Cool video of the SoundTraxx Soundcar

No time for a layout update this weekend, but here's a cool video demonstrating the SoundTraxx SoundCar decoder.

From this video, it looks like a few of these would add a lot of atmosphere to any layout. I really like the flange squeal sound.

Thanks to YouTuber TManN for posting this video.

A switch to Digitrax?

Due to a sale price too good to pass up, wireless Digitrax has arrived at the West Toronto Junction. Will it replace the popular NCE system already in service? Stay tuned for future updates. 

More than two years ago, shortly after I began construction on my layout, I purchased an NCE PowerCab DCC system and I haven’t looked back. I really like the system and I’ve since added three UTP panels and a Cab 04 so I can walk around my room-sized switching layout and follow the train.

When I started building the layout and making my return to this great hobby after a long time away, I knew I wanted to go DCC right off the bat. I began to research the different systems. As many do, I narrowed it down to Digitrax vs. NCE. I worked through all the pros and cons of each system (as I saw them) and made my choice. I won’t repeat the factors I chewed over in deciding to go with NCE, but you can read my old post about it here.

And although I like the NCE system very much, I always thought that if a reasonably priced used Digitrax system came my way I might pick it up. Why?

• To have as a backup system.
• As a way to become familiar with arguably the most popular train control system out there.
• I’m considering getting involved in modular model railroading and it seems these groups almost always use Digitrax, though I’m sure there are some exceptions.

I figured the Digitrax starter set that would suit me best would be the Zephyr. But when I saw an ad in my area for a Super Empire Builder Xtra with Duplex (this one) for $150, I jumped at it.

The deal also included a Digitrax PM42, which is a circuit breaker than can separately protect four different sections of a layout. It's an $80 value.

The system I bought had never been out of its box. The previous owner had decided to get out of the hobby before they could execute a planned switch from DC to DCC.

Those of you familiar with Digitrax will know this was a great deal. Digitrax lists the system’s MSRP at $575. The booster/command station alone is worth at least $150. The Duplex equipped DT400 is more than $200. 

Buying this system allows me to try out a Digitrax system and operate my layout completely wireless instead of walking around, plugging and unplugging (though to be honest, I don't much mind this). Moving my NCE system to wireless would require buying an RB02 (they’re about $140) plus buying a radio equipped throttle or converting the ones I’ve got now to wireless.

I picked up this used Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra equipped with Duplex for $150. I plan to run the layout with this system for a while, then compare it with the NCE system in a future post. For now it's fun to operate wirelessly and become familiar with this popular train control system.

Discovering the Digitrax

Before I could try out the Digitrax, I had to buy an AC adapter to power it. One complaint I've heard about Digitrax is that some of their starter sets, including the pricier ones, don’t come with a power cable. This was no big deal for  me, I picked up one for $9 at a surplus electronics store near my work. It's essentially the same one I once had for an IBM laptop.  

When I got home, I unplugged the feeders from my PowerCab because I didn’t want the two systems both trying to run my layout at the same time, for obvious reasons! I powered up the Digitrax system, connected it to the layout’s power bus and after a few minutes working through the startup guide, I was running trains wirelessly from the DT400D.

I plan to write a future post that offers some detailed observations about how these two systems compare, so I’ll stay away from any “review type” comments for now.

For now the Digitrax will operate while sitting loose my workbench. Should I decide to keep it and sell the NCE stuff, I will install the DB 150 and the UR92  panel inside the layout fascia.

So am I selling my NCE system?

I now have the option of keeping the system I like best and selling the other. Each would make an attractive package to a modeller. I’m certain I could get more for the Digitrax system than I paid for it, if I opted to sell it and stick with NCE. My NCE stuff is in great shape and I have all the boxes, manuals, etc.

For now at least, I’ll likely keep the Digitrax even though I do acknowledge the silliness of owning two very robust DCC systems for what is a rather small HO scale layout. 

I have heard other modellers who possess both Digitrax and NCE products, even if only a throttle, so they can bring their throttles while operating at another layout. 

So stay tuned for future updates as I discover the Digitrax and compare and contrast it with the NCE. 

I welcome your comments on all this.

Choosing a DCC system: don't get caught up in the hype

With DCC, you're controlling the locomotive directly, instead of power to the track.

In previous posts I’ve mentioned that I have a few boxes of model railroad stuff from when I first got started in the hobby as a kid. I can’t remember exactly what those boxes contain and I won’t know for sure until I return to my parents house in British Columbia and crack them open. It’s like a model railroading time capsule! I know much of what’s in there is crap: cheap Tyco rolling stock with horn-hook couplers, brass track, one of those “loaf of bread” tunnel forms, etc. But I also happen to know there’s some good stuff in there as well. A few pieces of Athearn blue box rolling stock and locomotives with Kadee couplers, some nickel silver track, some good model railroading books and a very good DC throttle, the Tech II Dual Power model you see below:

One of these has sat in my parents basement for years. Will it still work?

Now I’m sure most readers have heard of Digital Command Control (DCC), an innovation that has come to the hobby in the years I was away. There’s loads of info on the web about DCC so I won’t go into too much depth here but essentially it allows the operator to easily and independently run locomotives without chopping up the track plan into separate electrical blocks. Instead of controlling power to the track, you are controlling each individual locomotive

I operated my old layout in pre-DCC days, using the throttle you see pictured to the right and separate electrical blocks operated with cheap (but reliable) Atlas selector switches.

This DC-with-blocks type of configuration works okay but it requires a lot of wiring and with more than one operator, someone always seems to run their train into the wrong block. With DCC you don’t have to worry about this, you can have two locos running along the same stretch of track each controlled by a separate throttle. And you can achieve this with very simple wiring.

Now at first I considered operating my layout with the old Tech II and my DC engines. After all, this layout will almost never have more than one operator working at a time and there is an expense in buying a new DCC system plus adding decoders to the locomotives. (((An aside for those new to DCC: digital command works by installing tiny little electronic chips, called decoders, in each locomotive. These decoders allow each loco to “talk” to the command station.)))

In the end though, I decided to move ahead with DCC. Assuming it still works after 20 years in storage, I will use the Tech II to test locos, power accessories, etc.

Here’s why I went ahead with DCC:

1.   I’m impatient and I’m not sure when I can get my old stuff out of my parents’ place any time soon. They’re getting older and hauling all these boxes to the post office is a lot to ask.

2.   DCC really is the way the hobby is going (or has already gone). It’s not just one company using this technology, they are all following an industry standard where decoders made by one company can be controlled by a command station made by another, so I didn’t feel my money would be wasted.

3.   It wasn’t too costly. I bought a DCC starter set (more on that below) for about $200 delivered to my door. I remember paying more than $120 for the old Tech II, but that was back in like 1986.

4.   I’m no wiring wizard but I’ve watched enough videos and read enough articles to see that adding decoders isn’t too difficult.

5.   The ability to add sound. You pretty much have to go DCC if you want sound on your layout.

So I’m sold on DCC, now which system do I buy?

You can spend hours reading online forums, articles, etc, about the pros and cons of the various DCC systems on the market. I did all that reading and now regret that I’ll never get those hours back. The way I see it, and I know many of you will disagree, it comes down to two excellent systems: NCE or the Digitrax system.

The conclusion I came to is that both are excellent systems and the debate over which one to buy is rather like the Nikon vs. Cannon debate that often rages among photographers whose time would be better spent taking pictures.

Like the choice photographers face between Cannon and Nikon, both Digitrax and NCE are great systems, both are very expandable and both will do what 99% of what you will ever want and expect  for a comparable price. The main difference, as I see it, is that the Digitrax starter system (the Zephyr) is a stationary cab, while the PowerCab is a command station built into a walkaround throttle on a tethered cord. I realize I’m glossing over all sorts of details here but like I said, I don’t want this to be a DCC debate forum.

So what did I decide? In the end I went for the … NCE PowerCab. With taxes, delivery, etc. it arrived at my door for about $200. I bought it from local online retailer Canadian Express Line.

So why did I go with this system? I like the fact I could walk around with the throttle right out of the box. The stationary  Zephyr just reminded me too much of the DC power packs of old. Of course you could always add a walkaround throttle to a Digitrax system and be on your feet right away, but I liked that the NCE system allowed me to do this right out of the box. 

Also, I read through the manuals of both systems and the NCE just seemed more user friendly to me. Does that mean Digitrax is a bad system? No way. In fact most clubs seem to use Digitrax so if I get into modular or club railroading I may find myself regretting this decision. But what’s the worst that will happen? I sell the ProCab on eBay, buy a Digitrax system and move on. Any decoder-equipped locos will work with both systems. For now however I think I made the right choice and with the decision made, I'm looking forward to the other aspects of building this layout.

My advice to other modelers agonizing over DDC decision is this is: buy either of these systems with complete confidence. And if you’re in a club that uses one of these systems, buy the system the club uses. Then, once the decision is made, don’t look back and enjoy running trains and building your layout confident that you bought into an excellent, expandable DCC system.

In the next section I will actually have track in place and can start running trains…