Tempted to Convert to DCC/Sound?

[RobertInOntario]

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.

...
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.

Thanks for your advice here. I'm still going to consider & keep researching it. Rob

[Russ Bellinis]

Just one thing to remember, sound is close to drugs!

[RobertInOntario]

Just one thing to remember, sound is close to drugs!

Meaning that you can get addicted? I think having sound could be a lot of fun as long as it didn't annoy my wife when she comes near to the layout!

Rob

[Russ Bellinis]

Just one thing to remember, sound is close to drugs!

Meaning that you can get addicted? I think having sound could be a lot of fun as long as it didn't annoy my wife when she comes near to the layout!

Rob

You got it! I avoided sound because I knew I wouldn't want just one sound locomotive. Then I was in to Arnies Trains in Westminster and they had a Premier edition 2-10-2 on the "deal table." They had installed a Tsunami decoder with sound in it for the demonstration layout in the store and then it fell off the bench work onto the floor and broke part of the rear overhang off the cab. The total value of the locomotive with sound and dcc was within a few cents of $290.00, and they had it marked down to $80.00 + (don't remember the exact price). I bought it and then wrote a letter to IHC to see if I could get a replacement cab. I told them I had dropped the locomotive and did not expect them to provide the replacement free, but would pay for it if it was available. They wrote on the bottom of my letter $25.00 and sent the letter back. I enclosed a check for $25.00 and sent the same letter back to them, now I'm hooked!

[RobertInOntario]

[/quote]You got it! I avoided sound because I knew I wouldn't want just one sound locomotive. Then I was in to Arnies Trains in Westminster and they had a Premier edition 2-10-2 on the "deal table." They had installed a Tsunami decoder with sound in it for the demonstration layout in the store and then it fell off the bench work onto the floor and broke part of the rear overhang off the cab. The total value of the locomotive with sound and dcc was within a few cents of $290.00, and they had it marked down to $80.00 + (don't remember the exact price). I bought it and then wrote a letter to IHC to see if I could get a replacement cab. I told them I had dropped the locomotive and did not expect them to provide the replacement free, but would pay for it if it was available. They wrote on the bottom of my letter $25.00 and sent the letter back. I enclosed a check for $25.00 and sent the same letter back to them, now I'm hooked![/quote]

Thanks, Russ!

I'm still going back & forth regarding this DCC and sound thing. My latest idea is to consider sound but not necessarily DCC.

I have 3 small layouts and the layout that I'm mostly using now is only 3x5' in size -- it would seem that DCC is not necessary on such a small layout. At least, this was the feedback someone gave me yesterday at another LHS. I could run sound on a DC layout but not get the full range of sound -- at least I'd hear some chuffs and whistles.

While it seems that DCC may not be a complicated as I thought, the cost (even if done gradually) is still a concern. This hobby is already expensive enough as it is!

At any rate, I'm still looking into this & don't need to decide right away.

Thanks for the warnings, though, that sound is addictive -- it's probably hard to stop at just one loco!

Rob

[MasonJar]

I have 3 small layouts and the layout that I'm mostly using now is only 3x5' in size -- it would seem that DCC is not necessary on such a small layout. At least, this was the feedback someone gave me yesterday at another LHS. I could run sound on a DC layout but not get the full range of sound -- at least I'd hear some chuffs and whistles.

Hi Rob,

I would argue the exact opposite - the smaller the layout, the better DCC is as a control system. There is one big assumption - that you want to run more than one locomotive at the same time.

For small layouts like yours, iit is undoubtedly easiest to have one electrical block for the whole thing, powered by a conventional DC power pack. You can get into sidings that can be turned on/off in order to "park" locos without adding too much complexity.

But if you want to actually move two locos at the same time in close proximity (and in different directions at different speeds ), DCC is pretty much the only way to do it. Sound is just a bonus...!

Andrew

[tomustang]

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!

did you mean upgrade an engine, or to buy a DCC set?

You wouldn't believe how much people at hobby shops want to charge for dcc installs. It's $75 at mine, and $150 if you want to add sound. Mind you this is withOUT the decoder, just the install.




Best advice I can say is do it yourself, and take some time to read up on the installs on models.

[Lester Perry]

I do have a rather large layout with possibility to run multiple trains at one time. Sound is what got me into DCC. I said at one time that I would not convert a locomotive with out sound. I now have almost as many silent ones as sound. it is so much easier to run now and I can now get very slow movement which is something I have tried to get for years. I feel it is so much more realistic even without the sound. It is more the smooth control for me.

[Green_Elite_Cab]

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!

did you mean upgrade an engine, or to buy a DCC set?

You wouldn't believe how much people at hobby shops want to charge for dcc installs. It's $75 at mine, and $150 if you want to add sound. Mind you this is withOUT the decoder, just the install.


Best advice I can say is do it yourself, and take some time to read up on the installs on models.

thats absolutely outragous. the only DCC install that has ever caused me any gried was in my brass E44s. DCC is so simple to install, that if you have a soldering iron and a clue, it takes 5 minutes. sound is a little trickier, but if you made it thus far, its probably not out of your grasp.