How do i change a non dcc model railway into a dcc railway?

Question

How do i change a non dcc model railway into a dcc railway?

Answer 1

You need to buy a dcc system.  You need to purchase a command module to send the signals through the tracks plus you need to upgrade all your locomotives with decoders that will receive the signals and run them.  Go to www.modelrailroader.com  You will find lots of information on model railroads.  Go to articles and you will find all sorts of information to help you on your way with your conversion.

Answer 2

Everyone is correct that the BEST thing is to go get a subscription to Model Railroader magazine.  They've also published several books on DCC installation.

Tekkaman Saber is ALITTLE off with regard to his statement that DCC's only real value is adding sound to your locomotives.  The REAL wonder is the reduction in wiring you need to do... no more "zones" and power-blocks so you can run multiple locomotives on the same mainline.

The ONLY drawback is installing decoders in older locomotives.  BUT if you're handy with a soldering iron, that is a task that takes about 30 minutes per locomotive.  Decoders cost about $40 each, and I've "upgraded" 15 locomotives now.

I have an N-scale 10' x 12' shelf layout in my bedroom that started as a straight DC system. With my new DCC system (an MRC unit), I can run a 4 engine consist hauling 50 coal-hoppers along with a 3 engine consist pulling 8 car-carriers and 12 container-carriers.... ALL while also running my YARDS and 6 scheduled ACE Commuter trains... all from the ONE controller.  My turnouts are all wired the old-fashioned way, but I'm dreaming of putting decoders on all my turnouts also.  Perhaps even shelling out for the software so I can operate everything from my computer.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

If your DC locomotives are DCC ready, it is a simple matter of buying the decoder and popping it in.

If not built "upgradable" then they forever shall be a DC locomotive.

I believe that there are some ways to upgrade a non DCC ready loco, but I think it is intended for installation on something along the lines of an older, brass locomotive.  These are expensive (and very nice) engines and they would warrant the sizable expense of the upgrade.

In addition, you will need a DCC controller.  You can get a decent starter outfit for about $40.

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Answer 4

Thomas-

I am going through the same thing right now.  Most of my collection is not DCC Ready.  

Its still a debate with my layout.  Keep in mind that all of the locos that you purchase with DCC in their system will operate with straight DC Mode.  

This is something I found out from The Train Shop in Santa Clara where I live.  Operating these locomotive will also not harm the controller in them because the straight DC will just operate the drive mechanism as it has in the past.

Some of the DCC Controllers are fairly expensive, and that has been the part I have been trying to avoid.  

Model Railroader has had several articles about making the change, and as I understand it its a fairly simple change.

As for your models that are not equipped with DCC, the electronics needed for the conversion for these models is not cheap.  As I found out the DCC Controller Chips are almost half as much as the locomotive was when you purchased it new.  

The sad part is that your locos that are not equipped with DCC will not operate in DCC mode on your DCC Layout.  Without the controller they will just sit there on the track and look pretty.  

Also as I understand it, you cannot operate Straight DC and DCC at the same time on the same rail.  

I am currently building a modular layout, and the club voted down the DCC for this layout as too much of the membership was in the same situation I am in, (Owning more equipment than Union Pacific, and don't have the bottomless pit of cash).

Basically the only thing that DCC gives you is the ability for your locomotives to have sound.  That's really the bottom line.  Since I am pretty happy watching my trains chase their tail around my 11'X12' modular layout in my front room for me its all good.

But as with any layout, make sure your connections are true and solid.  Even though mine is modular, I have soldered all of the wire connections between the modules.  The good thing about solder is its only semi-perminant.  A little propane torch and the connection comes right apart.

Have a good read through Model Railroader and don't hesitate to ask questions at your hobby shop.  Those folks are pretty knowledgable.  Plus Kalmbach Publications has several dedicated books on just this subject.

I don't know if you live in the Bay Area, (California), but The Train Shop in Santa Clara and D&J Hobbies in Campbell have a huge selection of those books.  I have quite a few myself in my library.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

1.  Read the model railroad hobby publications, and visit some hobby shops, to learn what type of system is best for your layout and your needs.

2.  Purchase a DCC system to suit your needs, and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3.  Purchase decoders for all of your locomotives, and install them.

4.  Have fun!