DCC and Automation is it really value for money at Chadwick Model Railway | 169
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- Опубліковано 7 гру 2024
- Are DCC components overpriced and over engineered for our requirements, or do we need to explore these functions more? Are we really getting value for money? Check it out with Chadwick Model Railway.
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Another greatly entertaining video Charlie! I’ve yet to delve into the ‘delights’ of DCC, not because of a Luddite devotion to DC but because we haven’t moved yet and, thus, I haven’t got around to using the old Lens system my friend kindly gave me when they had no more use for it! 😉 I have a few ready to go DCC locos which I deliberately bought at bargain prices to force my hand so I might just try out a simple old steam MPD for size as it seems a sensible starter project before I jump in the deep end and start upgrading to a new system! 😂
The sequence you showed illustrates exactly the reason DCC does appeal to me. My ultimate aim is a garden layout where I can set a sequence like yours so different trains can follow one another before disappearing into the large shed or garage that I will utilise as a railway room. I first saw a system like this about 15 years ago and this video has completely reinvigorated my interest…so I guess I really ought to get on with the house moving issue! 🤔
Thanks as ever mate, have a great week 👍🍻🍀
An excellent comment Tim. I’m so pleased that you will come over to us from the dark side! Happy modelling mate. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway: yeah, just got to work out how to use the force mate 😜
I have done DC on and off for a long time. My first DCC was a Backmann diesel, and I thought that was cool. Then I got a Nickel Plate Road steam engine, and that was even better just sitting on the track than the diesel could ever hope to be. You could hear all the valves and steam of the engine, and then I put power to it. That was amazing, and I am now hooked on HO trains that have sound with them.
I dream of doing a garden train as well, because I have a lot of room outside for it.
Wow! It's so gratifying to see four or five trains just up and traverse the layout; but, I know the preparation necessary to show us that seven minute session was immense. Thank you for showing how Train Controller makes all this possible. My gang on this side really wants to 'operate" their layouts, and this kind of automation really doesn't fit into that type of running, Still, it is amazing to watch what you have created happen. Another brilliant video, Charlie! Can't wait for the next lesson!
Thanks Pat, that’s very kind of you to say so. Without the computer program I could never change all the points, or turnouts as you call them, in time. It would just be mayhem. I’m so pleased that you are enjoying your railway journey with me. Regards Charlie
One of the truly great things about the model railway hobby these days is that there are just so many aspects to it which you can engage with.
You can see layouts with track just laid on plywood with little or no scenic content, and out of the box locos and rolling stock, but which feature amazingly sophisticated computer control and endless working lineside gadgets. At the other extreme you can find basic DC controlled layouts with manual points control and no gadgets, but with jaw droppingly realistic recreated countryside and townscapes and wonderfully detailed model locos and rolling stock. Of course, most layouts sit somewhere in between what we might call tech-head layouts and art-head layouts.
But that is the beauty of the hobby, the participants can concentrate on whatever aspect suits their skills or preferences and everyone still gets to see trains go round and gain satisfaction from their own embelishments to that basic function.
As you, Charlie, highlight in this video, with automation you can create a layout on which it seems like teams of intelligent drivers, signal systems, lineside workers etc are all cooperating to run the services. A little world with its own life, if you will - and very impressive. However, modellers who want to directly control their train movements can also do that with non-automated systems - albeit probably on a smaller scale (or with multiple operators). The key point is that both approaches yield the same result and the people involved have enormous fun and learning from making it happen. Yes, it is truly a wonderful time to be in the hobby.
What are terrific comment Alan, thank you very much. Stay safe, regards Charlie
As ever, Charlie, a very useful and thought-provoking video, thank you.
The more I’ve followed your blood, toil, tears and bank manager’s sweat in building your masterpiece in automation, the more I’ve realised DCC is not for me. Picking up from my main real-life career, my enjoyment comes from operating the trains myself to some sort of believable timetable. So the thought of setting up a system for trains to run themselves while I nip out to boil the kettle defeats the object for me, personally. Also, as Paul Cherry shows in his videos which run on a layout the complete antithesis to yours, there are all sorts of gems of DC locos from yesteryear available secondhand which encourage some good ‘retro railway modelling’. But, horses for courses and I shall continue to watch all your videos with eager anticipation and close attention as I always learn something from them. Good luck with the next round of construction!
What’s a heartwarming comment Will.
As you say, horses for courses and it’s that variation that keeps our hobby alive. It would be terribly sad if we’re all computer geek modellers!
Stay safe, regards Charlie
Something you might want to think about is automation is to have trains running in the background of the train you operate. I'm kind of up in the air on this, but see it as a challenge, and I like challenges like that. So I can see not wanting to do this level of automation, but the sound and working of a train on DCC adds another level of entertainment I don't want to give up. My trains have momentum. My engine's brakes squeal, when stopping, and I currently have 14 DCC working locomotives. My steam engines chug, and each one chugs differently, according to size and number of cylinders. I didn't know what I was getting into until I put my first Bachmann Santa Fe on the track. I was sold at the sound of the engine sitting there at idle, and then I put power to it. I have some DC engines sitting in the display case, and others I've converted. But I am not going back to DC. The sound alone sold me.
I can only imagine how much work went into making that video. Nicely edited and flawless operation of four separate trains. Good job.
Thanks mate, I’m grateful for your comment. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I've done videos, and I admire the work put into them. You do a good job.
DCC: I finally decided to go DCC about 10 years ago but resisted sound decoders for 3-4 years. Then I started acquiring sound locos when they appeared on the 'used' market. Very quickly, the noise was turned off but I missed the bells and whistles, so I have silenced all the sounds except the bell and horn. I like to listen to the trains travel the track and the wheels crossing the rail joints. It is soothing to my ears.
As far as 'playing trains', sorry to say this Charlie but the software is playing your trains, and you are playing on the computer.
I have been messing with computers in one way or another since the late 1960's, but there are no computers allowed in my train room.
Thanks for the excellent video, it must have taken ages to film and edit. Keep up the great work!
An excellent comment, Doug, thank you. Yes, we all play trains in our own way, and I clearly like the intervention of automation. Good luck with your project, regards, Charlie
Charlie, Great video on the uses of automation.
For your DC viewers, I installed a Soundtraxx Blunami 2200 Steam 2 decoder in my 0-16.5 On30 C-16 2-8-0. What is great about that decoder is you do not need a DCC system to control it. You can power the Blunami on DC, DCC or even by Battery control it using the Blunami app on an Apple device. You can reprogram the CVs right in the Blunami app. The Lego train guys are posting to UA-cam about installing those Blunami decoders in their trains, which now give them remote control and sound. But, back to my install. I have experimented with running the Blunami equipped locomotive with a Digitrax DCS-52 and I have controlled it with my iPad mini. No problems at all. As long as there is a power source your Apple device can control the loco. I am now about to take the experiments further. Tonight I will try the Blunami powered by a high end DC power pack. I also plan it to put a slide switch in the tender between the track pickup, battery power and the decoder. With the idea that I can just throw the slide switch to the power source I choose. I have an idea that the side switch could protrude through the tender bottom. I have been to a train show where a club's display layout was out of operation for a whole day because something was wrong in the Digitrax system. With the ability to run on battery (DeadRail) one could have run trains while they tried to figure out what was going on in their DCC system. This week, I have posted videos of my Broadway Limited Imports On30 2-8-0 on a Facebook Group called On30 Railroading. I have one running the original QSI DCC with sound, one converted to Tsunami 2200 Steam 2 and converted to the Blunami 2200 Steam 2.
Some of my peers have been encouraging me to post content on UA-cam. I keep thinking back to that video you did on being a UA-cam Content Provider. If I could find it, I would like to watch it again. That was an eye opener. Also, I may have an article in the next On30 Annual on converting, tuning and kitbashing the BLI C-16s. Soundtraxx is also asking me to post my conversions, but we are still talking about where to post. I have had a discussion with Soundtraxx on using the diesel versions of the Blunami in battery powered military tanks.
I would love to hear more about Blunami as I have just discovered this product and can see how it is a further step in evolving the hobby IMO. Downsides would be investing in new decoders for your trains and only US sounds available at the moment? But so many benefits in WIFI control and setup directly. Want to learn more.... This sounds like a fantastic product. Thanks for posting.
This really is a new concept to me, and I need to do some research before I can make a comment. All that matters really is it makes us happy in our railway modelling hobby. Regards Charlie
I am just getting my 60 year old Hornby Dunlop 2 rail system out after retiring. This is an excellent introduction to the glamorous world of DCC. It was so good of you not just to show the wonderful effects you have achieved but to emphasise the importance of reliability, predictability and repeatability. That must have taken a huge amount of work behind the scenes and thanks for sharing it. With my childhood layout trains would always stop, derail or even fall off. And your comment that you don’t use Series 1 or 2 curves means that practically all my track and points would be scrapped. That’s created some tough questions to ponder. Thanks very much for developing my “train of thought“ in such a “model” way!
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it Gordon. Stay safe. Regards Charlie
Bloody predictive texting. Of course it was Dublo. Dunlop made my tennis racquets.
Love, love, LOVE the video Charlie, thanks again! Condolences on the passing of your Queen, may she rest in peace!
What’s a heartwarming comment Jade, regards Charlie
Hi Charlie
You lost me Just after "hi I'm Charlie"!
Absolutely intriguing.
Loved watching it All running on auto.
I have gone over to DCC a few years ago just for improved
Realism. Speed control with back emf is fabulous.
No more 0 _ 60 mph starts out of the station.
Individual address to locos, lighting,sound, stuff I could only
Dream about in the 70s.
No idea how it now lends itself to computer control.
I don't think I will ever get around to your level of control but love
To watch and Wonder.
I'm a retired electrician so have basic knowledge of general electronics and PLC programming
But I fear I am rapidly getting left behind.
With your sessions it does keep me up to date though.
As always many thanks
Best couple of dollars a month value ever and I can save for future reference when I get confused.
Stay safe
Howard
What a heartwarming comment Howard, it’s great to have you onboard mate. Regards Charlie
I'm strictly DC but I did watch the entire video nonetheless! ;-) My layout is "circular", but I can sit in the middle and reach everything, including my hand of god points. I am the first to admit electrics, and therefore electronics, is not my strong point, so I just keep it all simple. I have nothing against folk who want to invest in all this gubbins but it's just not for me (old dog, new tricks, etc) and there's only me going to see it. For example, loco noises are all well and good, but I couldn't honestly say I would know the difference if you played a Class 37 "soundtrack" while a different loco trundled past, or vice versa. Still a very enjoyable video Charlie. Cheers
I’m so pleased that you get much enjoyment from our hobby Davie. After all, that’s all that really matters. Regards Charlie
With you all the way there Davie!
Charlie,
I enjoy your videos so much. I learn with every one of them. My progress with my layout is just starting and the information you have presented over the span of three years has given me enough to think about as I plan. I thank you for that.
That’s great news Jim.
I’m so pleased that you find the videos useful on your own layout mate.
Regards Charlie
Thanks for another great video. Funny story, I used a Dremel instead of insulated joiners. For my automation / control I use iTrains and everything was working great for months. Then for no apparent reason my blocks appeared to have doubled in size at various places on the layout. After tearing things apart, messing with the software, wasting hours upon hours and about to give up notice the cut I made in the rails no longer had a gap. Well as you know on flex track one rail moves freely, yes it was the side I cut. Even though it was ballast it still moved. A few drops of Super Glue on several of the ties should hold it tight , hopefully.
You’re certainly not the first person to have this issue. I know some guys who trim a small piece of plastic to insert between the rails once they’ve made the cut. This alleviates the problem of expansion. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway That's what I do. Superglue some plasticard into the gap then trim to the profile of the rail.
Good morning Charlie, that was a very interesting thought provoking and entertaining video. I came on board with you several years ago and shortly after I started following you very nearly through in the towel because of what you called rivet counters, oh my am I glad you didn't. You layout is one of the most complex ideas I've ever seen. I admire your dedication commitment to this wonderful hobby. You've said that if you meet with others to discuss ideas then the information flow would be one way. Your knowledge is fantastic and a inspiration to us all. Having said that my level of interest is very restricted both financially and knowledge, I came to this hobby in the 1958 to 1964 period with my dad, and a very simple layout, I rekindled my interest with my son in the early 1980s, and now I'm back again with my grandchildren, you my notice a pattern here. I can only dream of even a small of what you've achieved, but me and the kids are happy with out three small circuits of track and some very old trains which I've managed to keep going, with the occasional s/h model. My interest was kindled as a child as was my son and now my grandchildren. They cannot start in the hobby at the hugely expensive and complex level of dcc, I hope we can continue to enjoy what for me I'm now in my 70s has been a lifetime of enjoyment in sharing with my dad my son and now my grandchildren. I don't envy other people I admire and dream. Thank you Charlie you are a inspiration. My head is spinning with all I would love to say but enough. Take care Eddy xx
What a heartwarming comment Eddying , I am so grateful. Take care and happy modelling with your grandchildren. Regards Charlie
I am in awe of your knowledge and presentation skills. As a DC (God bless us all) modeller the move to DCC looks to be expensive. As always your videos provide much room for thought. Many thanks and long may they continue.
That’s very kind of you to say so John. Stay safe mate, regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, Thanks for a great professional presentation. I watch all your shows. They give me lots of food for thought. I have an N scale layout 5ft x 2.5ft (2 level) using a Lenz DCC controller and iTrain automation software which has been a great challenge to set up and run as I have diamond crossings and about 40 turnouts on the storage yard and station/depot areas. My latest challenge is fitting full automated signalling, which is now working and is fantastic to watch. Sound has made a huge difference to the realism of my railway and made my hobby much more enjoyable. The ability to monitor my upstairs railway track plan running when I am downstairs for a while on a second pc (or iPad) is useful too and any breakdowns can be seen by the non-changing occupancy indications on the screen. The main issue for me is now where to position electronic control boxes and wiring underneath a restricted-space baseboard. Your layout is much easier to configure hardware as it is spread over a large area, so an important consideration is WHEREABOUTS to position items underneath the baseboard so they don’t clash with turnout motors etc.
It has taken me 2 years to get here, and I haven’t even started ballasting yet! Haha. I must be nuts to have started this, but what else would I have done? All the best, Keith
What a brilliant comment Keith.
Good luck with your project.
Regards Charlie
OMG Charlie this is a most wonderful tutorial. Its really great to listen to your easy to understand style and your voice is crisp and clear. I am 73 but am slowly completing my layout. Age related backaches seem to be slowing me down like a long haul goods train huffing and panting to haul it heavy load. But apart from this, you area great source of knowledge for me.
That’s very kind of you to say so Faizal. Regards Charlie
That’s very kind of you to say so Faizal. Regards Charlie
I’m a DCC user for ? 15+ years and have promoted it to anyone who will listen. My train controllers are my building crew and well qualified to take charge of their given assignments. That said it is quite fascinating to watch your fully automated system. Well done.
On the business of sound and particularly flange squeal there is a system in development by Iowa Scale Engineering where the squeal is automated throughout the train at wherever the sensors are placed. I’m probably giving a poor description so best to check out their website for this soon to be available bit of kit.
Ah yes there is always something new in the offing. All the best. Joe
Thanks Joe, for the interesting development. Regards Charlie
Another really useful video Charlie. I must admit that automation is not for me but it is really good to see you demonstrate it on your layout so that viewers can draw from it.
As for DCC, it is a yes from me right from when i heard the first sound fitted class 25 project from SWD. I bought the SWD decoder and a Roco digi trainset in order to get the Lokmaus controller. My next purchase was a DCC sound Roco Austrian class 2043 diesel hydraulic (think orange hymek !!).
From then on i was sold on DCC snd started by a couple of decoders a month to gradually fit my growing British fleet.
Obviously automation is very necessary in a setup like Chadwick but i manual control of my simple operations.
Thanks again
What a terrific comment Phil. Bachman’s class 25 was my first as well, as I recall it was under £100 with sound fitted! How times change, regards Charlie
I am now 55 and started with my first layout when I was 10 with one Wren Loco " City of London" .
Since then , I have married , had a family and got back into the hobby.
I honestly think that anyone now starting the hobby and wanting to go for the DCC option is being priced out by greedy manufacturers. By the time you buy a loco, add the chips etc , for a youngster that's a lot of pocket money.
All my locos on "Ashford OO Gauge Model Railway " are DC, and I don't think I'll change given the expense.
Keep the video's coming , they are a pleasure to watch.
It needn't be that expensive. You can buy a DCC controller, (that can do everything), and 10 decoders for the price of a single Hornby loco.
Excellent comments gentlemen, from both sides of the fence. Regards Charlie
I'm DC through and through and my point motors are my two forefingers. lol Seriously though that was a very enjoyable video Charlie thank you, and just to see the trains running round was worth the admission fee in itself. All the best.
Thanks Tim, and good luck with your project mate. Regards Charlie
Charlie,
It's been a delight to watch and soak in all your info and experiences of how you have developed your layout in the last couple of years.
I am predominantly a modelmaker of dioramas, but have always had a urge to build a layout.
So have started on a very ambitious project of a very large 1960's London based OO gauge layout, which has started with the first board of the 4 lane scratch built engine shed.
Through lockdown your video's were inspiring, and this latest video has shed further light on the complexity, and also simplicity of how to run with DCC.
Keep up the fantabulous work with Chadwick Parkway.
Happy days
What a very heartwarming comment Rufus, thank you. I’m also thinking about building a diorama! Regards Charlie
Another brilliant video, Charlie. I appreciate not only the work that is put into the video editing, but also the programming and construction to make this possible. Many, many hours.
Thanks Richard, it’s great to be appreciated. Regards Charlie
Dear Charlie,
thanks a lot for this highly interesting and for me offending footages.
Due to the (leck of) ammount of money to put into the layout and the conservatism deeply anchored in me I was learning a very lot.
So looking at all this you showed to us I decided to stay with my original idea of my "Narrow Gauge Island" light railway in the rule of "Keep it as analogical as possible" and "Keep it as simple as possible". So I decided absoloutly to stay with DC and being responsible directly by "waying" my trains by setting points by hand directly in the baseboard manually.
On the one hand it is perfectly clear it is a lot simpler to operate (as it is a rural/industrial 15-3/4" or 391mm railway or N-gauge in O-scale) as there are only two seperated lines and on the other hand for a freelance very early diesel layout (1898-1913) without any pomp and circumstances.
So your video makes it perfectly clear to me that I do like the weathering and scratchbuilding but really dislike to get the computer to take over mankind ;-).
So it is interesting how many of your energy is going into these highly sophisicated electrical connections and These irritating electronical devices I will stay away from as devil from baptisting water. So sorry to say this, but you are in the "other side of the barricade" in this case and I really did learn my lesson by your prototype to go my own way; and I decided to start my own little channel on YT when my segmented/moduled shelf layout after your great art of filming presentation.
I do love your videos very much and are really disapointed in case of an "empty friday evening". No Charly today ...😞
So thank you very much it is a great opportunity to learn from your wooden and aestetic work so I do personally look very instetested foreward to next friday's footage in the beloved series of "Charlie - the fanatic woodworm" 😉
Take care and have fun with your great work In couldn't match...
Christian
An excellent comment Christian, but I do like to spread the love across various aspects of our hobby. Regards Charlie
Impressive information Charlie! Thanks for sharing it in this video. These pointers will definitely help the guys with their respective layouts. Awaiting new updates again!
Adriel, I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Excellent video as ever. Well done on achieving all the screen sharing showing the progress of the trains on the layout and on the PC simulantonously. The automatic running is very impressive.
Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
I adore watching you Charlie, i dont have any sort of train set, a did have a deltic somewhere double OO gauge when i was young. I'm currentl;y recouperating from a third operation but i find watching your videos relaxing and take the pain away for a short time and you, a fabulous knowledgable egg! Keep up the great work for an ageing trainspotter!
What a heartwarming comment Paul. I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting, and I do hope that you’re well on the road to recovery. Regards, Charlie.
Great video Charlie, superbly filmed, narrated and editted. I watched several times in order to follow the trains (and hunt down the man on the viaduct .....) and follow the changes on the train controller programme.
I like to follow the technological aspect of DCC Its amazing what can be done. What I like is the possibilty to run several trains at the same time and your point about not being able to operate points without it, is obviously very salient. That said, with thought, enjoyable layouts can be built with lesser degrees of sophistication.
The dublo layout that me and my dad built was end to end inside a double tracked mainline loop, it was wired and signalled such that when a train had to cross the other mainline to enter one of the ends the signals went red and power was cut at the signal until the train had cleared, a small and simple piece of electrics but it made it seem so realistic for me and my friends when we operated it. Of course it had to operate to a strict timetable as well. The Duette was perfect for this one controller for the loop and the other for operations within the end. I wonder whether my father would have been interested in DCC if it had have been available 50 years ago or so? Ill ask him, - flying back to the UK this afternoon for a long weekend with them! Happy memories!!
Look forward to seeing some saw dust flying in the next video.
Good luck from Spain!!
Thanks David, for such a heartwarming comment. Stay safe, regards Charlie
iam a dc guy i am housebound and cannot do most things i just run my trains on a large layout but i love your videos they are fun and you do all the things i cant keep up the good work and thank you
What a heartwarming comment Geoffrey, many thanks, stay safe mate, regards Charlie
Again excellent knowledge and advice shared as your layout moves on. The automation with it's accessory controls proves how realistic your layout is advancing. I agree with you the cost can be frightening depending on the layout size and where you want to go. I believe once you see progress as you have shown it can become somewhat obsessive, but give immense satisfaction.
Looking forward to the next and further video. There are great, keep the work up.😀😀😀
Thanks John, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie for taking us on this journey of building the layout I have been watching since your first small layout and the evolution has been very absorbing and informative , it is truly a labour of love and I look forward to seeing more videos , I hope you get the issues on your Pullman and King sorted soon , cheers my friend all the best 👍
Thanks Leslie, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
A very interesting video. Fascinating to see train controller working. Scarily complex and I'm sure fiercely expensive to do but mightily impressive all the same. Well done Charlie!
That’s very kind of you to say so Ed.
Regards Charlie
Please pardon the coming wall'o'text.
Another fine presentation. Thankyou Charlie.
After having watched quite a few videos on how easy it is to instal and operate a DCC system, I've come to another decision in regard to my layout.
I do want to automate my layout as much as possible so as the few trains that I run will stop at predetermined points on the layout for a set amount of time and then head off to complete their respective journeys at least to their next designated stopping point. Ideally this would be to bring about the action of stopping a train at a station platform to allow passengers to board and alight, or in the case of a freight train, to allow it to stop at a depot in order to exchange or transfer their various loads.
When the trains are "out of sight" or off stage (however one would express it) they would be able to remain so, idling, again for a set time and thereby create the illusion of their long distance travel to and from a far off destination.
It's my hope that I would be able to organise this in such a way that an observer would see trains running, stopping and starting, appearing and disappearing going about their business much in the same way as they would in real life.
Now for a bit of background story here. (the wall'o'text I mentioned earlier). My Parent's were both railway employees for at least 20 years each. My Mother was a Station Assistant as the title was back then and over the years worked quite a few stations about suburban Melbourne and my Father was a Signalman of considerable qualification in that he was rated as able to work any signal box in the state regardless of size and complexity and this was just before the age of computerised controls and monitors... It was all mechanical.. big wheels and big lever and lots of bells and buzzers.
On occasion as a child I'd be allowed to visit and watch them in their roles and so saw much of what went on a day to day basis. It gave me an appreciation of the expectations and responsibilities they each had but it also showed me that a statewide rail system to run efficiently and to capacity only needs forethought, planning, adherence to detail and of course dedicated people to do their part in keeping that system running... and all this achieved with not a single computer anywhere to be seen.
I might be tilting at windmills here but it occurs to me then if such a marvel of massed and diverse engineering was possible way back then, then why couldn't I recreate my own mini-marvel but with far less going on and on a much smaller scale today? And so my quest is to create an automated layout without resorting to anything that requires a computer and its associated software to make it all tick, tock, clack and whirr to it's turkish delight... and mine.
Any links that you could provide that would point me in the right direction to companies that manufacture and sell the appropriate hardware, would be appreciated.
What an excellent comment NDC. I suggest that you contact James of DCC Train Automation. His knowledge across this field is very deep. Take care, regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway - Thankyou Charlie. I'll be sure to attempt contact and speak with James as soon as circumstances allow.
Great informative video Charlie n I like the comments @ 1:06 about high prices and would add that a DCC layout is the same £money now as a family car 😳
But saying that my brother has a fishing rod costing £1,000.00 pounds 😳 So not sure which is the more bonkers, a fishing kit costing £5,000.00 grand or a railway layout costing far more than that ??? 🤔
Hey if he’s happy fishing, and we are happy railway modelling, who cares. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Yep Charlie my sentiments precisely🤔
He was clever enough though to argue bout the cost of his £1k rod to the cost of a good DCC engine with a rake of coaches 🤔 So l remained Schtum 🤣
Very impressive Charlie, thankyou for sharing. I 100% agree with your views on CV 6. CV 's 2,3,4,6,5 are basic but very critical for speed matching too. I think I've finally convinced my fellow club members as well!
Good on you Peter, sometimes it is difficult to convince people that you have found a better method. Regards Charlie
I don’t know why, but RocRail seems often to be ignored from the UK. RocRail is up to par with iTrain and it is free of charge. You could consider taking a look.
Thanks for the info Edwin. Sadly I’m just too old to learn a new system.
Regards Charlie
Great video Charlie. Loved the running session and the explanation of how it all works. Found the comments really interesting too. Quite diverse opinions there. I am sticking with DC myself. That’s quite complicated enough for me at my age. Always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for sharing. Roy.
I find DCC is much simpler to use.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the channel Roy, whether You use DC or DCC, it’s a great hobby. Regards Charlie
Charlie the running session was amazing, I have to say for an embryo you are well along the line from a blastocyst! The thought that you could theoretically set a program to clean the tracks, Run passenger and freight services for several hours, make a BLT and a cupper, then sit back in various locations and watch the trains going by. What a way to spend a dreary winters afternoon,
in bright sunshine on a summers day on the railway (perhaps bird song and insects buzzing etc in the background for the quiet moments) Oh Charlie, all the best mate!
You make it sound so romantic mate. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Regards Charlie
well done on the explanation especially liked the split screen display of how it worked .Thanks
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards, Charlie
I think this is what I want, trying to juggle the running of trains and signalling the layout is just so difficult with one person. This video has been a great source of info, thanks Charlie 👍
Thanks WS, I’m so pleased that you have found it interesting. Regards Charlie
A great demonstration of the full-blown capacities of DCC. Some people feel like DCC is not for them, but DCC is a really wide range of possibilities, and while I am all into DCC, automation is definitely not my way. My way is the opposite: route control, signals, running the locomotives all done by real people in real time, and DCC is a must for this as well. Things are so much easier to do in DCC, everything can be controlled from multiple locations and even the simplest wiring will allow multiple locomotives to operate independently, with momentum control, sound, different light effects, etc., that all add to the realistic, prototypical operation.
I love that everything has to be done by a human on my railway, and I believe even the smallest switching layout benefits from DCC. DC should go now.
What level of automation one needs should be decided by everyone. That choice doesn't affect the need for DCC though on my opinion.
What an excellent comment Bence. We clearly both appreciate the great advantages of DCC. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie, amazing what you can do these Days with DCC. Thanks for sharing.
You’re most welcome Peter. Stay safe mate, regards, Charlie
My pleasure my friend. I love seeing your trains running around. You have ate doing some great work. Glad you are getting something out of our Facebook page. We have things to learn from each other.Cheers Dazzy Jay.
You’re far too modest Dazzy Jay.
It will be interesting to see what transpires with v10!
Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway always there to help where I can. V10 is interesting not taking the plunge yet. I will be doing more TrainController videos coming up too.
Fantastic once again Charlie, watching your videos with a nice cup of tea on a Saturday morning has become a highlight for me.
I am contemplating modeling Irish steam in N gauge.. wish me luck 😁
It’s great to have you on board Chris and good luck with your project mate. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie. Yes, I am one of the DC dinosaurs, but you manage to make your videos interesting whatever the subject and this is no exception. I can see the benefit of DCC on a layout like yours. I could be tempted if only steam sounds could be made realistic, which as yet they aren't. I look forward to your videos every fortnight. So thanks again.
What a heartwarming comment Dawn, I’m most grateful. Regards Charlie
Charlie, thank you for another great video, that has given me soooo much to think about.
You are right, where do you stop, and how much money do you spend. I see new products demonstrated, usually a DCC Concepts part, and I think wow, how good is that, then check the price, and think, hmmmm, a simple toggle switch will suffice, I can't justify that much money.
I run DCC, and do use some of the sound functions, but not all, but you get what you get.
It was great to see your trains run, auto-magically, you are very inspirational.
Cheers, and stay safe, Michael
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that our outlooks are so similar. Regards Charlie
5 minutes into the video and I slap my forehead, yelling "this man is a genius!".
That flange squeal has been pestering me for a long time (I don't have a layout and will, probably, never have, but I'm trying to "live the hobby" through you, guys), because, as you said, the sound can only come from a locomotive, right?
Well, what if you install a (spare) decoder under the board, near the point or diamond, connect it permanently to the tracks, place a speaker in a concealed location and simply tell Train Controller to play the squeal sound as your train goes by?
Brilliant! 😀
Going back to watch the rest of the video, now. Cheers!
You’re certainly pushing on an Open Door Adrian. We couldn’t really agree anymore could we? These model railway designers, really need to up their game.
Regards Charlie
Another cracking video, thanks Charlie. Press start, sit back with a coffee and watch them all trundle around... Bliss.
I couldn’t agree more Mike. However, I did make it a little overbusy, to fit them into a limited timeframe. Regards Charlie
Another great and informative UA-cam video Charlie. Whilst at this stage I haven’t considered the automation route when I build my first layout, however, the information and explanations as to there ‘merit’ then I will give it some serious consideration. I do see the appeal and how operating your layout can be more fun following the automation route and I value your honesty as to the expensive nature of this wonderful hobby, but at the end of the day, no hobby is cheap, one just hopes that the hobby doesn’t become even more expensive as time moves on. We all have a budget, but at the end of the day it is the little things which give us the pleasure despite how much it costs.
Great comments Jeremy. If I were in your shoes, I would wire it for block detection, giving me the opportunity to switch to it should I choose at a later date. Regards Charlie
Great comments Jeremy. If I were in your shoes, I would wire it for block detection, giving me the opportunity to switch to it should I choose at a later date. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway
Thanks Charlie you must have been reading my mind when you posted your reply. Anyway having watched your helpful tutorials / videos about Block Detection there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I want to pursue the block detection route. This is all with the help of your excellent videos but “Yes” I will definitely be integrated block detection on my layout. Thanks again and keep producing those fantastic videos, For a first build they absolutely essential👍
Great video. I have a 4 X 8 layout in the making, so at present I am not going to do automation. That's in the future, and this layout is to iron out some things with HO model trains. I have designed block detection circuits for lights and crossings, and you're right, this sort of thing is entertaining.
When I was a kid, I set up an HO car track that ran the cars at full speed on the straight away, and reduced speed for the curves. They even slowed down coming into a curve, and slowed to the curve in question. This made it more of a challenge. It took some time to set up, but gave a challenge to race the car matched to the setup on the track. That was in the mid 70s, so this kind of thing is very easy to get hooked on.
In the US I think there are horns for starting forward and reverse motion, which is in the Soundtraxx decoders. I love the reverse horn, but don't use the forward, except on one diesel, because it is annoying to hear it every time the engine pulls forward from a stop. I figured out how to have cab chatter at a push of a button, and use it, which is why I quite buying the less expensive Soudtraxx decoder. At the club most, if not all, don't take advantage of the sounds, and only use the engine sounds. They use the horn to identify where their loco is on the track out of sight, and that's about it. I don't like the door slam, because it doesn't sound realistic, but I do like the all aboard. I love the squeal of the brakes and the release, do I turn them up on all my diesels. The release on the Soundtraxx decoders will make the air sound and run the engine at the throttle setting set. It will also let you run up the engine without it going anywhere, if the brake is on. This can catch me off guard, when the engine has the brake on from the last time it was ran.
I've used Decoder Pro, but it doesn't work all of the time. It seems hit and miss, so I would question the use of JMRI. I want something reliable, and was hoping you would do a video on your automation selection. Then you did! Thanks.
Many thanks, Leslie, for an interesting look into your world. Regards, Charlie.
Awesome video Charlie. That must have taken a long time. Thank you for your effort.
Thanks Antony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards Charlie
A fantastic video Charlie, I appreciated the yellow dot/stop point! It was nice to see that! I love your ability to explain this, even with you yourself saying you're a novice, if you don't know how to explain something WELL, it doesn't matter if you're a novice or an expert! well done! This really has cemented the fact that i want to do block detection myself!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting EP. Stay safe mate, regards Charlie
As always; Great Work Charlie!
You explained everything about train automation very well. Thanks!
You have a fantastic layout too.
(Automation without feeling intimidating is my goal.
This with my hope to automate my HO scale New York City Elevated and Subway perhaps using JMRI, or possibly "Train Controller".
The goal would be to dispatch each train from a specified yard track to the system, terminate, returning in the opposite direction of traffic to its appropriate yard track, for the evening).
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Larry.
Good luck with your project.
Regards Charlie
Fantastic video as always, thanks for taking the time to put it together and edit. Being on the verge of trying to automate part of my layout I was curious as to what hardware you and others use for block detection?
As far as I can tell some sections (certainly in fiddle yards) need 2 blocks and so with this in mind it seems like it could become a very expensive affair to have a lot of block detectors, or maybe I have misunderstood the need for so many blocks.
Great layout progress and looking forward to the next instalment already. Cheers, Dave
Hi GMT,
Please check out my video 137.
Hopefully that should answer your block detection questions.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie. Thank you for your video. I'm still a dc modeler but am fascinated by the dcc concept. Although for me, it is a personal choice as I'm finding that this hobby is becoming more expensive. However, it doesn't stop me from enjoying what you and many other modelers do with this amazing technology. Maybe one day I'll give it a go myself. Keep up the good work and look forward to your next video. Best Regards, Paul.
What a heartwarming comment Paul , thank you very much. Regards Charlie
I have tried them all, but Train controller was the only one I could get to work correctly from a new user point of view on my layout.
Train controller is a huge amount of money but it's the price of three or four good sound locos so for me it was worth it.
Automation is another hobby just on its own.
I get a lot of enjoyment with trial and error exploreing.
Nice vid Charlie...Jim
Jim I couldn’t agree more. It’s a monstrous amount of money, but such an addictive past time. Regards Charlie
Great photography of moving trains, which I am sure you will enjoy developing. I loved that as well as the DCC helpful video. Thanks Charlie
Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you found a video enjoyable. Regards Charlie
That is a good review of an extensive subject! All hobbies and interests have a cost. A model railway tends to be over a longer term where the ongoing costs diminish as you advance - providing you dont buy new trains all the time! It still represents good value for money when you consider the total hours of enjoyment / frustration that you will get out of it.
The initial investment cost of Train Controller is high but it is an extensive program and lets you do what ever you want. I am really pleased that it works with DC as well. Tip: go to the view tab and deselect the 'Grid' option for a cleaner looking switchboard.
An excellent comment Bob, and I shall deselect the grid and see how it feels. Regards Charlie
I've given no thought to Train Controller on account of JMRI being free and having programming experience. I've never actually seen the price they're charging for Train Controller until now and HOLY CHRIST. I would find it hard to spend that on *any* software
You make an excellent point BA, however programming is something that many of us struggle with. Regards Charlie
my favourite bit is when they describe a $205 product (the bronze edition) as "Low-cost entry into model railroad control with the computer."
In the commercial world it is a little on the high side if you think about standard office software but how much is a licence for AutoCAD or Mettashape or ArcGIS? Quite a bit more. You are however correct that JMRI is a good mature alternative. IMHO the real question is how much effort you have to put in after purchasing the software getting it to work as described.
Great video, Charlie. Very informative. Three points/questions:
1) Your three Rs also apply to DC: if you've got a train running round a circuit, while you do some shunting, you need the train to run predictably, reliably and the third one. On a big DC layout in the past, we had a fiddle yard not unlike yours, which was controlled by a diode matrix, so that as one train came in and stopped (using essentially the same insulated rail break method as you), another train would then depart. Trains on that route had to be predictable, reliable ...
2) Great that the sound switches off when a train goes off-stage. Along with your point about coaches/wagons being silent*, that is something that's always bugged me about DCC sound. If you ran one of those trains manually, would it still obey the sound on/off procedures, or does that only work when the train is under full computer control?
3) Does train controller in combination with your block detection know where the whole train is, or just the loco? Obviously it would need lit coaches/wagons or resistors across the axles, but if a train broke the reliability rule and dropped a coach or wagon, would the computer know that and mark the block as occupied, even if the rest of the train has moved out of the block?
* somebody must have come up with a way to have a speaker or a decoder & speaker linked to a point to prolong the flange squeal, surely?
Great comment Andrew. You mentioned about to train breakaways, yes with resistors across axles and coaches drawing current, Train Controller will stop another train entering that block. Regards Charlie
DCC interests me for these things in priority:
1. Acceleration / Deceleration physics
2. Engine / Machine noise appropriate to #1 and running at speed. Random fan/compressor/pressure-valve noises.
3. Potential to experiment with automation (I want to railfan a point-to-point layout including automatic run-arounds, with realistic stops & starts.
Bells, whistles, and lights are nice but not necessary.
To get around the "tiny" speaker sound in n-gauge, I am thinking of using the sound decoder in a stationary mounting, driving a real amplifier & speaker: my planned layout is a relatively small shelf size where the oddness of stationary engine noise is overcome by the high fidelity and volume of the noise. I think that good sound and good acc/dec physics are powerful ways to help us "suspend our disbelief" and can cover a "multitude of modeling sins." So just my 2 cents! 😊💜
Excellent goals BRB.
Your point 1, is easily achievable.
Sound in N Gauge is much more controversial.
Regards Charlie
Wonderful Charlie, so much work to get this all set up. Well done
Thanks John, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Great video Charlie very impressed with the layout the automation you have acheived. You have my mind ticking over re my layout. Keep up the excellent work. Dallas
I’m so pleased that you found interesting Dallas. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Very interesting video Charlie!!!! Thanks for sharing and stay safe my friend!!
You too Onno. I’m so pleased that you continue to join me on my railway journey mate. Regards Charlie
Brilliant Charly, many thanks for sharing. Yes, Train Controller is very addictive and very powerful. Wish I knew more:)
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Eddie. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, another good video. I think as time goes on then DCC will become even more the norm. Especially as software and interfaces get simpler to use. I expect iPads, tablets and phones for control will be the way forward. I think that it may become the case that other assets such as signals, points, lights, sounds from stations etc will be linked via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. All good stuff but we still need to keep the hobby accessible. Keep up the good work.
IPads and Tablets are the Norm on quite a few Dcc Systems
@@chrislockerby1411 Z21 rocks!
I think you’re right on the button there, and using tablet type devices will help to bring youngsters into the hobby. Regards Charlie
Thanks ,you've explained how d.c.c runs without being over technical and no big words
WELL DONE
P.S. I prefer your railway to the McKinley railway yours isn't pompous
Thanks Robert, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Thank you - a really informative rundown of the options out there now. I'm a bit of a 'dyed in the wool' DC modeller, not by choice, but because when I was last into model railways it the 1980s and we were just happy if the point motors worked and your trains stayed on the track. It's been over 30 years since I last built a layout (well, not including trainsets on chip board for my son, anyway!), and the advances in technology are just staggering, and frankly bamboozling.
I'm currently in the very early stages of building a layout in the cellar, and I feel a bit sad that at the moment I am budgetarily being forced to build it as a DC layout, because professionally I have a strong electronics and computing background - the idea of a nice well-built DCC set up is very appealing! Still, I'm designing my wiring carefully with an eye toward going DCC as fund permit.
With track detection and so many peripheral controls available, I think about the only thing about DCC I don't have much care for are the sound options - I'm sure they're all well made and set up, but I just find that sound doesn't "scale" well, and when you add in all the extra noise that a model railway produces, I'm not sure DCC sound effects are worth the expense. Of course, this opinion is clouded by the fact that as I'm building a DC layout with a lot of nostalgia - the wholly unrealistic sound of trundling metal wheels on a wooden baseboard also has a strong hint of nostalgia about it too.
Good luck with project Ron. Please remember that planning is so important.
Regards Charlie
I haven't even assembled my train tables from the move yet, and now I already addicted to automation. Thanks Charlie... lol.
Because I will be building end to end layout to start with, I will have to do shuttles, and work out a time table for that, so I can have say 3 trains running, two mainline trains point to point with loco change, and one or two trains at grain silos loading and discharging in the sidings. Well that's the aim. lol.
Very nice to see a working automated layout. I now have a goal to work toward.
Thanks Peter, I’m so pleased that you found the video inspirational. Regards Charlie
Another thought provoking video, Charlie. Thanks! As my layout is small and for shunting the automation aspect of DCC is not important to me. What is important is the improved motor control that DCC provides. I was DC until a couple of years ago. Prior to DCC I purchased and also built several DC controllers whilst searching for the ultimate shunting throttle. I finally found an SCR circuit with feedback that was excellent for slow speeds. However, for my favorite small shunters the AC mains hum was quite annoying and sometimes intolerable. When I converted to DCC a whole new world of motor control opened up to me. I could achieve very slow crawls with little motor noise with the added bonuses of flexible headlight control and KeepAlive technology. Locos that previously were relegated to the display case or storage boxes became favored roster members after conversion. Yes, a decent basic TCS decoder and KeepAlive cost about $75, but I consider it worth it to get an engine back from the dead. So to me DCC automation is an optional add-on which is pretty cool, but rejecting it due to cost does not negate the basic benefits of DCC. Sorry to go on so, mate. Cheers from Wisconsin!
An excellent comment Andrew. As you say decent decoders with stay alive capacitors, changes everything. Regards Charlie
Another excellent video. Chadwck is really maturing. And the features keep falling into place (proper prior planning works, even with the odd hiccup).
Yes I agree, but we all do like hiccups occasionally! Regards Charlie
That last part, about getting the flow of the trains correctly........ I can easily imagine where having something that is intended to be 14th in line (sequentially, a.k.a. "Event 14") could rather easily end up actually waiting on some other train's "Event 10" because of a difference in speeds of the trains, some "unintended other delay" because of another train not starting "on-time" .... I'm going to "lose my own point, here" if I'm not careful. The idea I'm trying to convey is that getting the sequencing correct in the "controller" could be really difficult for some. Kudos to the folks such as yourself that have that capability.
You make an excellent point Kevin, it is so easy to get lost in the programming when it starts to become overwhelming. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, l found that running session hugely impressive. Your knowledge must be beyond "embryonic". Really looking forward to more scenic work, expecially the station though l m sure uou ll be testing, testing, testing for some while before progressing. Love uour channel. Cheers!
I will get around to it Andy, however I do have a little more track to lay.
Regards Charlie
Awesome video - another educational and entertaining vid. Thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it mate. Regards Charlie
Great stuff. Finally got all my track down and working well. installing blockdetection modules is the next step. My layout is smaller than this, but I like the computer control aspect of this hobby.
Good for you ST, I do hope it all goes well. Regards Charlie
Really interesting, thank you. I'm building towards automation using JMRI, Arduinos and individual components for the, well, less expensive option but the principles are the same. The Train Controller panels do look very pretty.
Vintage 80s Loft MR, I'm so pleased that you found the video useful.
Regards Charlie
Hi Vintage, I have watched your progress and love your cheap and (trying to be) simple approach. I'll be heading down the exact same route but will question every bit of added complexity at every step. IMO we still need to move more towards plug-n-play solutions (less room for error and easier/cheaper to get started) and like you I want to solve problems writing software rather than using expensive boards and Arduino controllers that are far too slow for bigger layouts. Keep it up!
Hi Charlie, great video demonstrating the use of automation, it certainly enables one man operation of a larger layout with quite literally all the bells and whistles allowing sound to be realistic too. I think with extensive fiddle yard control it allows you to focus on scenic side enjoyment. I am sticking with DCC with just five power districts, and three main track loops, so my wiring is much simplified, full automation not currently justifiable. I have a Faller stereo sound module , part 180730 that is software driven so can play background sounds plus has ten digital inputs so can trigger sounds from layout mounted sensors as well as setting sound priorities. I think there is scope for a product that integrates a surround system with train controller that with your block detection/ loco tracking system could play sounds based and biased toon where a loco and /or cameo scene is, that would make sound chips in locos redundant so saving us all a fortune - it would just be like going to the movies! enjoyed very much. All the best Stephen
Great comment Stephen, and good luck with your project. Regards Charlie
Very interesting video. Automatic multi train and point control was always extremely popular with the germans from the sixties, I'm guessing that computer programs have superceded it to a large extent, of course the Japanese have continued the DC tradition, the Tomix TNOS system being a point midway I guess. One of the big things of the German system was the fun of working out how all the bits of the jigsaw were going to fit together and what the final picture at the end was going to be.
Good viewing Charlie
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Another great and informative Video. Would love another video on more detail about the wiring for Automation
Thanks Mark, do check out the video number 137. Regards Charlie
Thank you for your video and explanation, I enjoyed it a lot. I have gone down the automation rough myself. I started my automation with DC only having multiple trains running on the same track with individual DC controllers, as DCC grew in acceptance the system grew to include DCC and DC trains in any combination running on the same track. This is not fantasy it has been done. I use an industrial PLC (Programable Logic Controler) and writhe my own software code
That’s great news Denis, that you have found a workaround for DC. Regards Charlie
DCC vs DC in a manual system is not really a big difference in my opinion. Sound is nice, but DC running fully manually is definitely cheaper and it is still quite viable if people are on a budget.
Automation - I am in two minds about this. I love the idea of it to a certain extent. It appeals to my "geeky" side, but at the same time, I play with trains for them to be things I interact with and I do it to enjoy playing with the models. It's nice to have some realism, but it's also to play and have fun and not just sit and watch trains going around the track. I still need to find the balance between the manual control and automated controls for my layout, and I admit I am mostly heading toward DCC and less DC.
Thanks for another great video, Charlie. You are one of the best on here.
That’s very kind of you to say so Brendan. Railway modelling is a wonderful hobby but we should keep a tight control on our finances. It’s very easy to get carried away, regards Charlie
I'm not a modeller Charlie but I found this a fascinating video on DCC plus all the advantages it can bring
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Martyn. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Great video as usual. I took great inspiration from the early days of McKinley and designed my layout with that in mind. It helped getting involved with setting up a visitor attraction in Birmingham (which I understand is no longer there), which gave me a chance to try it all out before splashing the cash. I can't envisage running my layout of 40+ trains, 110+ points without automation.
Unsurprisingly, every time I turn off Train Controller, it’s carnage! Regards Charlie
What a wonderful video,and very insightful.
Thank you so much.i am at (62) still very much learning,I am into dcc in a big way,it has to be the way forward....but on my layout I have to have dc for my quite large stock of wrenns,...Best of both worlds 👍
How do you say David, the best of both worlds. Stay safe mate, regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, I enjoyed this video. I wanted to point out automation does not necessarily has to go all out and use software to run trains. You can just use automation for turnout or point routing or signaling without a computer. On my layout I started with a stand alone loconet system that controls turnout routing using hardware from MGP Mollehem. Once you program them, they will work without a computer. very reliable. MGP also have Signal decoders that talk to their loconet panel decoders and loconet turnout decoders and loconet block detectors to automatically show the correct signal aspect. This way your running trains not signals or multiple turnouts. If you then choose to add automation software to run the trains, you already have all the logic worked out from setting up these devices and less work to add to the software. I find it very rewarding that I can set just a few pushbuttons to select a destination and all my signal are showing the correct aspect. Also my control panels show everything I need to know on the layout.
You make an excellent point CMR, and perhaps I should’ve made more of the fact that you do not have to go totally automatic. Regards Charlie
You make an excellent point CMR, and perhaps I should’ve made more of the fact that you do not have to go totally automatic. Regards Charlie
Flange squeal sound located at the points - brilliant idea!
Hopefully someone will pick it up Richard. Regards Charlie
Charlie,superb video as ever! As someone whos invested rather alot of £££ in the change to DCC its a great point to mention the real value and is it worthwhile.
It will be a long while yet before i can even get to operating my layout however youve really opened my eyes to further opportunities to operate a DCC layout.
Even if i dont ever automate it seeing what is possible is amazing and something id not really had in mind...but who knows! Thanks for the great inspiration and more🙂👍
What a heartwarming comment Geoff, it’s great to have you on board mate. Regards Charlie
Your very welcome although your knowledge and practicality is far,far beyond mine im always coming back here for the inspiration as we can learn so much and its what keeps us all going! Keep up the great work sir😃👍
Listening with earphones… my undivided attention was required, hit pause, losing the thread… coughed heartily, hitting play simultaneously, to be startled by your good self saying “God bless you”.
Just to show timing is everything mate. Regards Charlie
Most enjoyable, thank you. I have noted that our club users rarely touch any of the functions, lights, sound, or whatever. Usually, sound, if fitted, will be turned on and that's about it. I must say that mapping, or re-mapping, functions so that any commonly used functions are in the first 0 - 9 is most useful. The rest, i.e., most other provided sounds, can be shuffled off into the less easily accessed controls.
Excellent comment Brian, the remapping is very interesting. With a steam loco with the shovelling coal sound and the firebox glow , should be both activated by the same function number. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Yes, most certainly, the better sound files do already combine those two into a single function.
Another great video Charlie. Thanks for the inspiration. Regards. Martin
Thanks Martin, I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting mate. Regards, Charlie
Thanks Charlie for a very interesting video! I will do so more research! 👏
I’m so pleased you found the video interesting mate. Regards Charlie
Excellent information and interesting too. My layout is only 2.8m x 2.5m. I have 2 tracks dedicated to DC and 2 for DCC. This is so that I can run my old DC locos and my more recent DCC locos. My Son in Law can also run his late father’s DC locos too. (Mostly Australian DC locos)
I’m happy just running my trains and building stuff. Block detection, train controller is way beyond my feeble skills 😂. My biggest problem is every time I want to have a running session, I have to clean the track. No big deal, just an irritation. Really enjoy the video’s
A great comment Redbank. You could try using Inox to clean your tracks, it might be just the thing you’re looking for. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, very informative video. Would be very interesting to see a video of the costs involved in getting to that level of automation? 😀
Gosh, what a terrible thought Steve! Regards Charlie
Thanks for the clear description and great camera work!
Glad it was helpful mate.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie. I've been thinking about the DCC topic of late and the broader lessons I have learnt to date. I greatly appreciate your honest feedback and thought I'd add some of my perspective to your discussion. Before embarking on the model railway 'worm hole' journey there are some questions to answer. There are a few videos around presenting these questions but they tend to miss some key aspects (in my opinion anyway).
First up is that there are different levels of DCC and the modeller needs to understand where they want to stop and spend accordingly. For example, having the trains make some sound (at your command) may be a novelty that is enough for you so computers are not required, through to the full automation you show in your video at the other end of the hole. The key point here is that a lot of people don't have the technology knowledge or interest and so anything more than a relatively simple DCC layout may become very frustrating and turn people off DCC. When designed appropriately DCC can be very flexible without costing a bomb.
Secondly, do you as modeller want to build the layout and get the trains to just run as quickly as possible, or do you enjoy the 'thrill of the chase' to think about, research, plan, then build the layout? With so many DCC options out there now and many ways to 'skin the cat' it is becoming much easier to get your trains to do fancy things on their own, but also easier to box yourself into a corner with incompatible kit. The deeper down the hole you go, the more troubleshooting and problem solving is required. Are you up for it?
Finally, if you are the planning sort of modeller, having a researched plan that is readily expandable is a great help. This maintains future options without wasting time and money on hardware that can be easily made redundant later if you aren't careful. Incompatibility between manufacturers hardware modules and design approaches is an increasing issue I'm finding of late.
A fairly long comment but hopefully useful. As a systems analyst in the tech world in my working life I can see the need to have a considered approach to the DCC model railway world. There are great benefits and fun to be had at whatever level you decide to stop at, but also a lot of money and time to waste if you aren't careful.
I'm happy to elaborate if requested. All the best and keep up the great work.
An excellent in-depth comment Robert, thank you. I’m surprised that so few clubs take up the whole automation scenario. Regards Charlie
Loved the Senior Moment when you couldn’t remember “repeatability” !!
Yeah and the Comment about Grand Children shows the age demographic
Scary isn't it. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway don’t worry. Your not the only one to get a Senior Moment.
I get them all the time haha
That is really a fine setup. Look forward to further progress.
Thanks Ronny, regards Charlie
Very cool. Love watching the progress.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Amazing running session Charlie nott sure witch way to go with controlling my simple layout thankyou for the tips and video
I’m so pleased I enjoy the video Mark. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie ,, my name is John ,, and im a dc-trainaholic , haha.
I think the that most that i enjoy about trains in my lifetime is for me to actually drive them and control the trains that I've bought and have been given.
I love the sound of them , I love to start them , stop them and control there every move and speed of them be it fast or slow or just a leisurely medium pace ,, or to speed them up hill to get full momentum and use the I think i can method to get it over that hill and then down dale and into and then in and out of sidings and loops and get them going like a bat ouf hell down a really long straight and knowing that if i dont slow it down the train is going to come flying off the track and damage it when it gets to the last curve ,(yep guilty of that one , haha) and this is what I myself love about model trains.
Dont get me wrong ,, I do like the DCC concept and absolutely adore the features & things that dcc can do as it really blows my mind that trains nowadays can do all this stuff like you just showed us all in this video.
But when you take the personal control or the driving aspect out of it and have it all happening robotically and computerized well thats a big negative from me. (just my oppinion)
I dont want to put any negativity towards dcc users but there is also the massive cost involved in making a layout in dcc.
Hopefully with a bit of luck the costly prices of these dcc bits come down in price. Just like video recorders back inthe 1980's were soo costly (anywhere up to $3,000 then you had to rent a video to watch it when you could buy a 3 bedroom house for $40,000) and yet fast forward to a few years ago when you buy them for less than 30 bucks.
I absolutely luv your layout and all it has going for it.
I do appologise for the long winded rant but its 4am here in oz and im off to bed.
Cheers from John in Australia
That’s no rant John, just a decent comment that’s well worth folks having a read of. Regards Charlie