From a theme developing elsewhere there is a growing recognition that there are two distinct classes of DCC.
Those traditional train set manufacturers such as Hornby, Bachmann, Marklin, Fleischmann and Roco and maybe others all offer starter systems based around the principle of a "Track Bus" with accessories designed with this principle in mind. Now having seen the size of some of the demo layouts of these manufacturers it could be argued that "Track Bus" arrangements can be accomodated within what could be considered to be large layouts by many.
Traditional DCC only manufacturers offer systems based around "Wired Bus" arrangements with accessories designed with this principle in mind. Because these systems do involve the use of wiring they are not seen as "plug and play" by beginners and clearly require the use of a solid baseboard foundation to support the principle of using a seperate wiring loom with junctions running to the track to transmit the messages and power around the layout.
Having recognised that there are two distinct methods "Track Bus Digital" and "Wired Bus Digital" is there not a case for splitting the DCC forum into two so that those who use track bus arrangements can keep their discussion seperate from those who use the wired bus arrangements?
![]()
We can broadly accept that wired bus arrangements can have advantages however the flexibility that track bus arrangements offer may outweight these advantages for those who like the flexibility of creating layouts which are less permanent and who still wish to use digital control.
My thoughts are that by having a seperate area for "Track Bus" systems this will encourage those who want to keep things simple to give digital control a go and participate more openly within the forum.
Am I right or wrong with this?
![]()
Happy modelling
Gary
Those traditional train set manufacturers such as Hornby, Bachmann, Marklin, Fleischmann and Roco and maybe others all offer starter systems based around the principle of a "Track Bus" with accessories designed with this principle in mind. Now having seen the size of some of the demo layouts of these manufacturers it could be argued that "Track Bus" arrangements can be accomodated within what could be considered to be large layouts by many.
Traditional DCC only manufacturers offer systems based around "Wired Bus" arrangements with accessories designed with this principle in mind. Because these systems do involve the use of wiring they are not seen as "plug and play" by beginners and clearly require the use of a solid baseboard foundation to support the principle of using a seperate wiring loom with junctions running to the track to transmit the messages and power around the layout.
Having recognised that there are two distinct methods "Track Bus Digital" and "Wired Bus Digital" is there not a case for splitting the DCC forum into two so that those who use track bus arrangements can keep their discussion seperate from those who use the wired bus arrangements?
We can broadly accept that wired bus arrangements can have advantages however the flexibility that track bus arrangements offer may outweight these advantages for those who like the flexibility of creating layouts which are less permanent and who still wish to use digital control.
My thoughts are that by having a seperate area for "Track Bus" systems this will encourage those who want to keep things simple to give digital control a go and participate more openly within the forum.
Am I right or wrong with this?
Happy modelling
Gary
