Digital Command Control

We use a combination of Roco and Lenz, both XPressNet compatible systems.

We started out almost immediately with Digital Command Control (DCC) on our first layout in 2003 as it is clearly the way to go for us. People who use our control system range(d) from 5 to 55 years of age. The Roco starter set we first obtained came complete with all we needed to get decoder fitted trains running and was extremely easy to set up and use.

The key benefits of a DCC system in my view are:

1. Simplicity of control. No complicated block wiring is required. You control the train and not the track. Therefore each train can be run anywhere, independently of any other train on the layout, with all that implies of course so watch where you are going!.

2. Realistic sound can be added to locomotives. Our Shay, Climax and 4-4-0 American Baldwin engines have sound decoders that add another dimension to the layout that is well worthwhile.

3. Locomotive lights can be controlled by the DCC system.

Lenz generously and farsightedly opened their initial DCC designs to the whole model rail community via the National Model Rail Association (NMRA). This effectively made it an international standard for what we know as Digital Command Control. This means that manufacturers can produce complementary and/or compatible products, as least as far as decoders and some other equipment is concerned.

The simplicity of wiring, control of the trains rather than the track, the ability to add sound and a number of other reasons made it an easy choice when starting out. There are a number of excellent DCC systems available. It is just a matter of selecting one that best suits your needs, preferences and budget.

You can make DCC as simple or as complex as you feel inclined and whilst we are very happy with our choice, we understand that it will not be for everyone. My advice is don’t make a decision based only on other peoples opinions. Do a little research and find the one that best suits you.

Handsets: We currently have two Roco Locomouse II handsets, a Lenz set 100 handset and have added a Roco MultiMaus handset (pictured at the top of this page).

The Roco Locomaus II (also known as the LokMaus and pictured here) are excellent for general use, albeit somewhat limited for programming as there is no direct feedback, hence the Lenz and MultiMaus handsets. We tend to use the rotary dial Roco handsets for general use in preference to the push button Lenz handset.

Other items

Reverse Loops: We have two reverse loops on the layout. PS Rev Power Shield Intelligent Reverse/Breaker units from Tony’s Train Exchange can be used to protect against a short circuit when a turntable or reverse loop is used. These have worked flawlessly in our layout since installation.

Access points: There are four Lenz LA152 ExpressBus Adaptors spaced about the layout which can accept both the Roco and Lenz handsets. These are very easy to connect.

Decoders: When we started there was an initial steep learning curve with decoder fitting so some research is worthwhile before installations are attempted.

Whilst I’ve learnt how to successfully fit decoders, including sound decoders, a welcome trend is pre-fitted decoders. This was the case with our Bachmann Spectrum Shay (HO) which came with a Soundtraxx Decoder and speaker already installed and also the Forney. This not only saved any risk to the most excellent model by avoiding installation but saved a considerable amount of time and money as well. I’d prefer nowadays to buy any model locomotives with sound decoders factory installed. Lenz, Roco, Digitrax, TCS and now mostly Soundtraxx decoders have been used.

Current On30 Australian Logging Operation

Set in the 1950s in the Yarra Valley where my father Tom Pate had a mill. Controlled with the Lenz Set 100 and additional handsets from Roco.

February 2004: Bachmann On30 Shay. Fitted with Soundtraxx decoder August 2004 and weathered.

August 2005: Bachmann Climax. The Soundtraxx decoder was finally fitted in February 2007! The installation went well, following the instructions provided with the decoder. It’s a tight fit but there were no problems with the installation and the Climax went very well on the first test run.

February 2007 Bachmann Forney with factory fitted Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder.

January 2008 Bachmann 4-4-0 American locomotive arrives. Amaxing price from Micro-Mark and come prefitted with a decoder. The Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder from the Forney fits comfortably.