Weekend Update 3/22/20

[peteski]

Since this WU has turned into DC v.s DCC, I can see Lee's viewpoint.  I'm a fan of DCC, and am frequently involved in its operation and troubleshooting, I can tell you that for a casual (non ops-geared) layout, DC is so much easier to deal with.

Just last week I was troubleshooting few DCC bugs with few decoders, and it does really take someone with some technical  knowledge and understanding ti be ale to work the bugs out.  Plus it is the "electronic do-dads overhead" of dealing with DCC that make is much more taxiing that running a simple layout on DC.  While the electrical hookup aspect of DCC is usually simpler than DC (on larger ops-geared layouts), The overall DCC experience (programming, speed matchign, etc., etc.) is much more complex than DC.

So say what you want Bob, I can definitely see the point of why some modelers prefer DC (or escape to a DC layout  for enjoyment of that simplicity).   Especially when for example, half of the motive power on your large DCC layout has its "brains blown out" by some electrical glitch.  Yeah I know, JMRI, blah, blah, blah, but still, even if the fix is relatively painless, none of this is required with DC operations.

This is a no-win discussion.  I would just let Lee enjoy his DC layout without preachment the virtues of DCC to him.

[Chris333]

DC vs DCC reminds me of my TV. Used to just press the power button and bam it was on. Now I press the power button, select my streaming service, go to the guide, toggle down to the channel I was watching when I shut it off and press OK. Oh and now half the time it keeps needing reset.

[CRL]

With Digital, it either works or it doesn’t... no gray area. With analog DC, if you run against a thrown switch and create a short, no big deal other than the BEEP or glowing short circuit indicator/thrown breaker. Correct the switch position & back to running. Do the same with DCC and it appears you could fry something expensive.

Reminds me of playing a vinyl LP record vs playing a CD. Encounter a minute scratch on the record causing it to skip & you can gently nudge the tone arm (sometimes by just gently blowing on it) past the skip and keep listening. Encounter a skip on the CD & you’re done for that cut, and maybe the rest of the CD.

[peteski]

With Digital, it either works or it doesn’t... no gray area.

You would think that with digital (ones and zeros), it would be simple, but there are plenty of "gray areas" in DCC where the intermittent gremlins come out (in both electrical connectivity, and especially in programming).  Not even mentioning the compatibility of decoders with command stations (programming track programming). The more complex the decoder is, the more gremlins live in it.  Not just black or white.

[up1950s]

Anyone except me... Strangely, I'd very much enjoy such a challenge. I also really enjoy ballasting, too, so I'm definitely an outlier...

Beats being an out and out liar .

[OldEastRR]

Quick video of the goose pulling the 1937 Super Chief.  This is a six car brass set by Oriental Limited with two stand in cars (that are prototypically correct for the time period).  Still looking for another 6 car set or the 2 extra cars.......

In the first video looks like a bump in the joint between two track sections in the middle of the frame. Loco and cars both jump a little.

[robert3985]

Since this WU has turned into DC v.s DCC, I can see Lee's viewpoint.  I'm a fan of DCC, and am frequently involved in its operation and troubleshooting, I can tell you that for a casual (non ops-geared) layout, DC is so much easier to deal with.

Just last week I was troubleshooting few DCC bugs with few decoders, and it does really take someone with some technical  knowledge and understanding ti be ale to work the bugs out.  Plus it is the "electronic do-dads overhead" of dealing with DCC that make is much more taxiing that running a simple layout on DC.  While the electrical hookup aspect of DCC is usually simpler than DC (on larger ops-geared layouts), The overall DCC experience (programming, speed matchign, etc., etc.) is much more complex than DC.

So say what you want Bob, I can definitely see the point of why some modelers prefer DC (or escape to a DC layout  for enjoyment of that simplicity).   Especially when for example, half of the motive power on your large DCC layout has its "brains blown out" by some electrical glitch.  Yeah I know, JMRI, blah, blah, blah, but still, even if the fix is relatively painless, none of this is required with DC operations.

This is a no-win discussion.  I would just let Lee enjoy his DC layout without preachment the virtues of DCC to him.

WELL PETER, if you would be so kind as to actually READ what I wrote to Lee, you'll see that I am not preaching to him or anybody else who prefers DC over DCC.  Hahaha...I find it highly ironic YOU Peter are telling ME not to preach about a subject since you are the king of "preach".   

I am simply saying that DCC doesn't "force" operational complexity, it "allows" it.  If a modeler chooses to only run trains in circles (which I do quite often actually) it can be done just as easily with a full-house DCC system as with a simple DC throttle.  If a modeler chooses to build tiny micro layouts or simple hollow core door layouts that are not operations oriented, then either DCC or DC work equally well...even though to run your single train with a DCC throttle, you've got to (at least once) dial in the address of the engine...which isn't what I would ever consider "complex".

I also was not starting a DC vs DCC discussion.

I was asking Lee what his modeling philosophy was, that "modern" doesn't equal "soothing" and he explained it quite clearly.  He is returning to his "misspent youth" to relive the simple joys of his first experience of model railroading and restricting the operations possibilities his new layout is capable of by using DC...because he wants to not get into all that additional stuff that DCC easily allows and which had turned into "work" for him...so he is giving it up and doesn't want to be tempted to turn his aptly named "retro-layout" into a modern, operations oriented model railroad.

So, it really is about Lee...not about DC or DCC since OBVIOUSLY DCC can be used to run a simple layout simply...actually DCC allows for simpler operation...but, y'know...there's always all of that capability lurking in there...so better stick with basic DC!

I am NOT denigrating Lee for his decisions nor for his retro-layout nor for his return to the joys of his youth nor preaching at him (or anybody else) for doing what he chooses to do.  Just the opposite, I congratulate him on the discipline he is exercising to keep it simple and retro and against the trend.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[peteski]

WELL PETER, if you would be so kind as to actually READ what I wrote to Lee, you'll see that I am not preaching to him or anybody else who prefers DC over DCC.  Hahaha...I find it highly ironic YOU Peter are telling ME not to preach about a subject since you are the king of "preach".   

Robert: I'm extremely sorry that I misunderstood your post about DCC directed at Lee.  Shame on me! Please accept my sincerest apology.

[wm3798]

@robert3985 if you could see the boxes of old junkers that have accumulated under the layout in the last year, you'd hardly consider "disciplined" an appropriate adjective!

[wazzou]

Robert: I'm extremely sorry that I misunderstood your post about DCC directed at Lee.  Shame on me! Please accept my sincerest apology.

What the hell just happened here, lol!   

[peteski]

What the hell just happened here, lol!   

You are in the Twilight Zone! 

[Point353]

What the hell just happened here, lol!   

There may have been a disturbance in the Force.

[MK]

Blame it on being holed up at home from the pandemic!!!!!!      

[wm3798]

Back to the workbench... ALL OF YOU!

[OldEastRR]

the thing that makes it DCC for me is having different locos under different controls on the same track at the same time. Even running in opposite directions. And if you want retro memories, my old Lionel GP7 had a HORN which I could blow when I pleased -- so you could say having sound in DCC units is "retro".
I'm not knocking DC. For roundy roundy it's probably the best choice.