It depends on what system you get, and how your layout is setup. It is actually very easy. I would recommend picking up books by Kalmbach (The publisher of Model Railroader Magazine) on getting started in DCC. The MR staff are experts at explaining how-to when it comes to the model railroad!
Oh nice. Both my cab-cars happened to be numbered the same (i dont recall the number off hand). I plan to model Modern Era, freelanced. I plan to mix in some vintage equipment aswell, I dont like having VIA taken over passenger service, when I could make up something more visually appealing. However, for the long run, having a few Go Trains making the scheduling tight will be fun. How long do you plan to, or actually run your go trains?
I noticed your loco has ditch lights installed are they static on/off or alrternating between the two when the horn is activated? I have a Bachman sd 40-2 and want to add ditch lights to it but am unsure as to how to go about it as i am completely new to dcc and don't know where i world weld the wires to on the dcc decoder.
The ditchlights are static. Depending on the decoder, it will vary how to install, if the decoder even allows it. There are articles in Model RailRoader Magazine, and your local shop may be able to help aswell. DCC is alot easier once you get going.
Nice. I am still re-doing the layout, I have a new trackplan and all setup. I have to wait for my dad to purchase new plywood so we can resurface the layout since there are too many old nail holes in the current surface to fill. After, I will have setup my UT4 and the PR3 aswell and use my laptop as another controller.
Oh, ok. They are a bit light yes, but if you add weight to the containers in them that will even things out. Not much weight is needed, the containers themselves do add a considerable weight. Unless you get a heljan crane, or plan to jumbe the containers alot, keep the weights in ones that will be on the bottom, top heavy container trains will cause very big wrecks.
how do u set a number to a decoder in a engine exampe. My athearn c44-9w it doesnt have a dcc decoder in it but its ready for one. When i put one in it how do i set a number to it.
Every DCC system is the same where setting an address is concerned. Program or main line depends on the system. All factory decoders come with an address of #3 all you have to do is select number 3 when programming then change the number to what you want and press enter. It is that easy. DCC has come a long way since the 80's lol. My first DCC system was made in 1977 and it worked great but the decoders heated up too quickly so now the system itself is a collectors item.
The procedure still depends on the system and control. The basics are the same yes, but buttons are labeled differently on different systems so you cant really say what to do for a system unless you have it or have used it.
knightbob81 , Apachec424 is right in that it depends on the system your using BUT programming an address is the same no matter the system being used. All DCC systems are relatively the same for programming,cv variables, speed steps,consisting or whatever. You have to read your manual cause the DCC system you choose may be a little different, you might have an extra step or something.
I got a pair a while back (obviosuly XD) it was one powered and one dummy unit. (A-A set). Fortunately my friend had bought a powered NYC F7-A from athearn he intended to use in slug service, so we swapped the chasis (powered for dummy) and now I got 2 powered units, and he got his unpowered slug. Everbody wins.
I am surprised it can pull that much. I have had some great, and some rather..."below expectation" athearn engines. I guess you got one of the good ones. The only question I'd have is are the cars properly weighted, roughly equal length and on straight/level track?
This video truly shows the end to my current layout, I have ripped up all the track except the outer loop so far. After, we are adding a new layer of ply-wood (the current one is like swiss cheese) and laying brand new track. I have added 3 Digitrax UP5s, aswell as a UT4 throttle. I will be getting the Loconet cable and more decoders on my next run to my hobby shop. Next video with my video camera, instead aswell. Let me know if you want to see another video - once my new layout is complete!
I have a Union Pacific Kato AC4400 and a Southern Pacific Kato C44-9W that I am thinking about putting sound into. I am also thinking about getting the Zephyr. Would you recommend it? Also would you recommend the sound package your running?
Definately! When I first went to get my DCC system, I was not considering Digitrax. I thought that MRC's Prodigy Express was the way to go, but my an employee at my local hobby shop explained the key advantage of digitrax compared to the MRC system, which was that MRC did not allow use of functions in a consist. (The exact wording I forget). Ever since I first used the Zephyy, I've never looked back. I'm currently rebuilding my layout, and adding to my DCC system. Its a great system, the Zephyr.
As for the SDH104K1A+FN04K1 combo decoders in the "AC's", they are a great choice too. I made some tweaks from the defaults (Address of course), including making the bell louder (not very audible at factory setting, I set it to max), decrease the engine's volume and increasing airhorn volume. I also added Rule17. All of which was easy to do with the Zephyr. Replacing the Kato board is easy aswell, just be patient and take your time and you'll reward yourself with hours of MR fun - WITH SOUND!
Is it worth buying?
intercity112255 3 weeks ago
2:01 answered my question. I'm 14 and want to get started using DCC. What all ahs to be done to install DCC?
bnsf5624illinois 2 months ago
@bnsf5624illinois
It depends on what system you get, and how your layout is setup. It is actually very easy. I would recommend picking up books by Kalmbach (The publisher of Model Railroader Magazine) on getting started in DCC. The MR staff are experts at explaining how-to when it comes to the model railroad!
ApacheC424 1 month ago
level42[dot]ca/files/ho-scale/go-transit/
level42jeff 11 months ago
@GeorgetownRailfan907 Where in the world did you get 909 !!! I've been looking everywhere!
See my collection here level42 DDOOTT ca/files/ho-scale/go-transit/
level42jeff 11 months ago
@GeorgetownRailfan907
Oh nice. Both my cab-cars happened to be numbered the same (i dont recall the number off hand). I plan to model Modern Era, freelanced. I plan to mix in some vintage equipment aswell, I dont like having VIA taken over passenger service, when I could make up something more visually appealing. However, for the long run, having a few Go Trains making the scheduling tight will be fun. How long do you plan to, or actually run your go trains?
ApacheC424 1 year ago
@GeorgetownRailfan907
#901 & #904
I didnt think that the F7A's were still available.
I plan to get some more Go Equipment, possible some of the Go GP40s, I beleive Atlas made some once.
ApacheC424 1 year ago
I noticed your loco has ditch lights installed are they static on/off or alrternating between the two when the horn is activated? I have a Bachman sd 40-2 and want to add ditch lights to it but am unsure as to how to go about it as i am completely new to dcc and don't know where i world weld the wires to on the dcc decoder.
gc53dfgc 1 year ago
@gc53dfgc
The ditchlights are static. Depending on the decoder, it will vary how to install, if the decoder even allows it. There are articles in Model RailRoader Magazine, and your local shop may be able to help aswell. DCC is alot easier once you get going.
ApacheC424 1 year ago
tight layout bro.
Adrian45738 1 year ago
@Adrian45738
ty.
ApacheC424 1 year ago
that's neat I am 15 1/2 yrs and i have the zephyr and building my layout.
EWLR89 1 year ago
@EWLR89
Nice. I am still re-doing the layout, I have a new trackplan and all setup. I have to wait for my dad to purchase new plywood so we can resurface the layout since there are too many old nail holes in the current surface to fill. After, I will have setup my UT4 and the PR3 aswell and use my laptop as another controller.
ApacheC424 1 year ago
Cool canadian tire brings back memories from camping. I saw a bunch of those!
JacobLego 1 year ago
Good 'ol Candian Tire.
ApacheC424 1 year ago
@ApacheC424 Yep!
JacobLego 1 year ago
are the 5 units red cars plastic? if so, did you find them extremley light?
aaron13133 2 years ago
They are somewhat light, not that bad though. You could always say that the paint was faded by the sun. :)
ApacheC424 2 years ago
i meant wieght wise, not color,i mean are they plastic cars? are they heavy or light?
aaron13133 2 years ago
Oh, ok. They are a bit light yes, but if you add weight to the containers in them that will even things out. Not much weight is needed, the containers themselves do add a considerable weight. Unless you get a heljan crane, or plan to jumbe the containers alot, keep the weights in ones that will be on the bottom, top heavy container trains will cause very big wrecks.
ApacheC424 2 years ago
i mean how do i give the decoder a number
knightbob81 2 years ago
how do u set a number to a decoder in a engine exampe. My athearn c44-9w it doesnt have a dcc decoder in it but its ready for one. When i put one in it how do i set a number to it.
knightbob81 2 years ago
depends on what DCC system you own, and what throttle you have.
ApacheC424 2 years ago
Every DCC system is the same where setting an address is concerned. Program or main line depends on the system. All factory decoders come with an address of #3 all you have to do is select number 3 when programming then change the number to what you want and press enter. It is that easy. DCC has come a long way since the 80's lol. My first DCC system was made in 1977 and it worked great but the decoders heated up too quickly so now the system itself is a collectors item.
northlander30 2 years ago
The procedure still depends on the system and control. The basics are the same yes, but buttons are labeled differently on different systems so you cant really say what to do for a system unless you have it or have used it.
ApacheC424 2 years ago
knightbob81 , Apachec424 is right in that it depends on the system your using BUT programming an address is the same no matter the system being used. All DCC systems are relatively the same for programming,cv variables, speed steps,consisting or whatever. You have to read your manual cause the DCC system you choose may be a little different, you might have an extra step or something.
northlander30 2 years ago
Love all of it, but especially the GO FP7
pilotmanmax 2 years ago
apparently they dont make them anyomore. But the GO Transit cars are still available.
ApacheC424 2 years ago
They do though! At my local hobby shop! I am probably going to pick up the two pack ofthem and get some cars. I have a soft spot for GO ransit;)
pilotmanmax 2 years ago
They are still in stores, but last I saw on Athearn's website they said Discontinued. (The engines)
ApacheC424 2 years ago
I best grab a pair then eh.
pilotmanmax 2 years ago
I got a pair a while back (obviosuly XD) it was one powered and one dummy unit. (A-A set). Fortunately my friend had bought a powered NYC F7-A from athearn he intended to use in slug service, so we swapped the chasis (powered for dummy) and now I got 2 powered units, and he got his unpowered slug. Everbody wins.
ApacheC424 2 years ago
lol, my GP 40X 4523 can pull 67 cars, ive tested it
aaron13133 2 years ago
Thats pretty damm good, especially for a four axle. Who manufactured it?
ApacheC424 2 years ago
athearn
aaron13133 2 years ago
I am surprised it can pull that much. I have had some great, and some rather..."below expectation" athearn engines. I guess you got one of the good ones. The only question I'd have is are the cars properly weighted, roughly equal length and on straight/level track?
ApacheC424 2 years ago
yup, all pulled on a 45' straight at the club layout( mine is in building progress)
aaron13133 2 years ago
17. HEADLIGHT
(a) The full power of the headlight in the direction of movement must be used approaching each road crossing until the crossing is fully occupied.
(b) On main track, the headlight must be displayed full power continuously to the front of every moving train except when;
(i) approaching or being approached by an opposing train or engine;
admydragon 2 years ago
This video truly shows the end to my current layout, I have ripped up all the track except the outer loop so far. After, we are adding a new layer of ply-wood (the current one is like swiss cheese) and laying brand new track. I have added 3 Digitrax UP5s, aswell as a UT4 throttle. I will be getting the Loconet cable and more decoders on my next run to my hobby shop. Next video with my video camera, instead aswell. Let me know if you want to see another video - once my new layout is complete!
ApacheC424 2 years ago
I have a Union Pacific Kato AC4400 and a Southern Pacific Kato C44-9W that I am thinking about putting sound into. I am also thinking about getting the Zephyr. Would you recommend it? Also would you recommend the sound package your running?
jared1230030 2 years ago
Definately! When I first went to get my DCC system, I was not considering Digitrax. I thought that MRC's Prodigy Express was the way to go, but my an employee at my local hobby shop explained the key advantage of digitrax compared to the MRC system, which was that MRC did not allow use of functions in a consist. (The exact wording I forget). Ever since I first used the Zephyy, I've never looked back. I'm currently rebuilding my layout, and adding to my DCC system. Its a great system, the Zephyr.
ApacheC424 2 years ago
As for the SDH104K1A+FN04K1 combo decoders in the "AC's", they are a great choice too. I made some tweaks from the defaults (Address of course), including making the bell louder (not very audible at factory setting, I set it to max), decrease the engine's volume and increasing airhorn volume. I also added Rule17. All of which was easy to do with the Zephyr. Replacing the Kato board is easy aswell, just be patient and take your time and you'll reward yourself with hours of MR fun - WITH SOUND!
ApacheC424 2 years ago
Nice Engine
UP9390 2 years ago
Thanks.
ApacheC424 2 years ago