Hello and Baseboard Size

[Railwaygun]

Suitable track packs would be ( no PSU included as you are DCC)

V3 yard switching set ( inc 3 points)

V16 double track oval ( with banked curves)
(Add a straight and a crossover to link the ovals)

May I just ask a couple of questions that have arisen from the above reply;

I don't quite understand the "(no PSU included as you are DCC)" could someone expand upon this a little for me? Quite right the set I have bought is DCC but does that mean I only need one PSU, which is included in my DCC kit?

Could someone give me an example of the Unitrack items I would need to link the two ovals, i.e. track, switches, motors etc.?

So much too learn 

Still on the upside I have got a coat if primer/undercoat on that baseboard today 

Cheers, Senza

DC sets have a DC controller. (ie the Kato sets with controller). these power the track and also provide a socket to connect the point switches to. this may useful as a backup as well ( your stock is I think going to be DC initially)

kato point switch

[smg id=33509 type=full align=center caption="jhgj"]

kato DC controller



the DCC controller you select will have its own PSU, and provide the track power. the KAto point s will need the old DC supply, or can use the AC supply that the DCC PSU MAY provide ( and you can sell the KAto controller easily).

to connect the 2 ovals, you need straights

20-012 Double Track Straight 186 mm (2 pcs.)

[smg id=33507 type=full align=center caption="20 012[1]"]

this will extend the 2 loops, and you can insert a crossover point ( 4 points as one unit)

[smg id=33508 type=full align=center caption="20 210"]

All photos from Traintrax.co.uk

if you want DCC controlled points, come back to the forum then!

[Senza]

Many thanks for all the information, much appreciated.

I was just about to order a couple of Kato Unitrack V sets to go with my Graham Farish Cornish Riviera DCC set, but then thought "how will I power the points?"

There is obviously a huge gap in my understanding of using DCC with DC switches, points and accessories, and I have been searching away but can't quite get my head around it, if anyone can tell me in "numpty" terms what I need to order I would be very grateful... enthusiasm (impatience) is getting the better of me 

I think Railwaygun has explained this above but has not taken into account how thick I am  I get the impression from the above that I have to have a Kato DC controller and the DCC Bachmann EZ Controller that is included in the DCC set, but am still confused as to where the DC power comes from.

Regards, Senza

[Railwaygun]

the Kato PSU has 12v DC output for DC track, and 2 side connectors that the point switches attach to ( 16vAC). so you would use the Kato SU ( cheapest in a Track set) to power the points.

[smg id=33535 type=full align=center caption="PSU images"]

the DCC PSU will only power the DCC controller ( it has 1 plug on a cable, and no AC output.)

Alternatively you can use a 16v AC PSU and a Kato converter.

   Kato 24-842 AC/DC Converter

Converts 16 Volt AC to 12 Volt DC.

You will need one of these units if you are Not using the Kato controller for Unitrack point switches.

[smg id=33536 type=full align=center caption="AC images"]

I think that you should:

1) join a local model railway club (http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/)
2) visit some Train shows and talk to people with Kato based layouts - see what the bits look like and how they fit together
3) find a local Kato stockist
4) buy a simple Set - Track + PSU + 1 point and have a play!
5) find a local NGF member with Kato and pop round for a play! Ask here!

you need to see / feel and explanations are merely becoming more confusing.

[Senza]

Ah thanks for that, it has all become a lot clearer now... like a little light bulb coming on :-)

I shall certainly take your advice and seek out a local club in the new year, maybe visit some shows/exhibitions to get an idea of things.

Cheers, Senza