For what it's worth, some years ago (probably close to 10 by now), The Model
Railroad Club in Union, NJ decided that it was time to convert both the N scale
and HO layouts over to DCC. Digitrax was chosen because: 1) They returned
phone calls and 2) They had and still have the only system that can handle what
we were planning to fill an 11,000 square foot building with (26 scale miles of
mainline track, 100 car train capability, robust commuter operations on both
the main railroad and the interurban line and around 40-70 trains operating
during a weekly 3 hour operating session).
When our founder, the late Paul Mallery -- someone who knew a thing or two
about electronics -- saw the DCC demo, he looked up at us and declared: "DC is
dead, let it rest in peace!" Now while DC is still very much alive and, as was
mentioned in a previous post, probably the preferred choice for certain
applications, I don't think there's any disputing the advantages that DCC
offers (just in saving miles of wire, if nothing else). If you don't believe
me, come down to the club any Tuesday by 7pm and I'll put a throttle in your
hand.
There was a learning curve, for sure. Plus we were doing some beta testing and
we intentionally "did things wrong" as part of that (we also unintentionally
did some things wrong). We still have people who sometimes complain about the
"DCC system" but that is because they won't sit still long enough to learn how
to work it. We also decided to convert en-masse just before our annual
show--not the best idea we ever had.
So, when I finally get around to building my home layout (S scale, of
course--traction!!), I'll be selecting Digitrax DCC. That may not be the DCC
system of choice for everyone, but I'm already familiar with it and own a
throttle, so it makes sense for me.
Of course DC works fine, too, so if it makes sense for you, use it--and have
fun!
Bob Nalbone
Editor & Publisher
1:64 Modeling Guide Magazine
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
