> Hi Ed --
> It would be a major
> expense to outfit roughly 50 pieces of motive power with decoders,
> Bill Winans
Mr. Bill........Decent non-sound decoders are now available for about $17 each.
Just so you know.......
> my wiring is VERY basic -- I use high tech alligator clips from power to buss
> wiring!
I'll tell ya, high-tech alligator clips are better than the low-tech type.
Sharper teeth make for better contact (grinning.......)
> A couple of S-CAB locos would also allow me to add DCC at a
> more measured pace as time and dollars allow.
If economy is the goal, is the S-CAB cheaper after considering the purchase of
the new hardware (cabs & etc.) to make it run? That is a question based on my
ignorance. I am not trying to say one is more expensive than the other. Just
that total cost is more than just what goes into the loco.
> I already have the system- NCE- ready to go <snip>
That is my point, you already have the infrastructure in place for DCC. Do you
need/want two infrastructures? If it makes sense, than go for it! My question
is if it really is cheaper for just the switchers or some other small quantity
of locos? Is it cheaper when you eventually replace the S-CAB onboard hardware
with DCC decoders later? In the long run, it seems to me to be more expensive.
But knowing that you are a wealthy retired hobby shop owner, perhaps cost is
not a major factor. (still grinning)
> I intend to look closely at Peter's installations at the convention
> in Scranton, primarily to see just how much space the electronics and battery
> take up.
If space is a concern, it is hard to beat an N scale decoder. But I will agree
that recent advances in battery technology and small motor efficiency make
these systems more and more appealing as time goes on. No doubt about it.
All that wiring time/expense simply disappears. Just lay the rail and be done
with it. Reverse loops, insulated gaps, toggle switches, volt meters,
ammeters, solder joints, etc. all become unneeded. Not to mention all the
man-hours spent wiring things together.
However, how do you get a prototypically-correct working signal system without
blocks and conventional wiring? Just curious.......
> If they can easily be stuffed into a small USRA style
> tender, I just might give them a go.
Would you be going down that path for reasons of cost, space or curiosity?
Just wondering..... By the way, I do not believe there is anything wrong or
right about either path. Not trying to start a big debate here, but just
trying to understand the details a bit better.
Cheers....Ed Loizeaux
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