For more general design
information please visit our Layout Design
section.
Specifically DCC Design
When designing a DCC layout it is important to consider the
requirements that adding DCC to the layout brings. The basic concept of
DCC is that power should be available on all areas of the layout as
isolated sections are no longer required. DCC layouts should be
designed with the following considerations:
- Consideration 1 - Power Requirements
- With a variety of DCC systems now available it is important to
consider the size of your layout in terms of the dimensions and the
related amount of track; together with the power requirements of
operation and standing locomotives and accessories on the layout. Many
basic systems have a limited power supply and may be advisable to
purchase a more advanced DCC system with a higher power specification.
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- Consideration 2 - Power Districts
- Where the power supply from the main DCC controller is
insufficient for the whole layout, create additional power districts
to be powered by a 'booster unit'. This unit is connected to the
master controller for the digital data but has its own transformer
for a separate power supply. Power districts can be areas of the
layout, loco sheds where a large quantity of locomotives may be
standing as with fiddle yards. If using DCC control of turnout
motors it is advisable to power the motors from a separate booster
unit and power supply. This prevents any power being taken from the
track when a turnout motor is operated and it also allows the
turnout motor circuit to be isolated from the track circuit is a
problem develops. Power districts should be protected using a DCC
circuit breaker.
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- Consideration 3 - Zone Isolations
- On large DCC layouts if a wiring problem develops, even a simple
short circuit for example; if the whole layout is wired as one zones
it may be difficult to locate the problem without removing all the
stock from the layout. This can be a major inconvenience and may take
considerable time. A simple way to help in this circumstance is to
divide the layout into zones with an isolator switch which can be used
to remove power form an area in the event of a problem. If the problem
disappears when the zone is isolated then the problem is within this
zone. Alternatively circuit breakers can be used to protect a zone
which if a problem develops should shut the offending zone down whilst
the rest of the layout continues to operate.
Design Examples
The two examples of CAD designs shown below illustrate the different
design briefs we receive. Please view the CAD designs we have completed
for clients:
- Example 1
-
- Large freelance Fleischmann setrack loft layout designed to fit as
much track into the space available. The client wanted several
levels to allow continuous running of his large collection of
Fleischmann and other European stock using Fleischmann Digital. The
levels are indicated by the black base layer, blue level one with
inter-connecting spiral from the base level around the turntable peninsular
board and the red high level branch.
- Example 2
- This design for a DCC layout was required to represent Hawes station
but altered to fit the space available whilst retaining the theme. The
layout uses Peco OO Gauge code 75 finescale track. The straight track
feeding the turntable is the location of a traverser.
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- Example 3
- A freelance track design to fit a railway room giving access
to a boiler. The plan is for DCC control of finescale Marcway turnouts
and
SMP track on two levels representing a main line with fiddle
yard and a lower industrial area with fiddle
yard.
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