Posted by With model railways becoming more modern so has the technology that comes with it. DC and DCC can be confusing and scary terms to come across when first start planning your model railway. What do they stand for? Are there big differences? How do I use them with my railway?
The terms DC and DCC relate to how the trains are controlled on the track via electricity. The more traditional method is DC or direct current. The future is DCC also known as direct command and control.
What is DC Control?
DC control also known as analogue control is considered the more traditional approach to model railway control. The controller sends power directly to the track through simple wiring. Turn the power up and all the trains on that section of track begin to speed up and move in the same direction. Turn the power back down again and all the trains slow down. Direction can be changed by a flick of the switch but again all trains on the track it is connected to will change direction. In effect you are controlling the track and not the trains.
DC control is a good starting point for those just beginning their journey into model railways. It is both cheap and simple to set up and with some of the more modern track such as KATO, it is plug and play.
What is DCC Control?
DCC is much more advanced. Allowing control over individual trains, running them at different speeds when they are on the same section of track. DCC requires trains that work with the DCC controller unit, this is achieved using special chips which receive a signal through the track.
The chip in the train decodes this signal telling it what to do. There are model trains that come with the chips pre-installed but other trains can have them added to them later.
DCC trains are also becoming more advanced with built in lighting, sound and even steam! All of these can be controlled from the DCC controller. All these extra benefits and features do have one disadvantage however and that is the cost! DCC trains and accessories are much more expensive that their DC counterparts.
It is important to note that some DCC trains will not work on DC model railway layouts. This is because the decoder chip used in the train does not allow it. Others which have the correct decoder chip installed will run but not with great performance. DC trains can run on DCC track but it is advised not to as it can cause damage to the internal electronics. It is recommended before starting your layout to decide which route you wish to take to help keep costs lower.
Beginners Guide to DCC
Are DCC train sets better than DC?
The answer to this question really depends on what you want your model railway to achieve. Are you looking to build a beautiful layout with stunning scenery or are you more interested in the realistic movement and signalling of the model trains?
With DCC as we mentioned above, there are now so many features that can be added to the trains and track. It can really bring the trains to life, with sounds and steam. There are even signalling systems that can be added to DCC systems allowing you to live the dream of being a controller and signaller in your own home. All these features will take more of your time and money to install properly.
On the other hand, DC layouts can be up and running in minutes. Some of the Gaugemaster and Kato kits come with set track, controller, and trains. The track can be clicked together in seconds, plug in the controller and you are ready to go usually at a much cheaper price than a DCC kit. This can allow you to move onto the scenery quicker!
