DC, DCC and Block Detection at Chadwick Model Railway | 78.

DC or DCC. Here are the basic differences between DC, DCC and Block Detection and how you could switch from one option to another.
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[@geoffchatwin6010]

Charlie, Very well presented. I have been a DCC addict since the 1990's when it was first introduced. I have always stuck with Digitrax. Yes, DCC can be problematic at times but DC (seems to be called analogue these days) can be equally so. The undeniable fact is that DCC opens a new world of operating that brings a sense of, well to me, the satisfaction which I have never been able to achieve with DC. In other words, I would rather have fewer locos that operate well in a DCC environment than umpteen DC locos that run indifferently. As Joe Fugate from Model Railroad Hobbyist calls it "quality of run". In other words, would you prefer to have a small number of locos in a reasonably well scenic area or lots of poorly running locos in an undeveloped scenic area? Highly, recommend the McKinnley Railway video you mentioned. I saw it several weeks ago and forward to a number of modellers here in Oz and got lots of favourable comments.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Wow Mike, what a fabulous comment and put so much better than I did.

[@geoffchatwin6010]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Charlie, I am somewhat chuffed yet at the same time humbled that you have pinned my comments. Thank you.

[@rafaelvoncina6036]

That sneeze was -dare I say it- quite prototypical. Thanks for improving an already lovely day, Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks RV, you too.

[@manuelcosta3987]

Hello i am Manuel from Portugal. Congratulations on the channel. I am loving all the explinations that you are giving. Is helping me a lot. Thanks.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Manuel, I'm so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@fightersweep]

Thanks Charlie! Your video couldn't have been recommended for me at a better time (not sure why it took four years though!). I'm new to the hobby (although a modeller of 40 years, wingy things and cars etc) and have been at the junction of the DC or DCC route. I've only got a couple of locos at the moment, a Fairburn Tank and a BR Standard tank both DCC ready. I've been concentrating on building a collection of rolling stock and wagons instead, but the DC/DCC conundrum has been in the back of my mind all along before I really get started. Your video really helped as to the uninitiated, it can all seem a bit scary. By the way, the sneeze whilst listening to this with headphones on was an experience!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos, however please do watch my video number 209, it will hopefully keep you on track. Regards, Charlie.

[@coobanorth]

I am a new DCC user and love it

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Me too CN

[@modelsandtrains7915]

I must say all your videos are very educational and you couldn't of explained it any better I'm in the process of mixing dcc and dc but having one dedicated track for dc and the smaller ones with dc/dcc ready

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and good luck with your project.

[@johnyoung3675]

Hi Charlie, Love all your videos. Like you, I spent way too long at sea. 40 years in my case. Moved to Canada in the eighties from Scotland and just getting ready to build my basement OO gauge railway. Keep them coming, especially the wee laughs etc. Stay safe. John Young.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s comments such as yours John, that make it worthwhile.

[@alexsrailway5420]

i like that you left the sneeze in

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

One chap was appalled by it!

[@alexsrailway5420]

@@ChadwickModelRailway he needs to go out more.

[@TRAMJUNCTION7147HG]

I go back to the days of Hornby Dublo and Triang, yes I'm that old Charlie. (75 to be exact). The last time I had a model railway was over fifty years ago. Anyway, About two years ago, I decided to get back into the hobby again, just to create a littl bit of nostalgia from my younger days. DCC was uncharted territory for me, plus much more expensive than running Analogue dc, so I decided to stick with what I know and build a layout controlled by anlogue.I also wanted to incorporate running trams, so running with dc was the best option. All my controllers are Gaguemaster and I have two duals with brake simulation more duals brake simulation. I have built up quite a large collection of locos and rolling stock over the past two years, as well as quite a good collection of trams, which I am slowly motorising. I am happy with dc control because it is simple and easy to understand. The only gripe I have is spending some of my money on tender drive steam locos, which as far as I'm concerned, was a bad move by Hornby. I just don't think they perform as well as loco driven locos, so these are being replaced for loco driven locos. Anyway Charlie, it was an interesting topic you talked about, and I am sure that if I was modelling modern image, I might have decided to go DCC. BUt my interest in model railways, goes back to my childhood, when everthing was steam, and trams were still running in some of our cities like Liverpool, near to where I lived back then. So my humble Analogue DC layout will see me through the rest of my life, creating that bit of nostalgia of the good old days of steam, in my little 10 x 8ft shed, I call Tramway Junction. Cheers Geoff

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A very interesting and commendable comment Geoff.

[@LaytonJunction]

A very good interview really enjoyed it like this video nice one 👍😀

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks LJ

[@ianforfun1]

"That'll be the phone then!" always cracks me up! Even more, confused now with DCC and a few videos back with gauge/scale confusion in 00 so I've decided to go 0 gauge and empty my pension pot when I get to the Model Railway Show at Ally Pally next March! That's right I've not got a single piece of the track yet let alone rolling stock but am really enjoying watching your videos and getting inspiration. Thank You!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Ian and good luck with O Gauge.

[@MrRonan3]

Could have been worse. I went from N gauge to O then gauge 1 now im thinking 3” gauge sounds good. A very empty pot,

[@imautuber]

Brilliant video as always, and the sneeze was epic 🤧

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I just had to leave it in.

[@tegunn]

yes! loved the sneeze! It feels more like a real visit with all the human aspects..

[@LongStripeyScarf]

It’s a week later and guess what, I’m ill now... THANKS! XD

[@AlexisMcNamaraUK]

You need your own TV show 😂😂❤❤❤

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You might stop paying your license fee! Regards, Charlie

[@dhdove]

Informative and entertaining as always Charlie. I’m just starting in the hobby and will have a contemporary based layout based mainly on freight that I see locally in Yate and Pilning, all DCC with sound. I have found your videos of huge help as I embark on my adventure, thank you. TonyS

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile Tony.

[@mandbhomestead]

Great video on explaining the DC vs DCC info. I agree it can be cost consuming, but that is a price for technology. Thanks for sharing. Ken

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Ken

[@RWSBaden]

Hi Charlie, I had a very busy holiday season and have just now had the chance to view your video. First off I'd like to wish you and your family a Safe and Happy New Year. I got started in the hobby back in the early 1970's in the era of DC power packs and block control. In the late 1970's I switched to CTC-16 command control. If folks today think DCC is a tough pill to swallow, they should have tried CTC-16 where you had to cut traces on the locomotive receiver (note: they were not called decoders back then) to program the receiver number. There was no such thing as plug and play, everything had to be insulated and hard wired to install a CTC-16 receiver. Plus you only had 16 channels to choose from, after the 16th locomotive you had to purchase "MU Receivers" and physically hard wire the MU receiver in the second locomotive to a master receiver in the lead locomotive. Talk about the days of DOS and Dinosaurs. Moving on, I made the DCC plunge in 1999 purchasing a Digitrax Empire Builder DCC system and have not looked back. That early Digitrax system used the now out of production DT100 throttles which required you to program decoders using the Hexadecimal number system, which many folks got hung up on. It never bother me as I took a course in Hex in school as part of a programming class, so for me they were just different numbers and Digitrax provided a conversion chart in the back of the manuals. Anyway I've since upgraded my throttles to the new DT500 throttle (night and day compared to the DT100, I simply love the DT500 throttle) and I've also purchased the UT4 throttle. I enjoy the large knob and small size of the UT4 for running trains (if you do purchase the UT4 throttle, read up on the part about dispatching locomotives) but for all other tasks I use the DT500. I agree anyone interested in DCC should shop around and not just purchase a Digitrax system because I think it's the best system available, many of my friends use NCE and MRC Prodigy / Gaugemaster Prodigy advanced systems and thoroughly enjoy those systems. In closing, this was another informative video, thank you. I also enjoyed your interview on New Junctions KZbin channel. Cheers, Rich S.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Wow Rich, what an excellent comment. As I recall there was also a Zero One, in the mix somewhere. I’m still using the DT400, is there much difference to pay the extra?

[@RWSBaden]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Unfortunately I've never own the DT400, I upgraded from the DT100 directly to the DT500. My understanding is the DT400 supports Simplex radio operations and the DT500 does not, beyond that I'm not sure what other differences there are between the two throttles. Cheers, Rich S.

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

A great video dealing with a complex issue. Rather than getting tongue-tied with "dc/dcc," just call dcc "digital." In the most basic sense, we are still talking analog systems versus digital, even if we have digital controllers for analog layouts.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting contradiction AD.

[@jontaylor1652]

Nice one Charlie, thanks.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Jon.

[@davidccostin]

Hope the colds better and the Mrs got home safe. Enjoyed the interview with Richard. I am embarking block detection with Digikeijs at the moment but is time consuming...Happy new year

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it David.

[@jimsmoter4510]

Bless you. I seen that interview and I really enjoyed it..

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Jim

[@daves7764]

Another great video Charlie, i watched the interview previously to this one .I would add to your comments about a successful channel , people buy people so to speak not only do i follow your channel because of the informative content of it but most of all its YOU Charlie your such a great character and a genuine person., keep the videos coming and a Happy new year too you.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks David, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.

[@pohl54]

I don't know how you kept a straight face and carried on after the sneeze, I would have cracked, up well done. As per usual very informative and interesting. I picked up a few ideas. Thanks Charlie

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@johnp.dulong948]

Charlie, I truly enjoy your videos and thank you for introducing me to British model railroading. Since subscribing to your channel, I have started watching and subscribing to several other British model railroaders. I am extremely impressed with how much passenger service you fellows can squeeze into limited space. Double track in American layouts is not uncommon, but quod mainline track, wow. I have a lot of questions I would like to ask, but will limit myself to what is the typical length of your passenger cars and what is a minimal radius you use for them? My passenger cars are 80 feet HO and although they will work fine on a minimum radius of 28 inches, I prefer 32 inches, and it usually recommended in the states to do 36 inches. Lastly, you could do a whole show on translating railroad terms for us colonials. For example, I have learned you have sleepers, not ties, and guard vans, not cabooses. But there are many other terms you and others on your side of the pond use that mystify me and other Americans.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi John, I’m so pleased that you enjoy my channel. Our trains can go to a maximum of 13 coaches. That’s what stations were designed to take in the 1960’s. Your right 36inch radius curves are ideal. Regards Charlie

[@ratman0100]

Just now watching Charlie. Bless you mate. Now on with the show haha

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Shame. 🤧

[@SeatedViper]

Happy New Year, Charlie. Another great and informative video! I have only a small layout, L shape and 9 ft x 6 ft, end to end with one loco in steam. I bought most of my locos "used" from a local shop in Southampton - DC machines traded in by folk with bigger layouts and going to DCC. It's adequate for me. On another tack, keep taking the tablets!!!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We all make good choices Peter, for various reasons.

[@bionicgeekgrrl]

Block detection can make a big difference to how well a layout works. Being more prototypical should not be seen as something bad though, but equally it is down to personal choice much like say gauge is.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I totally agree. Each to their own.

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

Hi Charlie. Building my 6th layout in loft. Staying DC with bus-bars and droppers. Using telecom relay components. I don't wish sound nor cab lights etc. Happy New Year All. Regards Alan in Dover

[@martinbaldwin5408]

Hi Alan, im about to start my first layout, going with DC as I have inherited some dc locos, not really technically or electrically minded, being as your experienced would you mind being available for the odd question? Regards Martin

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

@@martinbaldwin5408 Hi Martin. Yes. I am putting together my own mod-rail website. but for now my email address is = [e-mail] . regards Alan...

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

@@martinbaldwin5408 Also for DC layout control see Barrie Davis. He has some good insight into DC running. Regards Alan

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

And the same to you Alan

[@jvanamb]

Charlie; You are sooooo right. DC & DCC afe nothing to sneeze at. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ~Jim

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Jim.🤧🤧🤧

[@mikecase2604]

Hi Charlie...Another informative and entertaining video..my DCC layout is as simple as it gets one obsolete Lenz compact controller, all my locos have budget level decoders only my S15 has a Hornby TT sound decoder which has never given any trouble (touch wood) so it needn't be mega expensive. Keep up the good work Charlie Rgds Mike

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Mike, and thanks for your input.

[@stuartgoble]

Hi Charlie, Happy New Year and yes I did catch the session at Warley with Richard, made me chuckle... Hope the cold gets sorted soon. Have been DCC from the get-go on the new layout, with Digikeijs and iTrain having done a huge amount of research on automation software, including Train controller, which I understand you can't get in the UK now anyway. In terms of DCC ready locos, I've also had a wild ride in terms of converting older N Gauge stock including some purchases on the dreaded eBay. Some have been a total bargain, others have been a mistake and caused more pain and anguish that they were worth. I also started with a less sophisticated DCC system (Gaugemaster) but now have gone down the Digikeijs route, after a lot of soul searching and research on Digitrax, Z21, Diamo and so on... The only thing I would say is it's starting to become a distraction to the real reason I like railway modelling, scenery work and building the layout. But having said that, when it's all said and done, the automation does allow a level running complexity that I could never have achieved with a DC layout or even a basic DCC solution.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Stuart, I totally understand .... but ... automation can become very addictive!

[@stevewebb1606]

Hi Charlie. Another good video. Have you looked at Digikeijs DCC system. Fully compatible with Digitracks but a lot cheaper. The guy to talk to is James at DCC train automation.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the tip Steve

[@TheDCCGuy]

Charlie, my next DCC Corner column in Model Railroader magazine (actually it will be published May 2020) will be on DCC detection but I won’t be doing a copycat of your video content but likely will do a video on my DCC Guy KZbin channel. Drop by and take a look if you get a chance. I do a mix of DCC and general model railroading content. I mainly model the Southern Railway (US version) but also have a growing collection of GWR steam locos and rolling stock and will be building a small BLT shunting layout as well to fit in the aisle way. Keep up the great work-Larry Puckett aka The DCC Guy

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Larry. Any shout out in the US, would be much appreciated.

[@markonmotoring]

Very informative video. Pretty much confirmed my thoughts for my own revised layout. I only have about a dozen loco's but all DC and I'm not really that competent with electrics. More interested in the scenery aspect of model railways. My space is approx 15X10 ft loop but nothing fancy. Just need it to be reliable on a budget.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A very good point Mark, model for your own enjoyment.

[@gbjanuary]

Thanks was looking for this. I have found from pricing DCC much more expensive I think.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

But perhaps it’s the price of progress.

[@patmccarthy1624]

Bless you!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Pat.

[@EsotericArctos]

I love how genuine you are. How hard is it, other than time, to convert an older DC (analogue) Loco to DCC (Digital)? I am pretty new to this, but what I can see is the 15V digital signal from DCC is converted to a DC voltage by the DCC Decoder, which would then drive the DC motor on a Loco. Is this pretty well how it works? Any advice appreciated as DC loco's can be had really cheap compared to DCC ready ones.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It is possible to convert them Brendan. However, only attempt it on locos really are excellent runners. There are numerous videos on KZbin explaining how to do this. Good luck regards Charlie

[@EsotericArctos]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks Charlie. I am looking forward to moving into this. I haven't run model trains since a basic Hornby set when I was 8 ... Quite a long time ago now

[@7APT7]

Hi Charlie, nicely put over, and very informative, for the model clubs in my area, I think the older generation maybe be less likely to convert due to the amount of DC Analogue stock they have accumulated over the years and therefore can be quite costly to convert them over to DCC, saying that as all new locos are DCC Ready and as they buy the latest locos to replace there tiring fleet, some are slowly moving over. On the hand, I have four fingers and a thumb... eh, Doh! The younger ones seem to have it pre-programmed in them, as it’s all they have ever known, is DCC Digital as oppose to DC Analogue. They have never seen the Era of a cheap loco under £125 with DCC Sound and if they do, then that’s a real bargain to them. I see the younger generation moan more about how expensive the hobby can be, for them, you can see why Hornby is a great item to start with as it looks just the same on the outside for half the money... Bonus, I hear them say! The older generation tend to sit back and just talk of the days when you could buy Fish n Chips (No pun intended) for under £1 and still have enough to buy milk for there cup of tea when they get home later haha lol. Love to watch your Charlie, and yes, your interview with Richard @NewJunction was great to watch. May be one day I to will get to meet you, I guess that’s just a matter of time. Great blog, keep up the good work you do and I look forward to your next blog. 👍 Thumbs Up 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Jamie, you have raises some interesting points. I’m sure that we’ll meet at a Model Railway show somewhere. Good luck in 2020

[@nesr8786]

Hi Charlie ,Bless you,i previously watched your interview and thought it was great i also said to Richard what a great Clickbait method ,"an interview with a legend" lol. loved every subject on the interview and as if by magic your good laty gives you a chance to practice your afore mentioned signature prompt"that will be the phone then",im into Dcc with Automation i have a Dynamis with pro box ,as a backup but use Arduino /raspberry pi and JMRI. i like how JMRI has a built in database and plans out running sessions,i do have block detection and signals ,turntable, all controlled by Arduino via JMRI. Yes its more time consuming on the initial setup but when its running its satisfying.keep up the good work ,we do appreciate your valued time, Take care for noo, Mac

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Mac, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile. Great hoodie though!

[@nesr8786]

No Problem Charlie ,but i agree to all your points about youtube videos,more people need to learn from your good advice.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You're making me blush!

[@woodsettscentral1196]

Quote: 11:52 - "To take things further you begin to invest in money!" - Too true!! Barry

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I thought that I’d leave it in!

[@rmlectronicsuk2410]

Happy New Year Charlie. I’m afraid to say that I will be watching fewer videos this year - because I can’t get on with my layout for watching the videos!! As described before I’m not a videographer, although I’ll have a bash at it (remember me buying a £50 JVC Everio?), and will se how it goes during the build. Baseboards have been made up for a while now and they’re “shouting at me” to get cracking. However, I still enjoy your presentations and will, eventually, catch up again! Chat later. All the best. As ever, Bob

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Keep at it Bob and stay away from KZbin! 😜

[@SteveS3667]

Very entertaining and very interesting video this Charlie, answers a lot of questions, I'm just getting into DCC and glad I did ;)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Steve

[@wheezypalacemodels7726]

Great video as always Charlie, Happy new year...Chris

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Chris.

[@trainmanbob]

Excellent video Charlie. One point I would like to make which I think is important is the type of layout you run. I have an exhibition layout based on Armathwaite on the Selle / Carlisle route which for the moment due to ill health stays at home. The layout is basically an up and down mainline with a tiny goods yard and a layby siding, and tha's it aprt from a 30 road fiddle yard,. I can see no logical reason why I would ever want to install DCC as by the time I had programmed a train to run, I could haVve4 already run 1 train and be onto the next. I agree it is personal choice, but with over 80 locos I simply couldn't afford to set it up anyway...at 68 and on a pension, no chance!! Happy New Year to you and yours Charlie. Cheers Bob

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A very interesting comment but I have to ask, how often do you run those 80 locos? I’m nearly as guilty as you I suspect!

[@trainmanbob]

@@ChadwickModelRailway During running sessions the layout is set up to run up to 60 trains. A few locos are totally out of period (1955 to 1965) and they are what I call >my pleasure< locos. These are items I just like to see and run because I like them. Some are run as revival specials as they are too old, and a few are too modern (it's my train set, I'll run what I like). When I run on my own I would probably only set up a few as I tend to run a few round while I am doing repairs or working on the layout. Bob

[@earlfreeman93]

Charlie who set the standards for 00 model railways (what organization) here in America it the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) and in Europe it is MOROP. Maybe you could do a KZbin video on this subject. Also how far apart are british sleepers from centre to centre on the real railway. Thank you Earl

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

As I understand it Earl, Here in the UK we also use the NMRA Standard too.

[@brianburns7211]

One advantage of DCC is the ability to tailor speed tables. As I may have mentioned, my modeling interest is North American. Here the railways tend to run longer trains, and run multiple locomotives. With DC, one had to be careful to mainly run similar units together. Different brands had differing gear ratios and motors. Dissimilar gearing running together tended to wear the locomotives out. Now anything can be programmed to be compatible with anything else, by using DCC. I also like the fact that DCC can work well with a computer for signal logic. I may have a go with signaling. This will require more research as to my best option. Once again this was a very informative episode. Thanks again Charley.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Brian.

[@tomlawton7087]

Brian, when you set up a consist, how close do you get the running speeds? So running the two locos about a foot apart on the same track, how long do they need to remain a foot apart? And do you have a reference loco that you make all others match, over a number of speeds? Or just one match for a best nominal speed for that consist? Thanks, Tom

[@brianburns7211]

Tom Lawton This is a complicated topic. First some guys have programs like JMRI to set speed tables. You can do this on your programming track. That’s how I do it. I model N scale, with the primary focus of 1970s Boston and Maine. In that era they tended to run 3 unit sets of GP40-2. I just put a decoder in my third. It was much slower that my previous two. All are the same Atlas model. One could try a thorough lubrication and run in. Some have put Pearl Drops smokers toothpaste in the gears. The abrasive nature of the toothpaste will wear in the gears. After this process, it is imperative to clean out the toothpaste, then give it a good lube. I need to do this to the one which is slowest. On the same topic, it might be wise to use a meter to see if the motor is drawing excessive current. This may be a result of binding gears or drive shaft universal joints. Very excessive draw could result in burnt out decoders and motors. After doing the above to a slower running out of the box model, then I’ll use the slow poke as my standard. I try to match the others to the slowest runner of the bunch. It’s all trial and error. My technique is to just get them as close as possible. Sometimes it is impossible to get them exactly matched. Just remember that there are several CV adjustments, high medium, and low speed. Also the starting voltage can be adjusted, as well as the kick. This is a pulse which helps overcome the starting friction in the gear train. Some posters on forums and videos like this say “I use this speed table for all my xx brand class yy models. As I’ve made mention, no two are the same. Even on the prototype, 66 001 might run slightly different than 66 002, even though they came off the EMD assembly line consecutively, and likely used the same batches of parts. The same goes with any human manufactured device. We aren’t perfect, and neither is what we make. At the end of the day, you’ll just have to try and break them all in, then do your best to match them.

[@Synthematix]

Dont think there's any need whatsoever to use standard DC power now charlie, im running the digikeijs system and i tell you its the most reliable and easy to setup system ive ever come across, as im using N gauge 16 blocks is more than enough for my needs as the layout is 5ft3 x 2ft6, although it needs to be renamed to something else because DCC is indeed bipolar DC

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, only those with large DC layouts who can’t afford to change their loco collection are the last of the DC modellers.

[@onnomulder9775]

Was a nice interview with Richard!!! Cheers Onno.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Onno.

[@richardbaker1032]

Happy new year Charlie , very good video as always! & I must get on with my layout & not watch so many videos on KZbin like another commented!👍👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

We all need to get in with some serious modelling.

[@SammoKarm]

Hi Mate, not everyone dumps there old loco's. I have several old Bachmann split frame loco's and I have converted them to DCC, admittedly, its not easy, but is possible.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

My first wasn’t good!

[@ModelRailroadTechniques]

Great video Charlie, TrainController is s wonderful price of software. I have been working with it for a few years now. I love the functionality. I run trains fully automatically, fully manually and semi automatically with various levels of automation.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I love it too MRT

[@Parax77]

Shuttles do not need block detection if you can stop the train Automatically using a track braking signal like ABC at each end of the run.. You don't need a computer if you have an Ecos.. Whilst it appears to be an expensive controller it is much cheaper than a controller and a computer.. Eocs can show block detection on its touch screen and can be programmed with switchable automation, for points lights etc, the only thing ECOS can't do automatically is drive the trains.. unless you are really clever! there is a method to be able to drive the trains automatically using an ABC implementation to stop or slow at signals (there really is more too ABC than just some diodes to get this working properly!)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A very useful comment and is much appreciated. Do you use it?

[@thegrowler-blackwoodngauge]

Charlie you should be on the stage! Absolute brilliant video on the pros and cons of DC v DDC. I did catch your interview on New Junction and it was good to find out a bit more about you yourself. Really think you should be a presenter on GMRC - ratings would rocket. All the best for the New Year. Cheers Euan

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Euan, you’re making me blush.

[@patrickcawood279]

bless you

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Pat.

[@StephenDWJ]

Hi Charlie, thank you for another informative video. DCC is more expensive than DC (except you don't need the isolating switches and all the extra wiring), but so much more versatile, and with the "DCC++" (Arduino + Motor shield) based system and JMRI, it doesn't have to be that much more expensive. A command station and power supply (2 Amp) for about £30 or £40 and a Raspberry Pi 3B+ and power supply for about the same amount (if you haven't already got a computer or want a dedicated one for your layout) is all you need for a small layout. I have been very pleased with the results so far!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A very interesting comment Stephen.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Afternoon Charlie and a happy new year 🥳 Bless you with your sneeze 🤧 Great interview with new junction 👍🏻 I’m on DCC and found it took over my obsession with train sound and control 🙄 My block detection is a simply one as I used DCC concepts current detection in the block with resistor on each wheel so it lights small LEDs on my mimic board like in a signal box 😊 Will get back working on my layout one day and might even post it on KZbin lol 😆 Love your channel Charlie as you give a real honest opinion on the model railway world and hopefully encourage model railway fans to make fantastic layouts with your help 😀 Looking forward to seeing more Chadwick videos in 2020. Also great work on McKniley You’ve made a real professional take on it!! Cheers Stevie 😎

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Stevie, it’s comments such as yours that make it worthwhile.

[@dkaustin98]

I wanted to ask you for your opinion on the PECO ST-244 and ST-245 Turnouts. I prefer using Electrofrog turnouts, but I can't seem to find those in a similar configuration in Electrofrog. Since I am modeling in O-16.5 narrow gauge I think the two ST turnouts could save me some space. Have you ever used those?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Second thoughts, I do know those turnouts and for OO they are dreadful. They are far too tight for bigger locos/trains to cope with. They are very much “Train Set” items, sorry!

[@greghale9972]

Hi Charlie, Happy New Year. I can`t recall if I made a comment on this subject before, so I will try to keep this short. I have a moderate size layout which until just recently operated on DC. After procrastinating for sometime and as I approach my 82nd birthday I decided to take the plunge into DCC, which is the best decision I have ever made. I found this video very interesting and for anyone about to build a new layout they could do very well to follow what you are doing with your layout. I don`t think I will go down the "Block Detection" route as I get enough satisfaction with a basic DCC layout. With a little concentration I can run three trains at once and not have any mishaps. Thanks for all your great videos over the last 12 months and I shall look forward to 2020 with much anticipation to see what you have in store for us this year Cheers Greg PS: I can hardly wait to see trains running on your layout.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Greg, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and I do hope that I can keep you entertained in 2020

[@terryrobinson7371]

Hi Charlie Agree with all your comments re DC v DCC A great instructional video as always. You briefly mentioned in passing JMRI Over the ten years or so I have used Gaugemaster Prodigy which was fine and intuitive in program mode. I decided to change to NCE for a number of reasons and find programming not as easy and have decided to use JMRI and a Sprog 3 Any chance of a introduction guide on JMRI ? Just a thought Terry

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sorry Terry but I’m really not qualified to have an option on JMRI.

[@CAPNMAC82]

You are on to something, for sure. Earlier this week I saw a YT vid on a layout modeled on the BNSF (about 2000' of N scale track) and they were using tortoise motors for the turnouts, and DCC, with Digitracks. Which was going to let them circulate 4 heavy freights, and an Amtrak commuter train through the layout, with a enough room left over for up to 4 more people just shifting stock aound various classification & industry yards.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sounds like a great investment.

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

Bless you 😂 I did like this discussion the debate on dc vs dcc will probably go on till the end of time and of course budget , but very well put till your wife rudely interrupted lol only joking, it was great to meet you at warley as well as Richard (new junction)and others hope to bump into you again in the not too distant future

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.... until next time.

[@neilrogers1571]

Charlie have you heard of LCC? the specification of DCC is held by the NMRA about 2016 they launched a new system specification LCC that runs alongside DCC to free up the digital traffic so you basically run two buses. One for DCC and all your engines only and the second one LCC for all the other elements such as block detection, switch motor control and signaling to name a few there are suppliers in the UK like Coastal DCC who stock the necessary equipment from company's like RR-crickets and I have heard rumors that a British based manufacture is developing their own. The beauty of this system is that it is not manufacture specific any equipment you use made by any manufacture will work together as every bit or node has a unique identification to itself therefore it is plug and play. If you go to the NMRA web site you will be able to find more information about it, I also know that their are some people in the NMRA British Region who are using it now. Neil

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Wow Neil, that’s news to my ears. I’m on the case!

[@markstafford5586]

Hi Charlie, up front I’m a dcc man through and through but I think it may be helpful to add a little to your information regarding DC operation. If we’re are fully accurate DC equipment only EVER runs at 12V when operators have their trains going absolutely flat out. The rest of the time (maybe read most of the time) DC locos are being propelled around on voltages that are much much less than your12V supply. Maybe 1 to 2v at times. This means that on DC layouts voltage losses are much more important than on DCC layout of the same size. So adding lots of track feeders is way more important on DC systems than it ever is on DCC layouts due to the lower voltages that are applied to the rails. I am not trying to imply that multi droppers are not require for dcc rather they are a must have on DC systems. That higher wetting voltage off your typical 13v (all the time) with DCC does a much better job of getting power past track to wheels to pickups to motor than your typical attempt at slow speed starts on DC only layouts. This is why Dc run trains tend to stall, stall, then stall some more then all of a sudden take off like a startled hare with a fox after it. For these reasons in my humble view DCC is way way better for operating ANY. model railways at anything like reasonably prototypical speeds. If your happy with shall I say poor speed control then DC my be ok for some. Besides it’s cheaper! Rubbish control though! Mark Stafford Blind old guy from Australia

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Blind or not, you can see somethings perfectly Mark.

[@ausfoodgarden]

I run a little 8ftx4ft layout wired so it can be used with DCC or DC. I only have the Hornby eLink controller for DCC connected to a 10yo laptop but it seems to work ok on my little layout. I do it this way because I have a LOT of older locos and I'm slowly converting those I can to DCC. A very instructive video from you as usual and I love your 'warts and all" approach.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Gerry, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@michaeldavies9600]

Hi Charlie i am a fan of your work and videos,i am in my second year after a 40 yr break from this great interest of ours.On my return i was shocked at the cost of DCC thats why i went DC.I am also a fan of Budget Model Railways and Barrie Davis,they run DC,and like me they enjoy it,Im not going to lie to you,but until i found those two channels,i had second thoughts of coming back to model railways becuase of the cost.Cheers regards Michael.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Michael, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Charlie, I wonder what happened to a Tri-ang o-6-o Jinty at the price of 62/- shillings each. If the costs keep going up we'll all be back to running Clockwork locomotives. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you agree Chris, it’s shocking!

[@bobwestwood7824]

Thank you Charlie you have given me a lot to think about. I have some Fleischmann HO scale Era II and III locos and rolling stock, been out of the hobby for years and looking at yours and others youtube channels, now I am retired I need to have an enjoyable hobby. I have looked at the possible rooms/garage use and am starting to think track plans. Would love to go DCC but wonder if I am to older dog trying to learn new tricks. You are an inspiration you explain thinks so every clearly, I just need to do some hard thinking.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Bob.

[@davidwatts1871]

What about the new HM6000 system announced by Hornby? It looks good to me, as a collector I've got over 200 locos going back to the 70s. It'll give me sound, remote control, don't need to spend a fortune on chips. Can't see a downside yet.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting point David. If you invest in one, do keep us posted.

[@HungryGuyStories]

I use the NCE DCC system. It's an American product, so you'll have to order it by mail from Amazon.us or some other American seller, and use a power converter, and it's not cheap, but it's worth it because it's a brilliant system! Worlds better than anything you can get from Hornby or Gaugemaster!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m a Digitrax guy myself but the cheaper options are great for those just starting out.

[@stillfreefilms]

For me having a small collection on older engines staying with DC is just easier. One thing though if you are choosing to stay with DC invest with a decent controller makes it so much better.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sound advice mate, thank you

[@mickeybarrass3625]

I'm sorry if this is not an appropriate place to say this here but I'm not a modeller but love watching you guys videos. I haven't the patience or skills to even begin one. Even so it's great to see these videos. The sneeze was funny and I thought Hornby were ringing to tell you they had the best sound chips. I look forward to more. Thanks for sharing Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Mickey, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it

[@steunsworth8051]

So is it DC or DCC? I'm currently on DC but may well get a DCC eventually but like you say the cost of converting everything and rewiring isn't effective for me at the moment. Well done on not getting mixed up!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks SU, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@stefanwosinsky1935]

I've only recently subscribed, but the way you tell things are very interesting to me. thanks for this explanation, and thanks for not editing out that sneeze :D it adds a bit of comedy to the education

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting Stefan.

[@riccardodistefano7045]

My local club has a fantastic box that lets each of the 3 lines be either DC or DCC. My home layout doesnt have much point work so I also built a box that switches between the 2 of them.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting option Ricardo, although I’ve never wanted to go back to DC. I feel that DCC is where my future lies

[@lgrfbs]

Just thinking about a little bit that was missed in the video: Rocrail is a train layout control program that is free basically and is worth checking out. If you want to drive with your mobile phone, you have to unlock the program for that service at a cost of 2 burgers per year. Since you have chosen Digitrax, you have LocoNet as a control bus, then everything from other companies that build accessories that are LocoNet connected as (some of my favorites): www.mollehem.se/ www.digikeijs.com/en/ www.teamdigital1.com/ will fit on your LocoNet system and maybe even more save some money. Thanks for a very nice video and good luck keeping order on DC and DCC.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great reply and thanks for the links.

[@geoffreyfuller2240]

BLESS YOU

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Geoff.

[@NBAdagio]

I'm no Luddite and it's everyone to his own. But with something like 70 or so locomotives and several DC controllers I shall not go for DCC. When it goes to sound though, has anybody ever considered scale sound? Why go for sound that is nearly akin to standing at the platform end while a Royal Scot or Merchant Navy pulls out - with the latter frequently wheel-slipping too? That might of course be nostalgic for some, but realism at the other end of the scale might not be audible. Personally I'd prefer to invest in another locomotive than electronic wizardry that I do not need or want. And for the record, I am a lifelong engineer, having served in a very noisy environment for long periods with electronically controlled steam turbines generating electricity for public consumption.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great point NBA. That’s the beauty of our hobby, there is something for everyone.

[@frankdutton2095]

Hello Charlie, Hope that sneeze is not the start of ‘man flu’. Personally I run my layout using a free system called DCC++ and three Arduino boards. One in the hand controller, another in the unit that generates all the DCC signals for the track which controls all the locomotives, points, signals, and lights and the third that controls the movement of my eight lane vertical fiddle yard. It is possible to have a DCC-sound-with background automated running using block detection, for well under £75 plus the cost of chipping the locomotives. I agree that the cost of sound chips are eye-watering. All the best for the new year.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Very informative Frank, many thanks.

[@newwesterngrove]

I want to swap to dcc, but I have too many older style locos, I have 10 locos, only three are DCC ready

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Perhaps you could have two separate circuits?

[@pim1234]

Do you hear anything about the Bachmann E-Z Command Digital Control Centre ? Is it any good ?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s not a system that I know anything about but there are reviews on KZbin.

[@OPHYCLIDE]

Excellent as ever. I've watched your videos on block detection several times and also the various videos where you let us see the "spiders web" of wiring underneath that support the block detection. I suppose that's actually a bit unkind as your cable managment is very neat and tidy. This is a topic that interests me quite a lot in that I would quite like to emulate something like the little programme of 4 trains that you put together in that video myself. I would be interested to know what advice you would give to someone who would like to initially start with a DCC layout and develop it into an something similar to your previous layout in that operation could be entirely automated or manually operated as the mood allows. Is it as straight forward as working out where each of your blocks are going to be sited and fitting insulated fishplates in the appropriate places or are there more comprehensive preparations that need to be considered during construction to future proof the layout for automation at a later date? I appreciate the short answer will no doubt be "if you want nice things you need to be prepared to put your hand in your pocket" but rome wasn't built in a day!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Please check out Rudysmodelrailway. His early videos will give you great insight into automation. He helped me enormously.

[@OPHYCLIDE]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thankyou for pointing me in the right direction. Cheers!

[@stef6567]

Hi Charlie, very interesting video. It comes at an opportune moment as, for a small fortune, I've just ordered an ESU Ecos control unit to plunge into DCC for the first time. My older non-DCC compatible locos have mostly been replaced by newer models already and the quality of DCC sound has reached the point where I'm happy to get on board. For a while though, the layout will have to be dual DC/DCC as it will take a few years to sound chip everything with the best decoders and some incompatible locos will still remain - this is a dilemma that many must contemplate. My (unique?) plan for dual wiring is to wire the new DCC Ecos directly to the outputs of the DC Gaugemaster controller (obviously only ONE control unit will ever be ON at any time) rather than re-wire my whole layout to both units, which would take ages. As my layout only has isolating breaks to account for electrical flow through points and has no isolated sections this would seem to be okay.. or would it? I have not viewed/read about anyone having such a set up, so opinion would be extremely welcome!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi SNG, I can see no reason why your plan shouldn’t work. Financially, just convert your favourites first and see how it goes. Great ambition though and I wish you luck.

[@stef6567]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks!

[@MrSteen12]

Hello Charlie. I want to thank you for the videos. I find them both inspirationel and educationel, they are very professionel produced. Both ligtning, sound and of corse good camera settings. This particularly video has help me to decide what to choose. I have manny years ago had Feischmann (DC) and was quiet happy with that. Now I want to start up again (I have retired and have more time) and have to decide what I will go for. I have joined a model trian club to get advise and to learn. Mostede of the members drive DCC and they surgest that I do to. I , as a pensionist, don't have very much money, so I'll go for - the old-fashioned - DC. I don't have much space six by ten feet and I don't want a lot locomotives. Furthermore I have two running loco's from back then. I do realize that there are a lot of funktions that I don't get, especialy it would be nice with the sound, but I guess, I just have to do without that ;-). An other question: How do I find a list over you videoes? I would like to watch all of them and return to the one, I want to wach, when I need it. I'm danish and that's why my english isn't perfect ;-). Yours Steen

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Steen, welcome back to our glorious hobby. If you click the Chadwick name you should go to my home page.

[@MrSteen12]

@@ChadwickModelRailway That worked. Now I can find, which one I like to watch.

[@nigeljohnson8022]

No problem. What's the next exhibition you are going to? If I am there I will say hi.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thornbury in May is the next big one.

[@paulnorval9646]

Hi Charlie, another thought provoking discussion. I opted to go DCC simply as I like being able to drive the loco rather than driving the track.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Here, here.

[@nigeljohnson8022]

Happy New Year Charlie, good video and sound advice as usual.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Nige, it’s good to have you onboard.

[@rainsburysb]

Hi Charlie, have you don't anything on converting a DC loco to DCC using a chip with wires on? I am looking at retrofitting my 009 system, which is going to be tight for space, and want to find out as much as I can before committing :-)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I wired a Western but the performance wasn’t that good. I would consider downsizing loco numbers for DCC replacements.

[@rainsburysb]

@@ChadwickModelRailway That is more of an issue in 009, very few locos come with the option, probably due to low sales numbers by comparison to 00 and the very limited space inside the body :-)

[@TATICMOOR]

Happy New Year Charlie and God bless you too. As for the systems losing there addresses would that be called DCCD as in Digital Command Control Dementia? Maybe it would fall under having pre-installed MBDD (Memory Block Detection Dementia... LOL). At least with DC it is the owner's fault if he can't remember his or her (to be PC Politically Correct) address, especially after an evening out on the sauce e.g. New Years Eve... LOL. Okay, enough of the abbreviations and thanks once again for the intuitive video's on the subject of Railway Control operations and options to work/drive locomotives with. So cheers Charlie for all the info I've learnt from last year while watching your channel and all the laughs from your Bloopers etc within them. In fact Charlie you could make up a great yearly Blooper Reel of yourself, but remember to put your phone on Flight Mode while filming it... Ho, Ho, Ho, (a bit of festive laughing... LOL).

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

At least it made you smile John.

[@TATICMOOR]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Yes it did, as with the rest of your other video clangers. The films are well made Charlie for giving sound information on the subjects you are presenting. The best or optional ways to do things and the products to use etc. Your hands on approach is great, how you explain things (even if one gets tongue tied, LOL) and your witty comments do have me in kinks laughing.

[@PaulAFulcher]

Might i offer this... analog...DCC...DCC sound,you won't trip over your tung ! then...thank you for this video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Paul.

[@andrewtucker3070]

Another good video Charlie. You mentioned buying Traincontroller for computer control. Viewers might be interested to know that it is no longer possible for modellers in the UK to buy it or upgrade to newer versions. This is due to Brexit or more accurately the owner's reaction to Brexit. He has done the same thing with the US and now refuses to licence customers in states that voted for Trump. I am a Traincontroller owner and it is a good product but not I think worth the premium over JMRI.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting point Andrew. I’ll speak with James of DCC Automation.

[@donsharpe5786]

You have convinced me to stay with DC Charlie. You mention sound. Sound seems to be good for diesels but is still disappointing with steam locomotives and is unrealistic. Happy New Year.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Don. 🚂🚂🚂

[@Celtic2Realms]

I saw a modeller with steam locos and he made his own sound by going to a preserved railway and recorded the sound of the real trains and the wagons buffing off each other. Of course if like myself you don't live near a preserved steam railway that's another thing.

[@robertstrainset6556]

Hi Charlie, If you can get tongue tide saying DC,DCC etc what hope the rest of us however a very good explanation of it and I hope that some of your viewers will dip there toes in the water to try it. I have seen your interview with Richard and liked the way he renamed you as Charlie Chadwick do you think it might stick!!!. I run my dcc sound layout with Hornbys Railmaster and eLink and you are right about the auto part it does use time in fractions of a second to run them but there is also a record part of it that lets you run the sequence you want and then makes a program for you to run it again, although it does work because of the less than accurate running and stopping of the engines it can all sometimes get out of hand but when I did my first two videos I used it to control the trains as with no editing capability I had to shoot the whole 15 min sequence in one go. As my layout is on the dinning room table it would not be possible to do all the stuff you need to do proper control so the Railmaster is the best I can have. I will take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year and look forward to following your adventures in 2020. Cheers Robert.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Robert and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.

[@vincentweatherly9991]

Already watched the interview. Fitting jumper

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A great purchase but most wouldn’t see the irony.

[@Sandlingjunction]

DC DCC, Block detection, a sneeze, and telephone call wow chum you threw it all in at the end of the decade.... totally enjoyed that all the very best my friend from Paul at Sandling Junction

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Paul and good luck with yours in 2020.

[@silkytrack8091]

Happy new year to you too Charlie. All the best for 2020.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks SJ, and the same to you.

[@jasonpenwell2207]

Charlie you are a legend!!!The sneezing was hilarious 🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧😷😷

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it JP.

[@sosig1341]

Can #20 kadee couplers go round radius 2 curves

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That depends on which wagons. Buffer lock is the issue.

[@sosig1341]

I was thinking of hornby mk 1 or 2 coaches

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sorry but I have none.

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Another interesting video, Charlie. I remember the first time I saw what later became called DCC (I think it was just called digital back then - was DCC an American term that came over here?) was at an exhibition at Westminster Hall, and Fleischmann were demonstrating this new wondrous digital thing, principally by driving two small engines onto a turntable and then having them both leave the turntable at the same time in opposite directions. However complex your analogue control system might have been, there was no way you could ever do that without digital. But our layout was just too big and too complex to consider changing: it was about 2/3 the size of McKinley, and used an an advanced sort of cab control which drew on the sort of technology you used to find in stage lighting consoles, so that any train could go anywhere on the layout without changing controller, with block detection handling the signalling (courtesy of such an abundance of relays that a GPO telephones engineer would have felt at home, especially as much of the wires used had actually been blagged from BT engineers whenever we saw their little red and white tents appear) Diode matrices controlled the hidden sidings to add an element of apparent randomness, so that (if enabled) you'd need a really good memory of all the trains in the sidings to be able to guess which one would come out. I think we worked out that it could take about 3½ hours before a train you drove into the hidden sidings would come out again. I think we got some of the benefit that you now get with DCC, with some new controllers that were introduced in the late 1980s/early '90s by the Austrian firm, Roco, which let you set max speed and other characteristics in the same way as you do with chipped locos now: the difference was you had to re-do it each time you changed loco. But this meant you always had the full range of control of the "speed" knob, which combined with some form of pulse-modulation (I never understood that bit, nor did I worry about it!) improved locos' running qualities remarkably. This is something I notice with modern DCC layouts: locos seem to run so much more smoothly - and reliably - than DC ones, especially at lower speeds. I presume this is largely down to some magic electronics in the DCC chips? All the best for 2020. I'm looking forward to seeing Chadwick develop.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Wow, what an excellent comment Andrew. Best wishes for a very productive 2020.

[@alancope9962]

Thanks Charlie, I now understand lock control

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Alan.

[@modelrailwaynoob]

My ears bled when you sneezed 🙀. I felt that DCC was too much to learn with everything else when I built the Thomas layout. I kept with DC for my WWI exhibition layout but I bought DCC ready locomotives for 00 and several for 009. If I build a home layout (undecided at present), I will use DCC. As I am putting together a 16 carriage ambulance train, I will need a bigger layout to run it on 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it and good luck with your next venture.

[@trainsinpoland]

Happy New Year Charlie. Keep up the good work but more importantly keep on having fun.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Me and you both Ian.