I have a lot of older trains that are not dcc. i'am looking into dcc system for ho what one is unknown to me at this time. Can the older trains be modifyed for dcc system and what one would you recommed. i'am taking over the basement and starting over to make my lay out bigger so i need something that will also expand with it.

-- George Proch (works@mindspring.com), February 12, 2003

Answers

George,

any loco can be fitted with a DCC decoder. The things to consider are, how much current does the motor draw, how many additional functions do you want - headlight, backup light, etc., and how much space is available to mount the decoder. Your biggest problem with older locos is the current the motor requires. You should not limit your choice of decoder to one manufacturer. Almost all decoders will operate with any of the popular DCC systems (the benefit of the NMRA Standard). Your choice of system should be based on your preference for the user interface and local support by vendors and other modellers. My guess is that you will want ot avoid the starter systems because they typically are lower powered. If you have older locos, they most likely require more power than the new ones, requiring more power from your system.

My choice was the Digitrax Chief system. Digitrax has all their manuals on line - see www.digitrax.com - and provide excellent service. The main complaint about Digitrax is that the user interface (the hand helds) is not easy to use but the new DT400 is as good as any available now fromother manufacturers (my opinion of course).

Dale.

-- Dale Gloer (dale.gloer@sympatico.ca), February 13, 2003.