As a 12v DC chap I've been looking at some of the previous threads on this forum in relation to DCC. Why? Because 3 weeks ago I rescued an HOm ex exhibition layout from a skip, and its wired for DCC. I've got no rolling stock but understand that there are only a few manufacturers of HOm stock, and it’s expensive when compared to more basic OO offerings. However, as I intend using it (once refurbished / repaired) for local exhibition purposes at Fete's / school fairs etc. there isn’t a need for huge amounts of stock, and so DCC is now a potential option with only say 3 locos total, and only 1 ever running at one time. Points (10) are currently controlled by 2 x Lens LS150’s – I would remove these and replace with a CDU with switches – it’s a simple layout. And it appears (?) that many of the HOm locos are hard wired with DCC decoders, unless someone is going to enlighten me? So, I’ve been advised that one of the most basic and easy to use systems is the NCE Power Cab starter set, which I would use to control 3 possibly 4 locos max, with only 1 running at any moment in time. Does this sound like the right move to make? Is it easy to set up and use? (my tolerance threshold for electronic wizardry is quite low!). Is there a comparable system out there that may be ‘better’ for what I want to use it for?
Nice skip find Dave NCE would be my choice, the “starter” set is very easy to set up and use. The power cab hand set can be set for a maximum of 6 locos on the recall button which should be more than enough for this layout. Kim
Nice looking layout and a great reward for a bit of "Skip Ratting" Dave. The Lenz LS150's should be able to be controlled by whatever DCC system you choose without the faff of changing over to CDU's and analogue switches if you prefer. Can't help with info about HOm stuff though, not something I've had experience of. Keith.
Interesting. I’m on a steep learning curve. So keeping the Lens units is an option then. I've watched some of the You Tube videos on NCE Power Cab but they only seemed to cover controlling the loco. I'm intending going to our local Model Railway exhibition in Greenock so will have a look at what some of the smaller layouts are using - plus the layout was originally one of their club members who I’ve tracked down courtesy of the Greenock Model Railway Club, so I’m in contact with him now. Biggest issue is the price of rolling stock – Rails of Sheffield seem to have loads of it, but its rather pricey compared with what seems to be available overseas. Fortunately, I won’t need a lot!
It will - as there is no continous running / double track it will be a single loco moving - unless I can come up with a shuttle option from goods sidings into the station passsing loop, and then slotting trains into and out of the station / fiddle yard. From the operating notes pinned to the back of the backscenes 4 was what the previous owner ran with.
As said a very good find Dave. I am a RhB HOm modeller, well at least until we downsized. Whilst it is some years since I bought a Bemo locomotive but it appears they now come with a decoder. But you should be able to find some second hand models around that were manufactured before Bemo went Digital if you don't want to go down the DCC road. As all my models are pre Digital I have hard wired decoders into them which in a Bemo loco is no mean feat. My DCC system is Digitrax and of course I believe there is none better. On the other hand NCE is quite a good system. In the meantime I will continue from time to time take my HOm rolling stock out their boxes, reverently caress them and then put them back in their boxes and wipe the tears from my eyes. Kind regards Geoff
I do have 2 of the Lenz LS150's, bought as a 'job lot' with my second Lenz LZM control unit, transformer and handset, though I haven't used them on my 'still-in-build' 0 gauge layout. As far as I know, you simply programme each individual 'switch' with a number in the same fashion as for a loco, enter that number and press 'enter' on the handset, and that then changes the point. As they've been previously used on the layout, I'd imagine they will already be set up and you'd be able to find out these numbers in the same way as you would in finding out and possibly changing the number of a loco, depending on your eventual system choice. There are often Lenz systems available fairly cheaply on that well-known auction site, (where I got both of mine from!), prior to version 3.6, they could only handle up to about 10 function commands, after 3.6, up to 28 if I remember correctly, but if you aren't bothering with sound decoders then an earlier (and probably cheaper) unit will suffice. There are a few other Lenz users on this forum who might also help with advice, though we are in the minority. (Might be something to do with the price!!!) Keith.
I will be going down the pre-owned route and from what I've spotted so far very few locos are DCC. You mention the size problem and that's one of my concerns. I'm hoping to get to the Greenock MRC's exhibition next month where I may be able to catch up with the previous owner, and also talk to some if the layout operators about DCC. The layout is going down to our local Men's Shed in the new year as my OO layout occupies 1 bedroom already, so it's going to become a 'communal' layout used for local fairs and events - if ever you are coming up to the West Coast of Scotland you could bring your stock up and operate it
Thanks Keith. My current thoughts are to go down the DCC route so being able to use the existing Lens units with another less expensive manufacturers controller is good news. Plus of course with this becoming a 'communal' layout for the local Men's Shed there will be others who are more understanding of the electrickery. Having no room for it myself it's a logical way of storing it and getting others involved whether it be model making, electronics, scenic work, baseboard building or just the enjoyment of operating it. And if that then spawns interest in building other layouts to suit what others may have tucked away in lofts and garages that's great for the hobby
One option as a starter if your at home is a Sprog. It’s a computer interface for around £55 that connects your layout to your computer, so you can program and drive from the computer… or, use your Wi-Fi and drive from a tablet or smart phone. (So it’s cordless and using a lot of stuff you already have.) It will also control the points, you don’t need to stick to one brand. I have a ZTC zero 1 controller, LS 150’s for the points and also a TCC ? Point controller. Lenz, hornby, Laise, TCS, to name but a few decoders are all compatible.. We also have a Bachmann controller and a gauge master.. swap and choose as you like.
Andy - interesting - many thanks. However, the less I have to do with technology the better! I will have a look at it on the Internet, but I think the NCE basic system is in pole position at present and is going to achieve what I want - plug and play. My current concern is getting a decoder into a BEMO locomotive, but given they can be got into 'n' gauge locos I'm not anticipating it to be a problem. Still got to get the loco body off to see whats inside. There was a video on You Tube, but it was pretty hopeless - annoying background music and the camera in totally the wrong position to see anything useful.
