Welcome to my Custom Model Railroad Builder website. My name is Mark A. Baczkowski and I'm your website host and the builder. My goal is to work with you to create and build a custom model railroad that you will enjoy owning and operating. Take a look through the website, and if you like my work - let's get busy creating your dream layout.

DCC & DC Control

Whether you simply want to run trains using DC control or take advantage of the latest DCC technology, I'm here to help. If you're not ready yet for DCC, we can wire your layout with DCC in mind for the future.

If you are deciding to go with DCC, you certainly are heading in the direction of total train control. Certainly, DCC offers a bit of a learning curve, but you'll quickly learn how to turn the system on, select a locomotive, set your turnout positions, and run your train or more than one train at once all from your wireless handheld throttle! DCC is by far the best way to go if you are planning a new layout.

Taking DCC one step further by utilizing your home computer and software, you can now run your trains directly from your home computer or laptop. Furthermore buy integrating a computer, signal systems can now benefit from programmable logic processing just like the real railroads.

The above photo depicts a fairly typical Digitrax DCC system set up and what you could expect to have integrated into a layout to run your trains. This set up also includes hardware necessary for block detection and a signal system. Naturally depending on your layout goals, your hardware requirements will vary.

Many companies manufacture DCC systems. I investigated them all before I made my decision to invest my time learning one and decided to go Digitrax. Ultimately I am extremely happy I made that choice. I've found the extremely comprehensive line of Digitrax products leaves nothing to be desired for any level of model railroader.

Basically, this what is included in the Digitrax Super Chief Duplex Radio 8 amp starter set. The starter set includes the DS200 8amp command station, the Duplex Radio wireless hand held throttle, UR92 radio receiver and it's PS14 power supply, some LocoNet cables and manuals. The power pack for the command station is the PS515 and is not included in the starter set. This is the  top of the line Digitrax starter set that you need to run trains and will run your around $600. If you are going to invest in a nice custom built model railroad I truly recommend nothing less.

Several options are available for turnout operation in the model railroading world. In my humble opinion, the most prototypical looking from above (cause you cant see any machines) and reliable powered method of control are utilizing Tortoise switch machines and Digitrax DS64's to handle turnout control either from your handheld throttle or computer. 

Like I mentioned, taking DCC a step further and utilizing a computer to run layout operations, you will need the Digitrax PR3 USB interface. This device allows your computer to communicate with the layout via Digitrax's LocoNet digital communication system. The Loconet communicates using standard 6 wire telecom cable. You do need software on your computer to interface with the hardware. Several companies offer software specifically for this purpose.

This is a screenshot of my computer using a brand of software from JMRI. This is the master control panel that includes my layout track plan, all turnouts, track blocks, what I currently have signaled, and a throttle window to run a train. The black lines are the track plan and the red lines show what track is occupied by a train. I can run trains from this window as well asa control the turnouts for route selection. The signals change aspect/color according to turnout route then by block occupancy detection automatically.

Thanks for looking!

Questions or comments? Feel free to ask: mark@thesolutionfarm.com