Model Railway Forum

I'm looking at helping a younger family member design and build a simple layout. I've not done anything with model railways for around 20 years and things will undoubtedly have moved on. I know nothing about DCC so am wondering how we decide whether to use DC or DCC? Cost will certainly be a consideration, I assume DCC isn't cheap? Conversely, I anticipate (and will encourage!) interest in controlling the layout via computer software; presumably this is easiest with DCC?

Are there any considerations we need to make while designing the layout to allow for DC or DCC control?

I remember using a company called RST for a lot of my electronic purchases back in the day, I can't find any sign of them still existing; can anyone shed any light on them?

Thanks in anticipation!

If you are starting from scratch and not relying upon using a pile of old stock then DCC is definitely the way to go. With younger family members involved this will help retain their intetest and they will fly when it comes to learning about digital set up and control. Take a look at a Roco Z21 system, or the cheaper z21 Start system. With this, control of trains and accessories is through using an app on a phone or tablet. This will definitely appeal to the younger generation. Although you may initially spend a little more on the controller you'll save money later because there will be no need for a control panel. This can all be done using the schematic mimic screen in the Z21 app.

Consider if you're going to be stocking the layout with older non-DCC ready locos or buying newer ones that are either already DCC fitted or can be retro-fitted easily as they are DCC ready.

As you said, it will be down to cost - but also the age of the "younger family member" as that phrase could be someone who is 5, 15 or 25!

Yes, controlling via computer is doable.

Maybe visits to local and not so local exhibitions would point you in the direction you and your younger family member wish to go.

It's perfectly possible to wire up a layout suitable for both DC and DCC with a little planning and thought about stabling locos that aren't running (isolating areas/switches) that can be set live once you decide to go the DCC route (all lines are normally live).

Have a look at the Hornby HM | DC 6000 app driven DC control system.

If it is really going to be a simple layout then dc would be my choice, but if you want to be able to have a couple of trains running and do a bit of shunting at the same time then that is where DCC starts to become a more sensible option, eliminating to need for multiple controllers and track sectioning, switches etc.

Even on a DCC layout I would still use switches for point operation though, rather than controlling them from the DCC console, as it is simpler and easier than lots of button pushing. However, more modern up to date DCC controllers (Should be called Command Stations really) make it rather easier.

If you do go for computer control in the future, then DCC operation of points becomes essential.

Good luck.

I have got to agree with the advice that if starting from scratch go DCC, converting later becomes difficult when faced with having to fit numerous decoders into a multitude of locos. However, a lot depends on your layout, and a small micro layout which is not likely to be expanded and will probably only have one loco at a time moving is probably best left DC.

Richard

Young family member, would suggest limited budget, hence DC, way to go. Fraction of the cost,in my view.

DCC definitely opens up a new dimension. We recently made to switch and we really enjoy running two trains on the same track. It is expensive, there’s no question on that, but I wouldn’t go back to DC.
DCC does also get a bit more complex as you have to power every line, siding, so everything works no matter of the point setting.

I think it really depends on your budget and how far you want to go.

I think DCC is simple to wire up because you don't need lots of switches and insulated sections to control the locos. All you need is a BUS wire to wire from to make sure all the track is live. I only have DC because I had a large collection of analogue locos and it would cost to much to convert them all. If I was starting from scratch I would go for DCC. But DCC is more expensive. But in saying that a good quality DC controller and loads of switches don't come cheap.