How To Get Started?

[ChrisEJ1993]

I want to start a 00 gauge layout, but where do I start? I want to design my own layout, probably starting with just a loop at first but gradually getting more complex over time. But are there sets to get me started, with the electric controlls etc?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Hornby and Bachmann both have sets to get you started, they range in price but generally have the same track in them, they include controllers.

There are two types though. One is just a basic set, with a standard (DC) controller and a standard (DC) train. The other is known as DCC starter sets, these differ slightly from the standard sets in having a basic DCC controller and a DCC fitted train. A basic DCC controller is fine for small layouts, but as the layout gets bigger and you get more trains you may require a better controller.

A search on google may bring up many topics on DCC, or even a quick look at the Hornby or Bachmann websites, but basically it is a more advanced way of controlling trains, using a 'decoder' in the locomotive. DC trains should not be used on DCC layouts, however DCC Locomotives can be used on DC layouts.

Some DC locomotives are able to be converted to DCC very easily, with a factory fitted socket inside the locomotive, these are usually refered to as DCC Ready or DCC Friendly, but are otherwise just DC locomotives. Virtually any DC locomotive can be made into a DCC locomotive.

Designing a layout can be done using computer software like Anyrail or Hornby Virtual Railway, or by getting Hornby track symbols from your local model shop.

Without wishing to steer you away from this forum (which can be very useful for real railways), there are other sites which are better suited to asking questions about model railways.

http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk
http://www.rmweb.co.uk

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

Thank you for that information. Can you expand a little more on the difference between DC and DCC?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

With DC, you usually have one controller for each track and usually one train on each track. This tends to limit what you can do operationally or could mean extra wiring and isolating sections for complicated layouts.

A single DCC controller can feed every track and consquently every train. It controls every train independantly of each other, regardless where they are on the layout. They do this by talking to 'decoders' fitted in each of the locomotives.

In basic terms, it allows greater flexibility in how you move your trains about, but at a slightly higher price. You can also control extra features on each locomotive independently and even have speakers fitted for realistic sound if you want to.

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

Thanks for the descriptions. I think DCC is the way to go for me. I'll check out some of the sets on the Hornby and Batchmann websites, and from some local dealers such as Modelzone in Eastbourne, to see what I can find.

From a DCC set, I assume I am not limited to just that layout? I can change it or extend it as much as I like, and it will still work fully with any DCC enabled train I buy?

Thanks for your help so far.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

The track is in sections, so you can design layouts around those sections. The Hornby website has a page that shows what track it produces.

Any DCC fitted train you buy can be used on the same track provided it is in the same scale! (Instructions on how to use more than one train can be found in the instruction booklet)

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

Thank you. And can I mix and match, let's say, Batchmann and Hornby for example, providing they are both the same scale (00 in my case)?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Correct.

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

Cool - Thanks for your answers, they're really useful! I had better start saving, building a model railway looks very expensive!

 

[martyn29]

I am thinking of starting as well, small to start with, is the Virgin pendlolino ok to start with as that has DCC? Or if you can point me in the direction of any other starter train sets, I would be most grateful.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

As a starter set the DCC fitted Pendelino is quite good, I have it and have have no problems so far. It is the only DCC starter set I have, but any other DCC Starter Set will have the same basic items.

Someone who already has a DCC set up would be more likely to buy the DCC ready Pendelino and fit their own decoders because the DCC fitted Pendelino has a non standard decoder fitting. I don't want to put you off it, because it still uses a standard decoder and aside from the way the decoder is fitted, the Pendelino is no different to any other DCC fitted model.

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

So using the pendolino rather than a different set won't create any problems then?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

No, the DCC fitted Pendelino will behave in the same way as any other DCC fitted model.

 

[martyn29]

So I would be able to use other DCC fitted locomotives with the pendolino should I elelect to buy that set?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Yes.

 

[martyn29]

thanks

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

How widely do prices vary for starter kits?

 

[martyn29]

The pendonlino varies in price, The cheapest I have seen it is on Amazon for £125, but some places are selling it for £199!

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

What about other sets?

 

[martyn29]

I havent looked at many others

http://www.railway-models.co.uk/774_1.html

http://www.railway-models.co.uk/

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

Thoughts of "Bachmann OO DCC Digital Starter Set with Two Locomotives" (because it's cheap! )

 

[martyn29]

Thoughts of "Bachmann OO DCC Digital Starter Set with Two Locomotives" (because it's cheap! )

have you any links Chris?

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

It's on the same page as posted previously.

 

[martyn29]

Does anyone know what board size you would need for the hornby Pendolino set? is it 6 by 4?

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

I don't think I'll be able to afford a board to start with lol.

 

[martyn29]

Same here but I just wondered if anyone knew what size you would need?

Have you brought the set yet Chris?

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

Not yet, but I did find it much cheaper elsewhere. So started saving now.

 

[martyn29]

Not yet, but I did find it much cheaper elsewhere. So started saving now.

was that Amazon thats the cheapest I found it

 

[ChrisEJ1993]

I found the one I mentioned earlier, the "Bachmann OO DCC Digital Starter Set with Two Locomotives" on ModelZone for £69.99. They sell the Pendolino for £104.99, how much was it on Amazon?

 

[martyn29]

I found the one I mentioned earlier, the "Bachmann OO DCC Digital Starter Set with Two Locomotives" on ModelZone for £69.99. They sell the Pendolino for £104.99, how much was it on Amazon?

£125! and that was the cheapest I had found! so Thanks!!!!