[couzens]

i had a basic set up when i was younger. just before dc starting coming in.
I want to start a new layout of my own and i want the set up all uptodate, can some one tell me the things i need i.e do i need special track to acomidate DC/DCC? wheres the best place to get dc controller, and does anyone know if theres any decent model shops in berkshire? around bracknell area. the ones i used to go to have gone. help apreciated

thanks

 

[dwb]

The track is the same for DC/DCC.

QUOTE wheres the best place to get dc controller
Do you mean DCC controller rather than DC? If DCC then you should look for a model shop which has a good reputation for supporting their customers who are just starting out. Not all shops have this knowledge.

QUOTE if theres any decent model shops in berkshire? around bracknell area

I don't know of any west of Bracknell but there may be some to the east. The Model Shop in Alton is very good but I'm not sure about their support for DCC. The last time I was there I bought a couple of locos and forgot to ask about decoders and they didn't think to remind me either. I noticed an ad in the back of this month's Hornby magazine for a new model shop in Basingstoke called "Church Street Models". They are at 10A Church Street. They don't list any DCC suppliers in the list of products they stock. Further afield there is Howes of Kidlington, north of Oxford. I don't know what their DCC support is like but they have their own range of sound decoders.

David

 

[Brian Considine]

Welcome to MRF - David's advice is sound.

Any other questions then please just ask away - someone usually has the answer(s).

 

[couzens]

ive confused myself i think, whats dc and dcc then? ill have to pop into alton then i think, i know bachman do a 411, but not in network south east, does anyone?

 

[SRman]

DC refers to "normal" 12 Volts DC analogue running - the traditional model railway, if you like - and DCC means Digital Command Control, where each locomotive or unit has an electronic decoder on board and accepts commands from the controller that are addressed solely to that individual item.

Bachmann's 4CEP is not yet available and is only advertised as being in original (unrefurbished) form in green or blue and grey. There may possibly be kits available in refurbished form; you could look at Southern Pride's web site to see if they have them in NSE livery although I don't think they do, from memory - possibly on the list of things to come as well.

 

[couzens]

ah i see! is there ways of converting dc trains to dcc? and is the dcc setup streiht foward to install? lol sorry for being a n00b, its changed a hell of alot lol

 

[poliss]

Here are some links that should help.
Brian Lamberts page on DCC control. http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/DCC.htm
Bromsgove Models decoder fitting guides. http://www.bromsgrovemodels.co.uk/decoderinstallation4mm.htm
Trains4U DCC Fitting guides. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/dcc/

 

[couzens]

thanks for the links chap! confusing stuff. mite take me a while to get my head round lol

 

[couzens]

Have come up with the track plan i intend to use, final version may differ

the period it'l be set in, will be late 80's early 90's, and in the south. so network southeast livery etc.

 

[Nick Holliday]

It might be a good idea to go to some exhibitions and have a look at what others are doing, and then asking some questions. I notice that the Marlow/Maidenhead exhibition is on this weekend, and members of this forum are exhibiting there, so don't be afraid to ask, as long as they are not too busy operating. If you can't make this, then in a fortnight there are shows at Guildford (Astolat) and Tolworth. Guildford is a smaller show, but very friendly, as I know, having exhibited there myself!
Hope this helps.