Decoders are made for HOn3 as well as any locomotive. Make your layout all DCC. If you use a Digitrax system you can run DC equipment as well on the same system without any problem. I have a Digitrax Super Empire Builder system and run DC locomotives on it to test the engines for awhile, to see that they run well, before I install decoders into them.

David

I had no trouble installing decoders in two Bachmann HO Three truck Shays and a two truck Climax. Piece of cake. There are so many decoders available now, the choice is almost endless. Just pick a quality dealer to do ALL your DCC business with and ask questions. They will point you down the correct path.

Peter [:-kitty]

Thanks for the responses. I was looking at a Brass 2 truck shay and the dealer that had it told me he did not think it had enough room hence my question. I was also interested to hear that I could run a DC train on a DCC system. I guess I need to educate myself on the DCC.

Attached is the web address for one DCC decoder vendor who lists make and model engine for use with the appropriate DCC decoder identification.

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Installation_l...Manufacter.htm

David, beware, I know the Digitrax system works with DC, because I own it. "But" other DCC Systems are not capable of running DC locomotives. So you must look into that when buying a system.

Also, there are so many Plastic locomotives out there that have great detail, and run so much better, that you don't have to mess with the brass loco's. Talk to anyone out there, and if they owned a brass loco, they would tell you that for every day use, not to get them. First, they have too much maintaince problems to keep them running, and second, you have to isolate the motor from the frame to install a decoder into them, or you will burn out the decoder. Bachmann makes far too many great detailed steam locomotives now a days. You don't have to mess with brass. Unless your going for the prestige of owning Brass. :erm:

Hey David, I agree with Desert Drover on the fact that there are GREAT looking/running locomotives being put out by Bachmann etc. However I understand if there is a certain look/style/class of locomotive that isn't avialable outside of brass.

If you do go with brass, depending on the vintage/manufacturer you may have smooth running issues. These can be overcome depending on the amount of work you want to put into messing with the running gear etc. As for the motor isolation, this too depends on the vintage/manufacturer. So long as the motor is isolated and the current draw of the motor is within specs for the decoder you choose, you should be fine.

Also to note on the running of a DC loco on a DCC system; be sure to refer to the manufacturer's documentation. I know Digitrax allows you to run one DC locomotive addressed as '00' at a time.

David,

HOn3 is 4 times larger in space than the Nn3 modelers and many in that crowd also do DCC. There's plenty of very small decoders avialable for the HOn3 motive power. Newer decoders can actually 'squeeze' sound functions into HOn3 with some skill at arrangement.

There are several DCC systems that do allow ONE DC (non-decoder) equipped locomotive to operate with the DCC decoder equipped motive power. It's the DCC 'zero' address option. (Not all DCC systems do support that option). However, the method is a unbalanced square wave digital signal giving an averaged 'psudeo' DC relative power and there are motors that don't handle it really well. You can't expect some of the 'finer' DC motors to be as nicely functioning with the DCC 'zero' address option. Good news is that many of the older DC open frame motors likely found in older brass will do well enough. Best though is to 'plan' on adding decoders to every engine - DCC is fabulously addictive and you'll not regret it.

Just a note that running DC loco's on DCC is for a limited time mainly for testing, I have had to replace motors for people that ran DC engines on DCC for a long time. Just my 2 cents.

This is very true; ESPECIALLY if the DC loco sits still for an extended length of time. Running the loco lessens the chance, however the chance is still there...

I was aware that DCC was not a true DC system and that it an AC system I was of the impression that DC motors had to be isolated and could not be run on the DCC systems. Being an electric contractor I have a pretty through grasp of the way that the DCC control operates. But....I have not started a layout yet and to be honest have avoided the electrical side of the hobby so far since somehow I don't feel like thinking about wiring in my "off" time!

I have looked at the Bachman Shays and they look great but as of yet the still don't have anything to offer in HOn3 which is what I somehow seem to be interested in modelling. Maybe I need to rethink my narrow gauge aspirations?

David,

The new Blackstone K27 Mikados in HOn3 have been a huge success. Blackstone is known to be developing a C class Consolidation for their next release. Beyond beautiful is the general acclaim.

PSC has some success in various new HOn3 releases - are available in both expensive brass and newer releases also in the affordable dicast models.

Shay's are presently limited to existing brass collections and the more finicky Roundhouse kits (which are not in current production - but usually available from auction and secondary sources). These do require skilled assembly and upgrading efforts. Secondary suppliers provide upgrade components.

HOn3 is expanding rapidly in new releases. It's a growing scale. May be awhile yet before new shays become reasonably avialable - but the market is developing well. RTR cars are being produced by Blackstone and Micro Trains, and lots of fine craftsman like rolling stock kits are readily avialable.

P.S. DCC is not really AC, but square wave positive to negative bi-synchronous traversing digital signal generated and power distribution. Certainly not an AC sine wave. Varying the pulse width on the positive or negative side in the signal transmission creates the amplified sampling of 'pseudo' DC apparent to the non-decoder DC motor. The use of decoders will further alter the power for DC motors by delivering pulse width modulation in a uni-synchronous mode.

I guess I really need to become more educated on the DCC as I am sure that is the direction I want to go. I also had it in my mind that I was going to get one (at least) of the K-27's from Blackstone for my mainline operations. I have seen alot of the available HOn3 rolling stock but the shays etc... seem to be limited to the older brass stuff.

Thanks for all the help.

Do not wait too long to get a K-27, Most are sold out.