Large Scale Central

Recommendation on DCC-ready G-scale starter set

General Discussion
#1

I’m looking for a recommendation on a DCC-ready G-scale starter set. I’m looking for a low-amperage loco (something will a stall current in the 2 amp range). I saw Bachmann Davenports used to be available, but don’t really see those anymore (or a trolley would be nice). I have plenty of power transformers, so if not a starter set, a recommendation on a loco and what sort of track is reasonable would be great as well.

This would just be something to get my feet wet and experiment with hooking up my own DeadRail solution. I might be using the track outdoors.

Thank you.

#2

You might specify scale, steam or diesel, and standard gauge or narrow gauge.

Why do you specify 2 amps? Do you already have a DCC system with that limit?

Greg

#3

I’m confused. You want to do DCC, yet you also mention Deadrail, which suggests Radio Control/Battery. The two are usually mutually exclusive. The only system that comes close to combining both is Airwire.

Can you help us sort that out?

#4

When going DCC you must look at the specs for power for the command/control station before looking at transformers/power packs.

I have a system that takes 24volts AC input (older Zimo), and a second system that takes either 24 volts DC or 18 volts AC (LGB MTS).

And there are systems limited to less.

DCC starter sets I have seen have a 5 amp system, I want more current as a dual motor engine plus smoke and lit passenger cars can use most of the 5 amps.

#5

Just for clarification, there are 2 main things I am looking for:

  1. a DCC-ready (not DCC) low amperage draw G-scale locomotive

  2. track selection that I can use outdoors.

I am experimenting with a non-commercial Dead Rail solution that utilizes a DCC-ready plug. This one happens to support 2 amps, so I’m looking for a small loco (or trolley). Bachmann Davenports were available back in the day, but I don’t see them around anymore.

Thank you

#6

Any track, other than Bachmann Steel track or Lionel track will work outside. The new(ish) Bachmann brass track is designed for outside, and is a fine choice. The Bachmann steel track and the Lionel track are toy track, and are not designed to resist the rigors of the outdoors, though some have successfully used them outside.

First you choose whether you want Code 215, Code 250 or Code 332 track. What the code indicates is the height of the track in thousands of an inch, i.e. Code 215 is 215/1000 inch high. Code 332 is much higher, less in scale, if that matters, but a lot more sturdy that Code 215. Once you choose what Code you want, then you can choose you metal. If you are going to use Dead Rail, then Aluminum is a great choice.

Good choices include, but are not limited to, in no particular order, and is by no means exhaustive…

Accucraft: Brass

Aristocraft: Brass and Stainless Steel, Aluminum

Bachmann: Brass

LGB: Brass

Peco: Nickel Silver

Sunset Valley RR: Brass, Stainless, Nickel Silver, Aluminum

USA Trains: Brass

As to your other question, I am going to have to defer to to others.

#7

Ray:

Though the Davenport is out of new production they are still available on Amazon and ebay though I don’t know if they are specifically “DCC ready”. I assume a bit more searching will yield more results.

#8

Hi Ray, Steve covered the track questions so I will focus on the wireless controls. Any Loco can be converted to battery wireless control or constant voltage (like DCC) on the rails. Choose whatever loco appeals to you. Our new 3 amp throttle will fit inside the Davenport and you can connect into the DCC port. The term “dead Rail” is most common with the smaller scales and their approach to the gear is slightly different.

With our size trains a basic battery system drawing 2 amps should get you 2 hour runtime. If you choose a higher amp battery expect 4 or more hours. As steve mention using aluminum or brass keeps your track cost down if you go battery power. If you get a chance visit my web site and off-line I can offer some suggestions.

Don

www.rcsofne.com

#9

Don yes, any loco can be converted, but the OP states that his equipment uses a DCC ready plug. While this can be wired into any loco, my impression is that he wants a loco he can just plug his equipment into, that draws less then 2 amps, what his equipment can handle.

I may be wrong, but that is my impression.

The OP didn’t state whether that’s 2 maps continuous, or peak.

#10

He’s looking for a loco that will stall at two amps, is PnP ready for DCC through a DCC ready plug, and will do Deadrail. This is what I have gleaned from his two posts. What I don’t understand is how he expects DCC commands to be transmitted through deadrail. What have I missed?

#11

Steve “I am experimenting with a non-commercial Dead Rail solution that utilizes a DCC-ready plug.” So its not DCC, its a deadrail solution that just uses the DCC plug. At least that is my take.

#12

Mark Hadler said:

Ray:

Though the Davenport is out of new production they are still available on Amazon and ebay though I don’t know if they are specifically “DCC ready”. I assume a bit more searching will yield more results.

I have one and it comes with an 8-pin socket, which fits some HO decoders (which is all you need).

Some more info: http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips10/davenport_tips.html

Regards,

Peter.

#13

A new Aristo 0-4-0 has the standard Aristo socket, which is 0.1" spacing, and has several companies making decoders for it.

It’s the only defacto standard DCC socket in Large Scale.

Be sure to get the new 0-4-0 and it does come in a starter set.

Greg

#14

I use the dead rail system with an airwire remote and I think you have the concept wrong. It allows you to send commands to your existing dcc decoder via a battery receiver DRS1. This allows me to run my DCC engines on a friends non DCC layout. And I might add it works quite well, much better than the cvp convrtr which I also own. I see you are making reference to a non-commercial system and I was speaking of the Tam Valley System.

http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/drs1deadrailcomponents.html

#15

Ray Pratschner said:

I’m looking for a recommendation on a DCC-ready G-scale starter set. I’m looking for a low-amperage loco (something will a stall current in the 2 amp range). I saw Bachmann Davenports used to be available, but don’t really see those anymore (or a trolley would be nice). I have plenty of power transformers, so if not a starter set, a recommendation on a loco and what sort of track is reasonable would be great as well.

This would just be something to get my feet wet and experiment with hooking up my own DeadRail solution. I might be using the track outdoors.

Thank you.

Ray

There are several out there that meet your criteria.

Bachmann had the Davenport, the Forney, and the Peter Witt.

The Climax and C-19 only go above 2 amps under a lot of load

The upcoming 2-6-0 is also well under 2 amps.

LGB and PIKO also have both locomotives and sets that meet your criteria

Stan

#16

Give me a call Ray my store is 2 hours away from you.

Robby

RLD Hobbies