I have been an advocate for DCC since I got into model
railroading almost 15 years ago. Since my background is
electronics, sound and radio, it was a natural fit. However,
I feel that there is a lot there for even non-technical folks.
That's my reason for this column. If you find something here
that makes sense, then perhaps you will consider the plunge
now or in the future.
DCC in the garden
Figure 2 shows the RMP as it was in May when it got too hot
here in Arizona to work on the outdoor railroad. You can see
that it will not support many operators even when it is finished.
During construction, I don’t run DCC on the RMP all the
time. I'm using both a DC power-pack and the DCC system
in the shakedown process. Whenever I need to run on DC, I
remember what it was like before DCC.
DCC Impulses Column - 3
The tethered power pack means that I need to be in a fixed
location to control my loco.
Some of the locos respond to the LGB in-track magnets by
whistling or ringing their bell in the specific location where
the magnet is installed.
Fine tuning of a section of track involves a lot of me running
back and forth or extension cords to bring power to the test
location.
DC only lets me have one loco in each power district at any
given time.
Over and over, this reminds me why wireless control is such an
important part of having fun with your trains in the garden.
When I'm able to run the DCC locos again (3), I feel so free.
There are no cables. I can control the loco from wherever I
wish. This makes it easier to adjust trackwork or align things.
I can ring the bell or blow the whistle whenever I wish, for
however long I desire. Lights are of constant brilliance and
controlled by the DCC system.
Okay, I hear you say, it makes sense in the garden, but why do
you bother with DCC on a small shelf layout?
DCC on the shelf
Here's why I run DCC on the shelf.
This may not be a startling revelation to you, but short shelf
layouts tend to be switching puzzles, not huge mainline
running operations. This is where DCC shines.
LOW SPEED CONTROL:
DCC allows you, perhaps with a bit
of practice, to make precision couplings, reversals and spots.
3
3: Bruce testing recently leveled track on the RMP
using DCC.
MRH-Nov 2013
