shutoff switches, a guest, no matter how rare they are, doesn't
need to be trained to the layout. Larger layouts do need power
districts for troubleshooting, but that discussion is beyond this
column. I rarely run a second loco on the layout. Since I use
DCC, I am able to do so with impunity (5).
SOUND:
Sound is fun. I've said it for years, "DCC sells sound
and sound sells DCC." If you have a road crossing your
tracks, you can decide if it is necessary to blow for the grade
crossing(s) or not. When you are in the yard, you can decide
when and where the bell is needed, even on a whim. It's your
pike, you make the rules. The sound of the loco shuttling back
and forth makes solo operating less lonely. If you have a larger
solo pike than mine, you might want to have one train running
in circles while you are switching another. Sound helps you
monitor the other train continuously, and, if needed, DCC
provides quick control of it.
POWER ALWAYS ON:
With DCC, there is constant power on
the track at all times. That means that the power for lights and
accessories, like the illuminated brakeman (5) is available. Of
course, care must be taken not to overload your DCC system
with fixed loads, like buildings.
NO CORD:
Radio allows me to run my pike and not trip over
a cord. Remember, my current layout is a light weight blue-
foam-on-small-wood endeavor sitting on top of some cabinets.
If I were to snag a cord, I could easily pull the whole shebang
off the cabinets. Using radio allows me to avoid that pitfall.
Besides, it is more fun not worrying about the wires. If I didn’t
already have the radio for the garden, would I spend the extra
bucks to have it on my simple shelf layout? Probably not. I’d
screw the layout to the wall to prevent disaster and move on.
However, my long term plans are for a two to three operator
5
5: Two locos and a DCC powered flagman on the shelf
layout – lights are on, but nobody is moving.
DCC Impulses Column - 5
MRH-Nov 2013
