Digital Command Control Basics

Model railways are more than just a child’s playroom staple, but also an extremely collectible item and a engaging hobby for its many devoted fans. While some are contented with running their trains on simple set-ups, others make up fantasy worlds, or recreate real places and periods in history. For the latter, authenticity is ensured by making the effort to research on the time period or the area they are recreating. In order to add a touch of realism to their locomotives, a few even go as far as to paint on rust marks, soot, grime, oil stains, and other signs of daily wear and tear that you would see on real trains of that kind.

When it comes to wiring and making the train run, model railroading does demand quite a bit of technical know-how. In order to make the trains go fast or slow down, you will need to have a decent comprehension of the way electronic systems work. A power system and transformer are typically part of piloting a train set. This is one of the reasons why model railroading is not for children to play with while unattended by an adult, and it is usually the stage where some modellers need some expert assistance.

A DCC, or Digital Command Control system, is highly advisable for someone who is just new to model railroading. It uses digital signals produced by computer technology to operate your train set. In a DCC controlled train set, each locomotive is fitted with its own digital receiver that decodes the signals it gets from the track. DCC can also be configured to regulate other electronic sections of the model train set-up, such as the lights, or other effects such as a smoke generator.

While DCC systems will still need some wiring, it is much less confusing than a DC powered set-up, which obliges the model railroader to divide and wire the tracks into sections for each locomotive to run on its own. The beauty of DCC is also in the fact that it enables you to compensate for the effects of inertia on a train much like in real life, and have variable speed for your set.

DC or analog systems are still around, especially on older models or antique train set, but most of the new models sold today are DCC ready, so if you are interested in having a go at it eventually, make sure your new set is DCC compliant. And while there are still some die-hard model railroading enthusiasts who cling to the DC system, many are shifting to DCC systems for its ease and convenience.

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