Dual purpose DC/DCC layout design and construction

3112 Views 7 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Mainthreadmartin, Oct 26, 2006

Gary

Discussion Starter · Oct 7, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

Is it possible to create a layout which with the throw of a simple switch can go from DC control to DCC control and back again?

This subject may be of interest to a lot of members and visitors who are contemplating DCC but don't want to have to chip all their locos and especially the older collectables that they may have that may not work so well with DCC.

What are the constraints when contemplating a dual purpose layout?

Is it better to opt for totally isolated seperate layouts within a layout?

I would guess that with Hornby keeping it simple and using the track as the "bus" then it would be equally simple with such a set up to incorporate a switch that immedietely converts to whole layout back to DC control. You then remove all your DCC chipped locos and have a play with your non chipped locos.

Happy modelling
Gary

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Derek H

· #3 · Oct 7, 2006

Over the last two years I have been building a quite complex layout which measures 12ft x 6ft.

One of my main criteria when designing this layout is that it would be able to operate either as a DC layout or a DCC layout.

I achieved this by using two isolation switches on the DCC power feeds from controller, which some manufacturers recommend anyway, and the other item which changes operational mode is two multi pin plug and sockets.

To date I have had no problems at all operating in either mode.

I also hasten to add that nowhere on the control panel or layout are there any electronic modules or any relays involved in the changeover.

Derek

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