NCE Corp. PowerCab Model railroaders face many options when choosing their first Digital Command Control (DCC) system. The NCE Corp. PowerCab has enough power for a modest-sized layout and is easy to install and operate. The PowerCab has recently been upgraded to support 29 decoder functions. Easy set up. Setting up the PowerCab was extremely […]
Modeling Topic: DCC & Wiring
Bachmann Dynamis DCC system
Dynamis Digital Command Control (DCC) system Dynamis Digital Command Control (DCC) system Features such as a wireless throttle with a large display and intuitive, easy-to-use programming menus make the Dynamis Digital Command Control (DCC) system a great choice for both novice and expert DCC users. The system is produced by Bachmann in conjunction with Electronic […]
CVP Products’ wireless DCC throttle
CVP Products’ new throttle Once you’ve run a layout with wireless throttles, it’s hard to imagine running trains any other way. One of the earliest manufacturers of wireless Digital Command Control (DCC) systems, CVP Products, has recently made some notable improvements to its already solid EasyDCC wireless throttles. Through the use of upgrade chips, which […]
Running multiple trains with a ZW
Q: I know there are four variable voltage controls on my Lionel 275-watt ZW transformer, but how many trains can I effectively run at the same time? – D. O. A: The number of trains you can run with a ZW depends on the locomotives and what they’re pulling. Large steamers and dual-motored diesels use […]
No juice
Q: I have a Lionel no. 1033, 90-watt transformer that works fine. However, after abut 10 minutes of operation, any locomotive begins to slow considerably, eventually stopping altogether. The engine is okay, and I’ve used other transformers with it. Any idea what’s wrong? – S.B. A: The symptions you described lead me to believe your […]
MRC Prodigy Wireless DCC throttle
MRC Prodigy Wireless DCC throttle A powerful full-duplex wireless throttle is now available for users of Model Rectifier Corp.’s Prodigy Digital Command Control (DCC) system. Part of MRC’s Total Control Radio System (TCRS), this wireless version of the firm’s 28-function Prodigy Advance Squared throttle works with other Prodigy components. The wireless throttle can do anything […]
One-touch Critter control system
Alan Olson Vital statistics One-Touch Critter ControlG-Scale Graphics4118 Clayton Ct.Fort Collins CO 80525Prices: Critter Control, rotary style with built-in button, $69; reed switch, $5; power switch, $5; charging jack, $5Web site: www.GScaleGraphics.net Electronic unit to manually control speed and direction of battery-powered engine; 11-page instruction manual covers basics of track-power-to-battery-power conversion, installation, and operation; basic […]
Getting power to your toy trains
Q: I live in a large space and have an 80-foot loop of Lionel O-27 track running through it. I’m having trouble getting enough power to the train. I need information on wiring methods and wire types and suggestions on how large a transformer I am going to need to get it working properly. – […]
PIKO Spielwaren Ltd wireless DCC system
PIKO Spielwaren Ltd. wireless DCC system PIKO of Germany has introduced an entry-level Digital Command Control (DCC) system that features infrared wireless operation. The Digi 1 system comes with a wireless remote, receiver base station, and two decoders. It’s intended for a model railroader who wants to operate two or three locomotives at a time. […]
How do I find a source for thin metal strip for layout wiring?
Q: I am building a layout and want to do what I’ve seen in postwar dealer displays. Specifically, I’ve seen under the layout board a thin metal strip running the entire length of the layout. To this you would solder the ground contact for every accessory, thus greatly reducing the amount of wiring required. I […]
Model Rectifier Corp. Prodigy Advance Wireless DCC system
Prodigy Advance Digital Command Control Model Rectifier Corp. is adding a wireless throttle to its line of Prodigy Advance Digital Command Control (DCC) products. Model Railroader recently had a chance to operate a pre-production sample of one of the new wireless throttles on both a Prodigy Advance and Prodigy Advance Squared DCC system. The Prodigy […]
DCC Specialties PSX circuit breaker
DCC Specialties PSX circuit breaker Though you’d probably not think of using the word “cool” to describe a circuit breaker, the term definitely applies to the new PSX series of Power Shield Digital Command Control circuit breakers from DCC Specialties. The PSX models have a wealth of new programmable features, such as occupancy detection and […]