For years any electric train was powered by a DC system. The major problem was you just couldnt run more than one train on the same track unless your layout was massive and you built in control blocks with several people controlling those blocks. You had no control over the engine except for the control of the transformer or rectifier.
Recently a new system has been introduced that revolutionized the control of trains on a layout. We are going to look at the HO system and DCC control versus the DC system.
First a layout does not have to be huge to be able to control a locomotive or several locomotives at the same time. DCC introduced the decoder which is a mini chip and circuit board that is programmable. They can be very small that will fit into an n gauge locomotive or reasonably sized to fit any larger locomotive.
The decoder introduced a means to program a locomotive and be able to operate that locomotive independently from any other locomotive on the track. For example, you are able to lash together a set of four F3 diesel engines and run them as a unit. You can also program a set of steam engines to do the same or run them independently.
The DCC system allows the operator to run locomotives at a very low and realistic speed. The power distribution through the decoder is refined by the circuitry and PC. You will find the locomotives respond better and speed is attained in a controlled fashion. You may also control the lights in the locomotive by turning them off and on and if there is a Mars light you can have it on or off.
There are also sound systems with a decoder as part of the sound circuitry. However that is a different subject to be discussed in a later article.
The hand held controller/program unit allows you to either run several engines together as a unit. Also, if we have two steam engines running slightly different than each other the controller allows for that since it has two separate controllers built in. You set the speed of one and then match that speed with the other controller so they are going at the same speed.
The most engines we have tried to run on my friends layout was seven engines. One set was a lash up of four locomotives, another was a lash of two locomotives and one single locomotives. This was a mix of two sets of diesels and one articulated steam engine.
By monitoring the engines and setting each combination or single engine to be traveling at the same speed allows for continuous running with out incident.
You just cant do this with any success with the DC system of operation. There are too many variables to deal with the DC operation versus the DCC operation.
There is a cost for decoders which are not necessarily cheap. The initial cost of the system that is built in to the layout is also costly. However, I feel it is worth it since you can do so many more things with DCC. There are several manufactures of these products and the prices very. The best way to find the best buys is through surfing the WEB for a retailer who can give you the best price.
Joy Ball has been involved in the restoration and maintenance of a variety of Brass Model Locomotives. Through her years of expertise, Mrs. Ball has perfected the art of train restoration often spending countless hours preserving vintage Brass Locomotive to the running condition of even the newest Brass Model Replicas. It should be noted that the above article was written by Joys husband Michael Ball. Receive her free newsletter at http://www.brasslocomotiveworks.com.
