Yes Tdm, get your point, apart from sound, and the simplified wiring all depends on how many
trains you want to run at the same time, some people inc myself don't need it. If you want to
do some shunting you can always bring in insulated sections. The Train - Techs system sounds interesting though.

Phil, I'm not an expert on DCC so can't advise on best controller, the question of points is a bit more
complex, apart from Kato ( I think) most points need a separate motor, plus wiring and switching
whether DCC or DC , although it's possible to run a DCC layout from a laptop , but we're moving up
a few levels here! If you're new to DCC and wish to go that route I think I'd go with a basic set up  which can be upgraded later . Hopefully other DCC savvy members can help!

The DCC forums on NGF have extensive coverage  of the "best " DCC controllers , and advice on locos , wiring etc.

browsing there may raise more questions than answers but that is because Rule 1 applies in DCC as well!

It is more expensive, but is very rewarding in the ability to run a railway without a lot of extra wiring.

BW

Nick R

G'day from Australia, Phil, and welcome to the NGF! 

Any chance of a look at the track plan? It could assist the DCC people in assessing the feasibility of that route.

Hello.

Thank you for your replies. Its been very useful and interesting. I have been reading abut the different DCC controllers too.

As the set DC now and apart from buying the DCC controller and chips for the loco's, how or what else do i need to do with the layout to convert from DC too DCC? I have just been told

"The conversion to DCC would be relatively simple and no problem if you have some knowledge of wiring. The only thing required is moving a few wires about. Basically all you need for DCC is 12 - 15 volts fed to all parts of the track."

Again thank you for all your replies!

Phil

PS.

Sorry i dont have a track plan.

Hi Phill,

Coming in late on this, as I just posted on your "build or buy" thread ...

There's some good advice in this thread.  However, if you do a search of the site, you'll see we get an awful lot of "what controller should I use" questions.  This is a very hard one to answer !!!

As there are a range of different control types, you're best off finding which of those styles you like (and which you hate); then you can tailor your questions against the controllers of that type.  Eg some are along the lines of a PlayStation/Xbox handset; others along the lines of a chunky video remote; others still are base-units you stand at.  Head to a decent Show (you don't say where in the country you are, so we can't suggest any), and play with the various ones there.

As far as DC/DCC - in theory just plugging in a DCC controller instead of the DC controller will work.  In practice, it depends on the way the builder did the wiring, and you will need to check it all out very carefully !!!  Don't rely on anyone else to do this.

You may end up with harder work re-using someone else's layout than making your own ...

Mike