper pack; or should I invest in a basic DCC setup like the Digitraxx Zepher? I'm REALLY interested in getting the most bang for the buck, but I'll have a hard time just spending the $200 for the Zepher. Alternatively, is there a way to ease from one to the other? Are there minimal components needed to run a single engine with DCC that doesn't require a full set? If not, and I have to spend money on a good DC pack, can that be reused when I buy the DCC components?
It's obvious that my budget for the hobby is very minimal for individual purchases. My purchase of the K-27 ate my entire budget for getting a minimal systen going with a Bachmann On30 starter set. As a result, it's a good thing I'm not holding my breath for the engine to be delivered as it would sit on a shelf until I can afford to buy some track!
My instinct is to get the DCC startup set and take the beating, but if I don't have to I'd like another option.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
Andy
btw, I've been browsing for some time, and have read many of the DCC sites that are referenced here. I've learned a lot, but for some reason this particular issue eluded me.
After many years I'm picking up the model railroading hobby again. I'm starting very small, but have moderate ambitions to expand a small layout to a large one. As background, before the actual DCC question, I'm planning a outdoor On30 setup and trying to immerse myself slowly to avoid sticker shock. At the same time, I remember all too well losing interest with really cheap train sets. To keep my interest up I've decided to buy fewer higher quality pieces over a longer period of time. My first step was to place an order for the Model Mountain Imports D&RG K-27. Should the model ever get released, I figure I'll have a great looking model all set for DCC. But, I get stuck on how to power my modest effort. I know I want DCC in the long run, but in the short term I'll only have the one engine and my trackplan will be a pretty linear terminal or switcher, so even with DC the wiring will be minimal.
My question then is should I buy a 5 Amp DC powerpack to drive it, figuring the sound decoder and motor will eat more current than a cheaper pack; or should I invest in a basic DCC setup like the Digitraxx Zepher? I'm REALLY interested in getting the most bang for the buck, but I'll have a hard time just spending the $200 for the Zepher. Alternatively, is there a way to ease from one to the other? Are there minimal components needed to run a single engine with DCC that doesn't require a full set? If not, and I have to spend money on a good DC pack, can that be reused when I buy the DCC components?
It's obvious that my budget for the hobby is very minimal for individual purchases. My purchase of the K-27 ate my entire budget for getting a minimal systen going with a Bachmann On30 starter set. As a result, it's a good thing I'm not holding my breath for the engine to be delivered as it would sit on a shelf until I can afford to buy some track!
My instinct is to get the DCC startup set and take the beating, but if I don't have to I'd like another option.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
Andy
btw, I've been browsing for some time, and have read many of the DCC sites that are referenced here. I've learned a lot, but for some reason this particular issue eluded me.