Newish advice for DCC on LGB set

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Gbrown123

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Good day all,
New to the group but I've scanned a few threads looking and haven't really come up with an answer. I've previously (10+ years ago) used DCC on a N scale set and would like to use it for my LGB engines/system I am currently building for my son (lets be honest its for me). One of the engines I am using is a LGB 23851 and one of the starter sets ( I don't know the date on it yet as I have not received it). What would you all suggest for control? I am not interested in converting it over to RC/batteries and this will eventually be in about an acre length lot outside so there will be need for growth and expansion. I am sure I missed some information so I apologize in advance and appreciate any and all help as I am learning as much as I can. Thank you and take care
 
Welcome to the forum, have you a proper name we can use? There's plenty of DCC advice available on here, have you tried looking in the DCC topic list?
 
It's good to see you made it through to here from Facebook.

As a starting point just put "LGB 23851" into the search box at the top right hand corner of the screen, and you will see that there are several existing threads displayed, some of which mention DCC.
 
So there are many different DCC systems available, and some are easy but limited in features, some have a modicum of features, and some have every bell and whistle known to man.

So - sit back and close your eyes and look into the future and imagine when you layout is completed, really finished with everything you want.

List up what you want to get to.

In my imagination I had:
multiple trains running independently.
running for extended periods of time with smoke and sound
long trains - about 40 cars
mainline operation with almost every train consisted with several locos
the ability to mix and match any loco with any other loco easily in a consist
remote control of the turnouts/switches
very low maintenance, no track cleaning (sanding, abrasive oxide removal)
wireless operation.
possibility of automation in the future, but no super sophisticated control by signals or fully automated trains, other than running unattended on a loop


That helped me make my decisions, and I did a lot of research and visiting people with systems. I have not made a purchase I have regretted in years. (some crappy locos).

Greg
 
Hm ok and welcome to the forum. I note that you say expansion to a big lot with likely lots of track? What is your interest in trains?
1 do you like running trains as a just sit and watch hobby?
2 do you want to run to schedules with shunting an wagons with waybills much like many do indoors?
3 are you planning a ground level line?
4 do you want automated computer driven operation?
The answers to those could likely help make your decision because at this point I would not discount Battery Dead Rail, this will have no impact on expansion other than the cost and time to convert locomotives to battery operation. Thus I would consider a little while before jumping to either DCC or Battery.

If you do decide to go DCC you will possibly need a system that can take a booster if you intend to grow your line big.
 
Welcome to the forum.

I went down the 'dark side' after running on analogue, as I wanted sounds when locos were stationary.

I started with LGB MTS II, but this is limited to 22 loco addresses and it is 5. I still use it on my shunting layout.

I upgraded to Massoth around 8 years ago. It's a popular system used by a few of us here, but quite expensive at £1200 new. I brought mine second hand though saving a few quid. It can run a larger line at 12A, and you can get a booster to increase the current. It supports 9999 loco addresses.

The latest LGB locos use the Marklin system. I have no experience of this apart from a quick demo at an exhibition. It might be worth visiting your local dealer to find out more about this system, and visit other layouts to see MTS and Massoth....
 
Gizzy said:
Welcome to the forum.

I went down the 'dark side' after running on analogue, as I wanted sounds when locos were stationary.

I started with LGB MTS II, but this is limited to 22 loco addresses and it is 5. I still use it on my shunting layout.

I upgraded to Massoth around 8 years ago. It's a popular system used by a few of us here, but quite expensive at £1200 new. I brought mine second hand though saving a few quid. It can run a larger line at 12A, and you can get a booster to increase the current. It supports 9999 loco addresses.

The latest LGB locos use the Marklin system. I have no experience of this apart from a quick demo at an exhibition. It might be worth visiting your local dealer to find out more about this system, and visit other layouts to see MTS and Massoth....
Click to expand...
ok will do. The closest dealer for me is a few hundred miles away so it might have to be a weekend trip haha. But ill check into those systems. Thank you!
 
dunnyrail said:
Hm ok and welcome to the forum. I note that you say expansion to a big lot with likely lots of track? What is your interest in trains?
1 do you like running trains as a just sit and watch hobby?
2 do you want to run to schedules with shunting an wagons with waybills much like many do indoors?
3 are you planning a ground level line?
4 do you want automated computer driven operation?
The answers to those could likely help make your decision because at this point I would not discount Battery Dead Rail, this will have no impact on expansion other than the cost and time to convert locomotives to battery operation. Thus I would consider a little while before jumping to either DCC or Battery.

If you do decide to go DCC you will possibly need a system that can take a booster if you intend to grow your line big.
Click to expand...
1. Sit and watch would be fine but im sure my son will want to be able to take control when it suits him.
2. i would love this ability but its not a requirement.
3. yes this will run on the ground
4. no not really.

ill keep the booster in mind! thank you for your response
 
Software Tools said:
It's good to see you made it through to here from Facebook.

As a starting point just put "LGB 23851" into the search box at the top right hand corner of the screen, and you will see that there are several existing threads displayed, some of which mention DCC.
Click to expand...
thanks for sending me this way! Ill try that thank you!
 
I see that Gizzy Gizzy rightly mentions the Marklin DCC system, you should be aware that this and some other systems Zimo being one that have control via Smart Phone or Tablet via an App. Whilst this is ok, you do need to be looking at the screen to drive the trains in turns of changing speed etc. This is not for everyone myself included. I like Gizzy had a Massoth system In the garden that had Radio Handsets with a knob to control the speed and intuitive finger buttons for other functions. Something worth considering with your son being able to drive trains. Oh and yes the Emergancy stop button can be very handy as well.
 
Welcome!
I see thoughts and advice are coming thick and fast..

Be aware 'we' are more European, and LGB - centric. - It is just where most of us are.
You will see Massoth (who made DCC for LGB) and Marklin (who now own the LGB name) mentioned a lot.
But.......
Being in the US, you will find greater support for some of the other makes, I feel?

If you can find a club / society you can join, or local garden railways you can visit, there is nothing like having someone to help with your new-fangled kit!
A chance to see what others have done, and have a go with the equipment, is priceless.

Most of all, don't try to build your empire in one hit. - Unless you can afford to have hired-help do the donkey-work.

Enjoy your trains!

PhilP
 
I have NCE and Zimo... love the Zimo, has all the bells and whistles... but making the decision is about the features needed, and you really need to determine what you need.

Almost any system will work, although if you have really old LGB and need 14 speed steps, you are limited. Decoders are so cheap I would not make my decision on this point, but many people do.

Greg
 
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Greg Elmassian said:
I have NCE and Zimo... love the Zimo, has all the bells and whistles... but making the decision is about the features needed, and you really need to determine what you need.

Greg
Click to expand...
Agreed, but also consider what you may need (not now but later), an upgrade could be expensive, having bought the kit once. Try to future proof :) within your budget :(
 
Agreed, and to amplify: many people take a while to get "comfortable" with their system, and changing to a different system (because your original system is limited, ie you outgrew it) is painful.

This is why I made my initial suggestion with NO brand specified, figure out what your "end game" will be, maybe years in the future, and then you can select what will work with you on your entire "journey"....

My experience is that people who worry about the introductory cost too much make the wrong decision, and ALL systems have their "quirks" you have to learn...

Greg
 
Gizzy said:
Welcome to the forum.

I went down the 'dark side' after running on analogue, as I wanted sounds when locos were stationary.

I started with LGB MTS II, but this is limited to 22 loco addresses and it is 5. I still use it on my shunting layout.

I upgraded to Massoth around 8 years ago. It's a popular system used by a few of us here, but quite expensive at £1200 new. I brought mine second hand though saving a few quid. It can run a larger line at 12A, and you can get a booster to increase the current. It supports 9999 loco addresses.

The latest LGB locos use the Marklin system. I have no experience of this apart from a quick demo at an exhibition. It might be worth visiting your local dealer to find out more about this system, and visit other layouts to see MTS and Massoth....
Click to expand...
Just to clarify, the Marklin started producing LGB locomotives in 2007 after the original LGB company went out of business in 2006. Marklin continued to use Massoth for their electronics until 2014 when they started installing their MSD3 mfx/dcc/dc sound decoders in the LGB locomotives. So, to be clear, the MSD3 is their DCC decoder, and ANY DCC system can operate them, you don't have to use the Marklin Command Systems such as the CS3/CS3Plus. The main advantage of their CS3/CS3Plus system is that you can operate the LGB locomotives with the MSD3 sound decoder using mfx instead of DCC, if that's important to you.

You've gotten good advice from the other postings. I don't think you need the expensive Massoth 12 Amp DCC Command System or other brand DCC systems with large Amps output unless you're going to run large consists all at the same time on a huge layout. Usually a 5 - 7 Amp system will suffice. The one advice I'd provide as a DCC hobbyist over the last five years and also now an LGB Dealer and DCC installer and DCC components saler, is to get a DCC system that's wireless. There are some such as the ESU CabControl with its 7 Amps comes with a wireless throttle and command station. Others you have to buy that capability on top of the basic DCC command station and wired throttle.
 
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I went with the Zimo system as it has 2 separate outputs and can run your small scale engines on the 8 amp output set to 14 voklts or less, and then the 12 amp output set to 24 volts. That is correct, 24 volts DCC on the track. Input power is a 30 volt 20 amp no fan supply. Or tie both outputs together and get 20 amps of track power. Range of cordless handheld is well over 100 feet in my yard. Other devices can be used in place of the ZImo handhelds.
 
I would take a look at the Blunami DCC system. It uses Bluetooth signals to control a DCC throttle with sound. You can supply constant track power (12-24V) and you don't have to worry about control stations feeding DCC signals onto the track. Your cell phone becomes the transmitter/controller and lets you set all the DCC variables. My pal Tim just got one and reports it works well.

Then, when you are fed up of track cleaning, you can just add a 18V battery to the loco to feed the throttle, and throw away the track power.
 
Jeeze !!!

Good day all,
New to the group but I've scanned a few threads looking and haven't really come up with an answer. I've previously (10+ years ago) used DCC on a N scale set and would like to use it for my LGB engines/system I am currently building for my son (lets be honest its for me). One of the engines I am using is a LGB 23851 and one of the starter sets ( I don't know the date on it yet as I have not received it). What would you all suggest for control? I am not interested in converting it over to RC/batteries and this will eventually be in about an acre length lot outside so there will be need for growth and expansion. I am sure I missed some information so I apologize in advance and appreciate any and all help as I am learning as much as I can. Thank you and take care

Just stop! My DCC track power system is 100 times more reliable than your batteries and I don't do track cleaning... throw away your batteries!!!
 
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