Trainnoob

On 28/03/2024 at 17:52, The Johnster said:

 

Your longest loco + your longest wagon.

This. 👆

Though if you want to be technical I would say longest loco + your longest wagon your going to have using that shunting yard.

On 28/03/2024 at 16:47, Ron Ron Ron said:

 

 

 

If you can get past the "physical interface" bit and are definitely looking for sound, then the most inexpensive DCC system is no system.

i.e. not a physical hardware based system, but a virtual one...as in something along the lines of Hornby's Bluetooth based HM7000 / HM DCC system.

(North American modellers can look towards the similar BlueRail Trains based, Soundtraxx Blunami system)

If already in possession of a smartphone and/or a tablet (e.g. iPad), then all you need to get started is a suitable power supply.

The virtual DCC system is "free".

 

Downsides...

Only works with Hornby's own range of Bluetooth fitted decoders, out of the metaphorical box.

Sounds available are currently only limited to prototypes that Hornby offer in model form.

Sound project rollout is slow but steadily progressing.

Non-sound versions of the Bluetooth decoders, have yet to be released, but are in the pipeline.

The expansion option, by linking with a physical DCC system, to control other (non-Bluetooth) DCC locos and accessories, is currently limited to DCC systems with XPressNet interfaces.

 

If you can put up with those limitations in the short term, this is the least expensive and easiest way in DCC, particularly with sound.

It would save you the risk of buying a DCC system that may end up being the wrong choice, or one you don't particularly get on with.

In addition, if you eventually decide on a physical hardware based control system, there's no money lost and everything remains compatible.

 

Food for thought ?

 

 

 

.

Yes, I will look into this option too.

Edit: Thanks for your help guys, I have decided best on the advice here im going to look at either Roco Z21 white or the DCC-ex system. And since hornbys HM7000s run on conventional DCC systems I might look at fitting one to my Hornby A1.

Edit: Might still have a look at the Hornby elite as it's available locally.

On 28/03/2024 at 17:27, jpendle said:

I think that's an oxymoron 🤔

 

Surely you do want bells and whistles on your sound equipped loco's? 🙂

 

But seriously, sound equipped loco's from Bachmann, Dapol, Accurascale, et al, frequently use function keys up to F28, so a simpler 'cheap' controller might not support that.

 

As @Steven B said, it's a very good idea to visit a specialist DCC retailer and try out different systems, they can also advise on which systems would meet your needs.

 

Regards,

 

John P

The only controller I have seen that can't do up to 28 functions is the Bachmann EZ command. I not looking for the cheapest controller possible but I personally don't feel I need to go to the most expensive options either, I haven't seen a mid range system I didn't like, and that's where my trouble because I don't know which one. Also, I 100% agree about visiting a DCC specialist if lived near one but unfortunately for me I don't.

I used some Acid free tissue paper placed on top of an old Hornby coach body then a Wood glue-water mixture brushed onto it (If I remember correctly). If my painting job afterwards wasn't so crude it would have looked good.

1 hour ago, rogerdee said:

If you want sound and accessories then you will be better off with a more expensive controller, it depends if you want touch screen or physical buttons and knobs.

 I use a nce powercab and oldie but good for what I want others talk about is the z21 you will get lots of different options if you can go to a shop that has a selection you can try to see what fits you best.

 

I don't want to pay alot money for an expensive controller that does the same stuff my old cheap DCC++ could do. However I really want something with a physical interface because it feels pointless staring at a screen to control trains so I might as well play train simulator in my personal opinion. So I'm thinking of something that's mid range like the NCE you suggested or the GaugeMaster.

On 24/03/2024 at 23:02, Outrunn said:

Hi, I'm looking for constructive feedback on my proposed 00 gauge layout design that I'm hoping to assemble over Easter.

 

This will go on a folding 7x4 foot baseboard

The track is Peco code 75 Bullhead track

This will be a DCC layout only, I want the whole track to be live at all times, points included.

I've included the SCRAM layout sketch, 3d model view for a better representation as well as the parts list created by SCARM.

 

This is my very first layout that I will be assembling myself, I have purchased all the track already, including track pins etc.

 

Its entirely possible there are things I have overlooked, so any feedback is useful thankyou.

 

Edit - the Fold line is straight down the middle of the layout vertically, as far as im aware no points are near the fold line.

It looks like you have a headshunt on this track plan if so make sure your headshunt is big enough to fit your longest loco + one wagon, it makes shunting more effective.

I am planning on returning into the hobby and starting with a Hornby trakmat layout and I also want to return to DCC. I known it's not possible to say which controller is best but what controllers should i look at for a trakmat layout, I'm personally happy with Computer control but preference wise I want a physical interface to control the trains from, I don't need fancy bells and whistles I just want a DCC system that control trains with Sound and also a few accessories. I looked at the Hornby elite but I'm not sure because I have had bad experiences with the Hornby Elink in the passed and Im worried I would struggle with the elite too.

Edit: forgot to mention I used to have a DCC++ system but as mentioned above I'm looking for something with a physical interface.

3 hours ago, sjrixon said:

Mostly my Daughters work too!

It's amazing how much creativity contributes to a model railway. Honestly I think creativity is the most important aspect of model railways.

I love the viaduct, it's very beautiful.

On 03/03/2024 at 23:25, penguin_sam said:

Hi 

After comments on track plan. It's going to be 00 and room width is about 4m so tight (450mm) radii on return loops. Fits into alcove on left. Need to use room for bed as well so limited in space.

Do you plan on using flextrack or setrack?

Although To be fair i think the railroad range is probably more aimed at people who just want to see trains go around and don't care much about details. I think quite alot of serious modellers to modifications even to super detailed models anyway.

11 hours ago, Great Waterton said:

I've come to the conclusion that it's another case of Hornby's "that'll do" attitude without them really checking/researching properly. From memory I'm sure Lima made the tooling with the roof pods so either Hornby have used the incorrect tool or perhaps it's not available anymore through damage or similar etc?

 

However the paint job is very nice indeed and the colours look spot on. Another example of perfect colours on Railroad items; something that Hornby seem to do better than in their main range... 

 

I'm pleased they've done one with a full height yellow end this time too. The previous one with its black cab roof always looked odd to me and spoiled the shape of the unit. Almost reminiscent of a 108 on a quick glance. 

 

But we still don't have a BR era Strathclyde PTE 101; all three so far have been early privatisation era (four if you count the blue one)... Maybe next time! 

Hornby does that alot with there diesels.

1 hour ago, spamcan61 said:

they missed off "if you already have a compatible DCC command station" e.g. Select or Elite

I am aware of that. Just got an email from Hornby telling me there original email was incorrect and that you can.

According to Hornby controller the legacy dongle allows you to use the "DCC app to control non-Bluetooth DCC decoders and work" but I emailed Hornby and they said it only works with HM7000 decoders so I am confused, I not sure if im being stupid or not.

8 minutes ago, meatloaf said:

Does it have traction tyres? 

 

Does it look easy to get into?

The doors don't open And I doubt a giant human can fit through such a tiny door even if it did open.

Me who can't afford either:

👁️👄👁️

It's really cool to seem what modelers do with the basic 6x4.

Not really related to the HM7000, but for the people that wish to have DCC sound on an Analogue layout and are worried about the HM7000 analog issue, have you considered trying a wifitrax decoder? It's a chip that plugs into an existing decoder so you can use any NMRA decoder and it can run on a DC or DCC power supply. I would recommend turning the controller up before placing the locomotive on the track.

2 minutes ago, 5BarVT said:

I’m one of the xtrack cad users on here too.  I did it that way too - you soon develop ways to do certain things.  Then you find out that there was an easier way!

It suits me for what I want to do, which is why I like it.

Paul.

I use it because its the only one that works on Linux.

4 hours ago, upneysidings said:

It was an 8F, not a Black 5.

Thanks for the correction I often get them confused. Apologies.

5 hours ago, Chimer said:

Hi Noob, I'm one of the comparatively few people on here who uses XTrackCad in preference to AnyRail.  It can do all sorts of amazing stuff, but finding out what's possible and how to do it is quite a challenge.  Have you found the on-line manual and tutorials that hang off the installation screens?  You've done well to post a layout image, that beats a lot of people, and getting a turntable just the way you want it isn't that easy either ....

 

Cheers, Chris

I looked at the basic tutorial about track laying on there website but I'm mostly just learning as I go along.

The Turkish Republic railways 45151 Class was the LMS Stanier Class 8F that was shipped in kit form to the middle east, there where also some shipped to Israel. 

https://www.world-railways.co.uk/general-photo-251

29 minutes ago, RobinofLoxley said:

And...

?

I plan on start planning more professional layouts as I get the hang of the software, I thought I start getting the hang of it by planning train set layouts. I want to see what can be done in the awkward 6x4 table layout that everyone starts with and what every family probably uses. What I attempted with this layout is to fit a turntable to add some Operational interest, those sidings next to the turntable are for storing wagons and that siding on the Southeast corner is meant for a good shed, this layout is centered around light goods operation and with small to medium sized locomotives. Not really any prototype but fun if you like to watch goods trains passing and locomotives on turntables.

Starting playing around a bit with a software called XtrackCad and I made this 6x4 layout. I know this is probably not a very good track plan and it is 6x4 but I am not going to use it, I was just playing around with XtrackCad and added things I would want on a layout, such as a turntable.

Sounds like a fun layout. I will be interested in this.