Recently I've been giving more thought about going with DCC on my new N scale layout. It's still in the planning stage so all options are still open. My original thought was to just go with DC because of the initial cost of DCC. I've worked in electronics so the wiring isn't be a problem. Also I already have two MRC Tech4 280 dual controllers plus an older MRC controller. With the layout designed as it is 5 engines would be about the max that would be running at one time anyway. So I figured I'd be set. Then when I got to visualizing the layout in the room I came to a realization. If I were the only one running trains it wouldn't be a problem. Even two would fit OK. However, if I had enough people over so that everyone was running an engine consist or switch yard it would get very crowded. That started me thinking more about DCC.
The idea I've been kicking around lately is to wire it for DC and start buying and installing decoders in my engines without wiring them into the motor circuit.
This brings up my first question. Can a DCC decoder equipped engine run on a DC layout? If they can, I could just do the complete install when I mounted them.
Then as I get enough of them ready, I can go ahead and get the DCC controller and accessories and convert the track wiring to DCC.
So the second question is, is this a practical way to go about it? How difficult would it be to change the wiring from one to the other? Would it be possable for me to set up the wiring so that all it would take to change would be connecting/removing jumper wires.
The third question then would be, if it is practical, what system would best lend itself to this purpose. I figure that if I'm going to do it, I'll do it right. Sound, light, the works.
The only thing I would probably not use it for would be throwing turnout switches. I plan on building switch machines (my own design) for all of the turnouts, but everything about the trains themselves would be controlled by DCC. However even that is open for debate.
So, given these parameters, what would everyone advise? I realize that just about everyone will have different suggestions, but I would like to hear from anyone who has an opinion.
Thanks
The idea I've been kicking around lately is to wire it for DC and start buying and installing decoders in my engines without wiring them into the motor circuit.
This brings up my first question. Can a DCC decoder equipped engine run on a DC layout? If they can, I could just do the complete install when I mounted them.
Then as I get enough of them ready, I can go ahead and get the DCC controller and accessories and convert the track wiring to DCC.
So the second question is, is this a practical way to go about it? How difficult would it be to change the wiring from one to the other? Would it be possable for me to set up the wiring so that all it would take to change would be connecting/removing jumper wires.
The third question then would be, if it is practical, what system would best lend itself to this purpose. I figure that if I'm going to do it, I'll do it right. Sound, light, the works.
The only thing I would probably not use it for would be throwing turnout switches. I plan on building switch machines (my own design) for all of the turnouts, but everything about the trains themselves would be controlled by DCC. However even that is open for debate.
So, given these parameters, what would everyone advise? I realize that just about everyone will have different suggestions, but I would like to hear from anyone who has an opinion.
Thanks