Customer Reviews

DCC Projects & Applications

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3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a fan of these Model Railroader Books and have collected many of them. I find the advice, layout and amount of information just right and they are a good read.
This is why I also bought this second part DCC book, especially since I am building my first DCC layout and have some wiring questions.
The book starts very interesting with just that: Advice on wiring techniques, converting DC to DCC layouts, how to change Turnouts to DCC and a troubleshooting guide if it did not work out. Some materials are also presented which are very helpful.
Unfortunately (to me) the book then drifts (like most other DCC books I have read) into Locomotive conversion projects and that covers a good part of the book: How to choose a decoder (does not everyone just look on the website of the decoder manufacturer??), what sound decoders are and how to programm decoders. This information is usually explained in the manuals provided with the decoders in great detail. I think one project would have been enough here, but not several in several scales.
A short explanation follows on programming and speed matching and software - but to me this part, is confusing. On one hand endless CV numbers are listed but why not dedicate one chapter instead showing how ONE locomotive is put through the entire process of programming it? If troubleshooting is offered for layout wiring, why not for putting in decoders?
After a lot of basics, suddenly every sentence is peppered with CV this and CV that just to admit in the end, that it is much easier just to alter the speed curve here and there using a Speedometer - which is indeed true and saves a lot of time.

In my view the book is definetly NOT a waste of money but in parts I find it too general, in other parts too detailed.
For a beginner this is a great book but in my view definetly only a starting point with further reading required, for someone who have already some experience a lot of it is already well known.

I was somewhat disappointed by this booklet. It just describes very basic DCC functionality and installation (as other booklets do), but completely ignores any advanced topics such as computer interfacing, advanced block controls, asymmetric DCC and automation.

DCC Projects & Applications, volume 2 is a solid, hands-on guide for model train hobbyists to using Digital Command Control (DCC) in order to independently control multiple trains anywhere on their layout. From choosing a DCC system that suits one's needs, to converting a DC layout to DCC, to building a layout with DCC in mind, troubleshooting wiring problems, converting older brass and plastic models to DCC and more, DCC Projects & Applications, volume 2 is an excellent reference and resource, illustrating its descriptive text with full-color photographs and diagrams on almost every page. An excellent supplementary resource especially commended to the attention of intermediate to advanced model train hobbyists.

This book has a sticker price of $19.95 but it's definitely not worth the money. Almost everything in it has been published in magazines such as "Model Railroader" recently. The rest is easily found on DCC manufacturers web sites. In short, there's absolutely nothing new in here. Many of the illustrations seem to be added just to pad the book at take up space. They don't contribute to understanding the subject. (Even the "receiver locations" illustration on the cover is wrong, there's absolutely no need for the 'optional repeater locations'.

Nice addition to first book of same name. Has a fair amount of repete information and a lot about installing encoders into diesel engines. Could use more info about installation into older models and specifically steam.