Converting my DCC layout to DC

[Jimbo1707820979]

Hi All.  As Summer is approaching I have started using our second, in-the- garage-layout (4ft x14ft) as an analog setup. We have 19 non-DCC locos and as most of them either difficult/too costly/impossible to convert to DCC it seems a great pity not to have a track for them. (Also, there are a few OLD models I have my beady eye on 😇).

With a new Tornado set we acquired a spare Hornby controller so why not use it ?  So far I have been pleasantly surprised that the locos will run OK on the layout which has 2 connected ovals plus 2 sidings and only one electrical feed via a power rail. (sidings not in use yet).

As analog is new to me, I would be grateful for any suggestions on improving the set up.

[Bigskybirds]

@Jimbopuff

I am in a similar situation.

I did convert my layout to switch between DC and DCC or a mixture of the two, see my video here

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TvXFpu5qEo&t=324s

 

I am now planning on going fully back to DC since I have a 150 plus loco collection and do not want the hassle of the mixed setup. I have started removing decoders and thankfully I saved the blanking plugs.

Modern Locos run great on DC and if you do not want Sound or be able to control lights etc, then DCC is an added expense all though I know many will disagree with me. I control my points for both setups from a Gaugemaster PCU1 so switching back will not affect their operation.

[Howbi]

Jimbo...........have a look at page 16 of Chrissaf's "Guide to getting started"..........this page shows how to connect two controllers to two loops plus sidings.........HB

[Jimbo1707820979]

@HFM A really great-looking layout and controls. Very professional. But I can understand your reasoning about more simplicity of operation. Thankyou.

 

@HB    Excellent suggestion. A brief glance tells me Chris's guide will answer all the queries I could foresee. I am really looking forward to working on it - even while the Little Controller is on holiday, and making his "contribution" !!    Appreciate your advice. 😀

[Pendolino spotter]

Same as howbiman

[Nick_]

@Jimbopuff

I am in a similar situation.

I did convert my layout to switch between DC and DCC or a mixture of the two, see my video here

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TvXFpu5qEo&t=324s

 

I am now planning on going fully back to DC since I have a 150 plus loco collection and do not want the hassle of the mixed setup. I have started removing decoders and thankfully I saved the blanking plugs.

Modern Locos run great on DC and if you do not want Sound or be able to control lights etc, then DCC is an added expense all though I know many will disagree with me. I control my points for both setups from a Gaugemaster PCU1 so switching back will not affect their operation.

Why don't you just set DC running in CV29 and then you can run your locos which have decoders in them on DC without having the hassle of remove the decoder? Some locos even run better on DC with a decoder that without!

[Bigskybirds]

@Nick_

 

All my DCC locos are set to run on DC but they do run better without the decoder installed. In some cases the Hornby Sentinels and Pecketts have very poor jerky running on DC

If I am not using the decoder there is no point leaving it in.

[Jimbo1707820979]

Hi Nick.  Yes, that is what I was planning to do. I definitely will not be removing any decoders as our indoor (bedroom) layout is DCC, so that is their primary 'shed'. The DCC locos will just be taking an occasional holiday. Not on the French Riviera. Just to the garage. I think most of them are set for DC running anyway.

Thanks for the post.

[Jimbo1707820979]

I don't have one of those classy (and expensive !) Pecketts but I will try my DCC Sentinel on the DC track. It is a rather disappointing runner on digital - or maybe I am expecting too much of the poor little blighter. We'll see.

[Bigskybirds]

 @Jimbopuff

 

I was lucky to get the Pecketts half price when the Hawkins concessions closed.

 

As for the Sentinel on DCC they are fine once the points are screwed down.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbmWxawkLGA

[Nick_]

My Peckett runs smoothly on both DCC and DC, however I did fit a Lenz decoder in it rather than the Hornby one.

I also use electro-frog points which helps too.

[Bigskybirds]

@Nick_

 

I have a Lenz in one and Hornby in the other two Pecketts but they all stutter on DC although the Hornby are worst.

 

I cannot use Electrofrog points due to the track layout, but have no issues with insulfrog when fitted correctly.

[john_doman]

Struggle to see nay reaosn to go back to DC, really.

[Bigskybirds]

@John_doman

 

For me, not seeing any great benefit on my layout with DCC, Cost to convert the remaining 100 locomotives, no requirement for sound, etc.

 

For the thread starter he wants to run his older locos.