Thanks Jim, I am running DC on a very small layout right now. I hope to start building my big layout in the next couple of months. So I was starting to think about wiring the layout. This brings up the question, If I wire using DCC disciplines is it possible to use DC until I can get a system?[/quote]
Sure Wes, both systems just use wires hooked to the rails. Generally, you will want the feeds to the rails a little closer together than usually used in DC. The only thing you will probably find different when you switch to DCC is that you may have more insulated rail gaps than you need. Conversion should be no problem.

Could someone possibly at some point in time..no rush start a new thread on the difference between all these things. I have no idea about these things at all. Sorry if this is vague but that's how little I know about it!! hhahahahahhaahaa... funny but true! :D

Sounds like a good idea, actually a few different threads would be best so that the many different aspects of DC compared to DCC could be clearly discussed. General concept, Differences in wiring, Differences in motive power, differences in operations, from my vey basic understanding this can have an affect on your whole layout.

I like that idea Wes. I really need to fully understand this stuff. :D

If any of you are very comfortable and familiar with DCC and DC and the different systems available send me a PM. I am interested in having you work with me on writing an article for the main site that could be a good source of information for beginners.

A series of articals would be nice. Seperate articals covering each step of the layout build process from the planning phase, to an operational layout.

The Idea of a DCC topic or forum in the main forum also has it's merits. Something that is great about this community is that we have almost unlimited knowledge, skill, and experience collectively. One may not know enough about a topic to contribute to an artical, but that person may be able to fill a small gap. Also the forum is a living document. As you read an artical it is not as easy to stop and ask questions as you go. I realise we already have general forums covering layout, operations, Motive power and wiring it may be benificial to cover these topics specific to DCC.

Hey, how 'bout a Trainipedia, open forum with multiple contributors?
Don

Don, that's a GREAT idea, thanks for volunteering to head it up.

AHHH, HAAAA HAAAA HAAAA HAAAAAAAAA
HHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Very funny!
Don

I'm also looking into going DCC, is Digitrax the way to go? I just want to run 1, maybe 2 trains and want a cheap but reliable system. Is bachman really that bad?

Now that I am finally starting to do something, how far apart should the leads going to the track be? I have heard before one lead for each length of flex track, placed near the center of the track.

Baro: I've been looking into this DCC stuff for sometime now. It seems most people either go with Digitrax or NCE, and then whichever one a person decides to use there are a thousand and one reasons why. The reasons even sometime contradict each other. I have read so many different things on so many different forums and articles I end up getting confused.

I have found that the bottom line between the two most popular systems (Digitrax & NCE) is that a person should choose the system that is most supported by hobby shops in ones area or choose the system that a club you belong to or in your area uses. That way if you have problems you can have local people to help you out. I personally have decided that when I do pull the trigger on a system I will choose what I think I want, not what is local.



whaworth: This is another DCC subject that there are varying opinions on. What you heard seems to be the standard from what I have been reading. But, I have also had a lot of people tell me that they do not use power leads and have large N scale layouts that have run perfectly for years. When as I said above, I get a system I am going to try sections of the layout without power leads and see how it goes.

One reason is this looks extremely difficult to do all over an N scale layout, but that's just my opinion...

Tony,
Thats a good tip about picking a system that you can get local help with.
As far as the track feeds go, most will tell you about every few feet, but, when I converted to DCC, I have one section of hidden track that is crammed under the layout, through the wall into another room, around a curve and back out. Thats about 25 feet between feeders and I have no problems with it. Surprised me.

I have the Kato Unitrack with the power feeders on each section of track separated by a switch (still need 1 more to go). I was assuming that will be sufficient for what I need to do. Does this sound right?

As long as all of your track ends up with power that should work. If your going for a more permanent install take a look my website and see how I did mine, I wasn't happy relying on the rail joiners for power, they aren't 100% reliable.