Blog- rockershovel's Blog - DC, DCC, scales and gauges, and all things in between

[RSS Fetcher]

So, first things first; control system....

 

This is a big change from my last venture in the hobby, too long ago to be worth discussing at this point. At that time, DC ruled the roost and most "serious" layouts were divided into blocks and sections, with a maze of under-board wiring. Now, it seems, not so.

 

So, I set out to buy some stock. Like many engineers, I do like technical gadgets.... So, what have I learnt?

 

Firstly, On30 isn't OO9. There is one main supplier, half a dozen secondary sources which may, or may not be actually in production at any given time, and some kits. Then there are the usual second-hand sources, models bought at club or exhibition days of from small ads or eBay.

 

There are certain key differences in the control systems and they are worth knowing;

 

1) some, but not most Bachmann models are DCC controlled. Most, but not all have sockets for DCC chips ( the ubiquitous 2-6-0 being a particular exception)

 

2) most Bachmann models so fitted will still run on DC power as well as DCC

 

3) Bachmann models so fitted are not sound equipped. That's a separate issue.

 

4) BLI 2-8-0s are robust, ingenious models fitted with a DCC and sound system which also runs and functions on DC.

 

5) MMI 2-8-2s may have almost any combination of the above, depending on their history. Their original DCC and sound systems are not highly regarded. Paul Martin of EDM Models is the source of much detailed information on this... I'll just say that they look absolutely glorious and are quite huge.

 

6) owner-converted models, no telling so ask. So far I've acquired one with DCC but no sound which runs on DC as well, and one with DCC and sound which DOESNT run in DC. You need to ask before you buy.

 

View the full article