DCC and Automation is it really value for money at Chadwick Model Railway | 169
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2022
- 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 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
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
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
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
Thanks for the clear description and great camera work!
Glad it was helpful mate.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
I wanted to say just how sorry I am about Her Majesty the Queen passing. I cried. 60 years old and I cried. I live in Az, born an American but my Heart has always belonged to England. My mother used to say they gave her the wrong child because I always stood up for or was talking about England. Queen Elizabeth, like so many of us, had been Queen all my life, She was my HERO and was a ROLE model for anyone who believed in Honor and Devotion. Not like the American politicians who are sell outs and cowards, Her Magesty always put England and the Commonwealth first. I know this is a train channel, and I truly love Charlie, but I have been so heartbroken over her passing I had to say something. Thank you to those who can understand and my thoughts and prayers are always with England. May God Save the King!
Such a thoughtful and touching comment Joseph. You have summed up our emotions beautifully.
Regards Charlie
Great sentiments but please do not forget Wales Northern Ireland Scotland etc.
Maybe just stick to trains. She did pay millions towards Andrew's legal fees and contributed towards the settlement to keep one of his victim's quiet.
@@James-jp6ry may it be or not, she did so much for so many for so long that I cannot nor will I ever hold a wrong against her. We all have things in our lives and others may never know the REAL truth so I choose to give her the benefit as like millions of others. I hold no grievance to you for your opinion. Peace be with you
@@gordanmilne7034 as I am not entirely schooled on the British Empire may I assure you that I have the same love and respect for Ireland and Scotland as I have direct ancestry from both. I hold the Empire in the highest esteem and hope that you accept my apology.
Awesome video - another educational and entertaining vid. Thanks Charlie
I’m so pleased you’re enjoying it mate. 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.
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
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
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
Thank you for all your teaching
Great videos and well explains
Thanks Stephane, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it, regards Charlie
Very cool. Love watching the progress.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Inspiring vid. Thanks Charlie
That’s most kind JP. 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
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
Well done, great info ... cheers
You’re most welcome Gene. 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 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
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
Thanks Charlie, amazing what you can do these Days with DCC. Thanks for sharing.
You’re most welcome Peter. Stay safe mate, regards, Charlie
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
Thank you for another brilliant video Charlie
Thanks Mels. Stay safe, regards Charlie
Another great video Charlie. Thanks for the inspiration. Regards. Martin
Thanks Martin, I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting mate. 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
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 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
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
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
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
That is really a fine setup. Look forward to further progress.
Thanks Ronny, 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
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
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
One reason I have stopped using Digitrax decoders and switched to ESU decoders is so I can have railcom and ABC braking.
I can only agree Dave, my first choice is always ESU decoders. Regards Charlie
i model dc but still found this very interesting and you explain everything very well its a bit technical these days but a lot of fun not like years ago when i ran my triang jinty 47606 on a circle of track on the carpet great video thanks for sharing
I’m so pleased that you found interesting Kieth. Regards Charlie
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
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
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
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
For me, DCC is definitely worth the additional expense to be able to run a train (or multiple trains) around a layout without having to toggle block power switches constantly.
I couldn’t agree more FK. Stay safe, 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
great video Charlie, thank you
Thanks Onky Onky, It really is an interesting concept. Regards Charlie
8:02 that gave me a lightbulb
Every day is a school day, Marc.
Regards Charlie
Flange squeal sound located at the points - brilliant idea!
Hopefully someone will pick it up Richard. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, so beautiful to see your trains running, I can see how fun train automation can be especially being able to make all the sounds programmable. I'm old school DC and I love your BR Blue era, maybe one day I'll do DCC
It’s a huge leap Andrew, and not necessarily for everyone. Regards Charlie
DC modeller here. Still with you.
Good for you Dib, it’s great to have you on board mate. Regards, Charlie
Another great informative video Charlie 👍
Thanks Jeff, 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
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
“Ya pays ya money and makes ya choice.”
And hopefully BT, it’s the right one. 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
That's amazing Charlie. Well done.
Thanks RC, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. 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
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
Absolutely amazing set up 🤓
I’m glad you think so, have a great Christmas, 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
Fantastic Charlie, very informative. 👍
Thanks 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
Loved the video Charlie and love your layout. I’m DC all the way I’m afraid but appreciate your commitment to programming. Good luck.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video MJ, regards Charlie
Very impressive Charlie. Enjoyed that running session on Auto control.
Thanks Allan, stay safe mate, 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
I love it! Great job!!
Thanks Rick, 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'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
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
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
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.
Using DCC to operate the trains on the layout seems like a no-brainer to me. Improved driving characteristics, headlights always on independent of speed, reduced complexity of the wiring, ...
The use of turnout decoders, block feedback decoders and PC software is another discussion
You’re pushing on an Open Door on this one mate. I couldn’t agree more. Regards Charlie
Once again a brilliant video, I for one am looking forward to the building videos
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan. Stay safe. 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
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
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
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
Dremel make a Flex Shaft attachment which has a smaller head, making cutting track square alot easier. It also allows you to control the speed with one hand while you cut, sand, engrave etc with the other.
Embarrassingly Martin I have one and I’ve never used it. To be honest I completely forgotten about his existence, but it will come out tomorrow. Regards Charlie
A very interesting and objective presentation Charlie thankyou. I'm not convinced it would ever be for me. Even our Grandson is not enthusiastic despite being very computer literate as they all seem to be these days at 13 years old! We've been at too many exhibitions where they've had a 'bit of trouble' and it's all gone pear-shaped.
I couldn’t agree more John. We should only do what we really do understand. 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
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
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
The automation looks very impressive, with the nights now closing in and the weather moving towards a cooler phase I think it may be time for me to have a go at this instead of getting whiplash from trying to keep an eye on my layout. All the best.
Thanks Steve, I’m so pleased that you found my video interesting. 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
Very impressive again. I enjoy watching and listening to exhibition layouts operated using DCC, especially diesel locos, (some steam seem to have the exhaust beats out of sync). My little steps wiring my DC layout has given me enough headaches and expense, and the thought of converting locos I have collected over the years prior to getting room to build a layout, would also be too expensive. Thanks again for your video.
Thanks Rob, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and good luck with your project mate. Regards Charlie
Thanks again for the inspiration
Great video and it's good to see what you have accomplished with Train Controller and the possibilities there are with it you just couldn't run a sequence like that single-handed. I use the JMRI system myself but have never taken it further than simple route planning . As we all know the biggest enemy of reliable running is contamination and dirt on the track or the locos, in such a case what would happen to the sequence if say the first loco coming off the helix stalled when there was a second one following two blocks behind. Regards, Richard
Interesting comment Richard. The second train would not be allowed to enter the occupied block. It will just pause its schedule. Regards Charlie
Great video as ever Charlie. 👍👍👍
Thanks ST, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it 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
excellent video Charlie
Thanks mels, 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
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.
Train controller 10.0 came out this week and Rudy has started a new series of tips. If you into automatic train control it’s a very helpful site.
Yes thanks Peter, I spotted it yesterday and watched the first video. However, I certainly won’t be going down TC v10, for a few months until the bugs have been ironed out. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway I have orderd TC v 10 Ill let you know how i get on.
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
Love watching your channel Charlie. Only got entry level EZ command DCC because i dont use more than 6 sound functions it keeps cost down and i get the same enjoyment with my layout as some of the more complex layouts i have seen.
If it works for you PG, then that’s all that matters. 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!