john new

It does. Been doing non-modelling railway stuff for a couple of weeks (editing SLS Journal), need to get some trains running. I suppose like any addiction it has to be fed or withdrawal symptoms set in. 63 years on from first my clockwork train set I guess it's hardly surprising the addiction is severe.

Agree Marc; my issue is working out when to swap over. The cusp option of DCC chipped locos running on DC, seems to be a no-no, it can be done but most advice is not to try it. I've a Peckett and an 08 I could chip now, they'd be ideal and were bought DCC ready. The Q6 and K1 are oversized for it. Everything else suitably sized for Phoenix Yard, in either era, is pre-DCC. This one will probably only ever have two locos at a time on scene, with perhaps a third in the fiddle yard, but allowing one to stand anywhere, while the other runs, cries out for DCC rather than IIRC the eight switched sections analogue needs at minimum. However, this doesn't justify the cost. My other still extant layout (mothballed but not scrapped), the 07 15" gauge one, cries out for DCC. It was wired analogue nearly ten years ago but is a cats cradle underneath due to twin cab-control for each section. Only 6 locos on it, but all are pre-DCC and chipping will be a nightmare as the bodies on N gauge chassis are so small. At some point I think I will be swapping, if I can afford to. I now appreciate that there is a very good case for DCC, even without enabling sound, but it is how to manage the upgrade path without bankruptcy that's the problem for existing analogue modellers. I am guessing a way forward might be to slowly add retro-fitted sockets to my existing locomotives and add blanking plugs, maybe even buy chips but not fit them, until the majority of the fleet for a project are ready. Then make the switch. I even toyed at one point with the idea putting a DCC fitted motor bogie up a van, taking the motors out of some of the older locos, and using the van coupled to them as required for the powered traction as people did in the old Kitmaster kits era. It was what I first thought Hornby had brought out, before I read it was just a static sound fitted item!

This layout - to DCC or not DCC? I think the various options outlined in the DCC for Dummies thread has convinced me that for this specific layout switching to DCC is not an option. Too many of my locos are analogue, and if running already DCC chipped locos in DC analogue mode is not recommended then it isn't worth it at present. I had hoped to stay DC in the short-term whilst slowly chipping the DCC ready items for a future change over. What it did do though is convince me it is the way ahead long term. My currently mothballed 07 layout (Pebbles End) was built as DC but would benefit from going DCC and cutting out the multiple section two way switches for cab-control. Only 6 locos, but as they are N gauge chassis and small bodies possibly no room for the chips and sockets! Plum Hollow too, a layout starting in N so not the large, back catalogue conversion problem, that exists with my 40 odd years worth collection of OO locomotives. See the March blog post on my own website for pictures of a Dapol crane resurrected from long term storage. Modelling progress on this - next step is to do the wiring then stain the rails with 'gun brown'. On hold currently as I have been doing a lot of design and typesetting work for the latest SLS Journal and getting the Society stand ready for the Ally Pally show. Considerable railway related input - but non-modelling.

Thanks for the feedback. The last few posts above have really helped refine my options. £130 (or thereabouts) for an entry level Hornby set, but probably without a long term future for the controller. Stock that would be OK but not fit the current project without a repaint. Plus an oval of track I don't need. £154 (or thereabouts) - NCE Powercab The most recent locos I have bought are DCC ready (A Peckett, a Q6 and a K1 - possibly others too); they will need chips but that is the same which ever control system I buy. I may also have at least one working chip already, provided some cut wires are reconnected, as it came out of a 2nd hand loco that had been bodge wired. (See this thread ) For me therefore the best option does seem to be spend slightly more for the better controller, plus some chips, and forget the starter set route. That has effectively been bypassed. Does the NCE Powercab pack have everything needed other than the chips for the locos? For example - do you still need it connected to a laptop or tablet and if that is the case does it work with Apple kit? What about cut out devices?

All mine are cream faced. The small layout uses a Combi. I have a four outlet boxed transformer/controller for another layout that is in store currently PLUS a single knob panel mount and two additional twin knob panel mounts (controllers only). The panel mounts have separate transformer feeding. (Layout they were used with no longer extant but panel box not yet dismantled) Part of the swap to DCC concern for existing modellers is the writing off of what you've already invested in.

One of the problems for beginners is knowing what is the first building brick to get. Example - https://www.hattons.co.uk/25701/Hornby_R1125_Somerset_Belle_train_set_with_Class_3F_0_6_0_S_DJR_0_6_0_steam_loco_3_wagons_D/StockDetail.aspx at £80 off the RRP (£130 actual) looks a good deal for a turn-key DCC starter system. However, people say it is a rubbish controller. But, is it something you can learn the basics with and then swap in a replacement later. In analogue terms the Hornby starter controllers are awful (But do at a pinch for beginners), but any layout wiring etc., and the associated skills are not wasted by adding a better controller later. I use Gaugemaster's. Assuming a walk about style set up (GM Combi for example) so no physical fit issues then for an analogue system to upgrade is just disconnect the two wires feeding the panel, to disconnect the Hornby one, and re-connect the two wires to the new controller instead. All other hardware is unaffected. In DCC is it similar? Say someone buys the Somerset Belle set today, then later when they've learnt more they change their controlling system to whatever appears best at the time, is everything bought pre-change over written off or just a transfer over? I appreciate every loco would need adding to the new control systems database, but would all the chips etc., need altering and reprogramming too?

Why not? Exactly relevant as I am someone like you considering whether now, on my new layout, is the time to begin conversion to DCC by actually putting chips into my DCC ready locos, but to run in the short-term on analogue. They are all on topic, i.e assisting a confused potential DCC beginner (as per your first post) get his 60+ year old head around DCC. Isn't that the whole point of the thread title?

1) So you need to buy, or know someone with, an existing DCC controller set up in order to make sure the DCC fitted loco is set for DC. 2) No longer use my RELCOs. Are the Gaugemaster Combi, and similar era panel mounted and boxed controllers OK with the modern chips? They are what I have for my DC set-up. Reason for asking this is the track on my shunting plank is down and about to be wired to a panel. Will be using thickish cable anyway to avoid breakages. DC for now but with option for every section to be switched to on will be DCC ready for the future. Points will stay analogue, stud and probe on this but the Cobalt range very nearly convinced me that this layout would be my first DCC foray. Cost of new - v - recycling what I had in stock was final arbiter.

Thank you. It was what I guessed to be the case but had not seen written so simply before. So is as a sensible progression (for those like me with lots of elderly locos and some DCC ready recently bought one's):- 1) wire as normal for DC. Sections switched BUT adding wires to both the switched and non-switched rails. 2) make an option for swapping the control gear at some time in the future from analogue to DCC. I don't want sound but am aware that DCC locos, especially with stay alive (digital flywheels) fitted run better under DCC than the same locos on DC. My outstanding query - will a DCC chipped loco just run OK on DC bypassing the digital commands or do you have to set them up that way? I ask as obviously step 3 to the above is add chips now to the DCC ready locos to keep my eventual conversion costs manageable. I am realistic enough to think at some point DCC factory chipped locos will be cheaper than those where the chips have been taken out; or we have to de-chip them ourselves. It may be a few years before I switch, but I anticipate that the switch will come at some time.

Sadly the type of explanation that deters switchers from analogue to digital. So is what you are saying - basically where you have sections in DC you do the same with DCC and if you are using two main power sources they have to be completely isolated off from each other with double track gaps?

Not deleted on purpose but I can see its gone. Obviously will put it back. (Edit - now reinstated along with two others) Will double check the full layouts list later today in case when I had to re-load the data for that page yesterday I accidentally copied an old version of the layouts list received from Mal. It will be this afternoon before I get the chance to fully recheck all the entries. Error traced and apologies for making it; part of the learning curve for the latest software release. An additional step is now required when updating an embedded, linked, file .

Some minor updates today to the listings for Layouts (-1) & Traders (+2). The Demonstration topics are now listed. Links available from https://yorkshow.org.uk/updates-2/ The Layouts listings are now searchable and the data table is also now reactive to screen size. If you don't see us at Preston Advance ticket ordering remains available until the Box Office closes on 8 April.

Thank you, that was my first thought. Must be going blind to miss the reference! I find it always useful to see other people's ideas on a topic.

I recall recently seeing an advert for either a new book or an upcoming magazine special solely covering modelling preserved railways and about to be published. However, today, in looking through the recent magazines I've bought I can't find the reference anywhere. Assuming I haven't dreamt this up can someone offer any enlightenment on this publication and where I can get it from? (NB It's not the Paul Lunn Ideas for Layouts Model Rail special with the DVLR feature.) Mods: If the answer given is yes it is a book (or alternately it is a magazine) perhaps the topic can then be moved to whichever is the more correct forum based on the answer given.

Novel idea. Two would easily hinge to make a single crate when not in use.

I have now established in my own mind the fictional/fictitious location for this yard. Colour code. Blue – When the DVLR was authorised a spur to the NER's already extant Foss Islands Branch was authorised but not built. Red – For modelling purposes I have assumed the reason it was not built was that this short spur to serve the industry north of Hull Road was already in existence. It would have been built in the 1880s to coincide with opening of the Foss Islands Branch. Orange – an assumed DVLR built substitute for the blue spur that had been authorised but not built. A bit more about this general area, with opening and closure dates for the real railways it would have linked to, as shown on the above map, is now in a blog post on my own website. Copyright statement: The base map is OS Sheet 97 York 1955 edition. Crown Copyright (Expired) is acknowledged.

I reviewed it too for the SLS Journal, now have a copy as a result.

Since the above update three further layouts added. Society links also now added.

With nothing possible to be done physically on the layout for a week or so whilst it is in temporary storage thoughts turn to the next step regarding scenery. What will the industries/trades served by the yard be? Given there were three major York players until very recently, together with related products such as the sugar beet refinery, confectionery it has to be. Rowntree’s still have a production presence, but sadly not so Craven’s or Terry’s. Ebor Confectionery Works (Craven’s in Coppergate) closed in the 1960s; the name will live on. At least one of the trade units served by the yard will be Ebor Confectionery the maker of Ebor Gums – as their slogan will say So tasty everyone knows em’ This should allow for both coal and oil deliveries for fuel, box vans for the product and probably molasses tanks. More to research.

If it helps anyone this is a link direct to the photo but not the caption. https://web.archive.org/web/20180820020903im_/http://www.davidheyscollection.com/userimages/001-erm-exp-unit-chinley.jpg That unit was a new one to me, so thanks for the original link.

Although some further work is necessary, including linking the Society listing entries to their websites and adding the demonstration topics, the details of all the stands & traders for 2019 are now live on the site. The conversion work needed on the site following the changes made in January by Wordpress (release 5.0 & the switch to Gutenberg blocks) has had less of an impact than those for this forum; however, I am still finding and correcting the occasional unexpected issue. If you find one do let me know so I can fix it. The remaining pages, including travel details, will be reviewed/updated prior to the show date. NB A1 Models - could you check your entry on the Traders page please as the weblink you had previously supplied no longer works.

I now have the full stands list from our Show Manager including the Demonstrator and Society info'. Will post notice here when I've added them to the site (Probably on Sunday).

Weymouth/Portland Branch - became a rare GW/LSWR jointly owned branch.

I'm sure both can co-exist provided that yours doesn't clash by getting set in the York area where mine will definitely be (fictitiously) located once it progresses further.

The traders page now re-formatted for the new Wordpress version. All links tested and validated. A further embedded page navigation error that was missed in the conversion from http to https now also fixed. If you find any further bugs please let us know,