Tempted to Convert to DCC/Sound?

[Green_Elite_Cab]

So far, I’ve decided against DCC mainly because of the cost and because about half of my 30 some odd locos are from the 1960s and ‘70s. DCC also seems very complicated.

I understand that, in order to use the full range of sound options, sound-equipped locos should ideally be run via DCC. A few of my newer locos are already DCC-ready. But I believe it would be too difficult to convert my 1960s Triang and Hornby Dublo locos to DCC.

DCC itself isn't complicated until you get into programming special features or installing them in odd-ball equipment. If you have a reliable decoder, You can be guaranteed that your engine will work with little input on your side. TCS (train Control Systems) tends to have very user-friendly decoders, and their warranty is also super friendly (even if you break it, they will replace it free).

If you need to wire something, we can probably help you here until you get the wires and such memorized.

Have you checked to see if your old equipment has a superior chassis out there? I had to do that for a few of my models. In general, as attached as you are to your old stuff, it may be better to either upgrade the parts or replace them with a newer model. Old engines do not always work well with DCC, just by the nature of their motors. they can wear the decoder out, and even if they don't, the locomotive itself may not run much better than it did.

Just curious to find out what other folks, in similar situations to mine, have done. Have they “shelved” their older locos and switched completely to DCC or have they created two layouts, i.e. one that is DC and one that is DCC?

Yeah, most of my fleet is shelved. at the same time however, i only install DCC in locomotive i know I'll use, since i collect locomotives that match my region. that's why many of my six axle diesels sit on the shelf, while my 4 axle GPs, electrics, and commuter engines all have DCC since i run them regularly. If you itch to run an engine, save up for a decoder. if you set aside $5 and some change every week, by the end of the month, you can get a new decoder.

I also just asked at a LHS how much it would cost to convert a fairly-new loco to DCC and they said it would be close to $200 per loco, which I certainly can’t afford! Also, most new sound-equipped/DCC Hornby locos cost about double the price of what a non-sound loco would cost — again, the cost is really discouraging me.

did you mean upgrade an engine, or to buy a DCC set? Most good sets approach $200, but its a one-time cost. if they sell NCE systems out there, get the Power-cab. they are about as reliable as they get, and you get the most bang for the buck.

if you meant converting an old locomotive to DCC, that usually only costs as much as the decoder, and i don't think i know of any single HO decoder that costs $200. The decoders i buy are excellent and usually only cost between $20-$35. more often then not they literally plug right in. Even if you were to go with sound, it wouldn't cost you $200 to upgrade one with a sound decoder, it would be more like half of that even for a high-end sound decoder.

On the other hand, this new line of sound-equipped DCC locos is still very tempting and I think I should be using 21st century technology rather than 1960s technology! Plus, it would be so cool to control 2-3 locos remotely and to hear the "peep-peep" and chuffing sounds.

The operational benefits are superior. things work more efficiently, and wire more efficiently. I'd save sound for only your most favorite or special units. the only engine i went out of my way to install sound in was a Diesel Commuter engine that had been a favorite of mine, both the model and the prototype.