dcc use out doors

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I like the concept of DCC, however every one that I have ever talked to doesn't think it works out doors very reliably due to less than perfectly clean track all the time. Comments??? I would like to talk to some one who has a system operating.

Jim Taber

-- jim taber (jtaber@eyerobics.net), December 21, 2001

Answers

Jim,

I don't know who you have been talking to, but they have no idea what they are talking about. I have run DCC exclusively outdoors for several years. Works when the rail is wet, works when it's icy - both situations I thought would short the booster. The only problem I've had is when it's 110 degrees out. So I mount the decoders outside the locomotive in free air whenever possible. But then when it's 110, I don't run outside much!

In fact, perhaps the higher voltage on the rails (regular DC is proportional to speed where DCC is constant), DCC may even run better. I use worn out dry wall sponges as G-scale "Bright Boys." What I have found is all I really need to do is wipe the dirt and grime off the track. Unlike HO, the track does not have to shine brightly. Just a little shine is all that is required.

See my garden pictures: http://www.WiringForDCC.com/finch.htm

I use radio controlled throttles, DCC controlled air-powered turnouts, a DCC's routing capability.

-- Allan Gartner (wiringfordcc@augustmail.com), December 21, 2001.


DCC works as well out of doors as regular track power. The track must be at least a little clean but it works. Don't expect any relief from track cleaning through the use of DCC as compared to regular track power.

I've never seen any significant leakage current on the rails, even when sections are under water. Some of my track is actually buried.

see http://www.trainweb.org/girr/tips/tips5/dcc_tips.html

- gws

-- George Schreyer (gwschreyer@mac.com), December 22, 2001.


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