| DCC or Digital command control is a type of train | | | | operations. There is however a difference in the way |
| operation that involves a fully electrified railway | | | | you design your actual layout. For instance if you |
| system. Essentially there is always electricity running | | | | choose to turn a regular layout into a DCC layout, you |
| through the rails, whether the train is moving or not. | | | | might have trouble installing the power feeds and |
| A digital command control system allows model trains | | | | wiring due to a lack of room, and you might have |
| to operate independently. A layout can have multiple | | | | more than a few track switches. Designing it for the |
| locomotives with multiple functions controlling the train | | | | DCC in the first place will mean that there aren't quite |
| speed, sound, lighting, direction, and movement. | | | | as many switches in the track because more power |
| Decoders are small pieces of electronics that gets | | | | would be required. Keep in mind that the size of the |
| fitted within each locomotive. The decoder listens to | | | | train will usually dictate the amount of power that |
| information in the track. | | | | needs to be employed. |
| DCC Decoders can be purchased from many | | | | When you buy your DCC system, remember that |
| different online retailers and in stores. Typically you will | | | | there are many different types. Different sizes of train |
| want to purchase a NMRA or National Model Railroad | | | | will require different amounts of power. There are also |
| Association certified DCC decoder to ensure you | | | | several other options available in different DCC |
| have a high quality device. There are several choices | | | | systems, and the more options the system comes |
| of DCC decoders worth considering. | | | | with the more expensive it will be. |
| One of the more notable features regarding DCC | | | | Ultimately it comes down to what you need and what |
| controlled tracks is that you can run the train in any | | | | your skill level is. DCC operations are by no means an |
| direction. If you turn the train around on the track it will | | | | easy feat, so make sure you start simple and work |
| made the adjustments needed and continue to run in | | | | your way up, and of course make sure you actually |
| that particular direction. The only problems that you | | | | like it first. While digital command control may look |
| might run into are short circuits. To stop this from | | | | great at train shows, some people just prefer the old |
| happening you can use insulated rail joiners. | | | | fashioned DC operation. As for what type of person |
| You can use a standard track to create your DCC | | | | you are, only time can tell. |