Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
Stripping enamel paint from a model can seem like a delicate process, but with the right tools and techniques, it's...
Servicing your model railway locomotive is an essential part of maintaining its performance and longevity. Regular...
Fixing warped plastic parts on a model can be a bit tricky, but it's a manageable task with some patience and the...
The UK railway scale is called 00 gauge (pronounced "double-O") due to its origins as a smaller alternative to the...
For decades, British Rail (BR) was a symbol of national unity in transport, linking cities, towns and villages across...
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Whether your DCC engine can run on an analogue layout depends on the decoder fitted to the engine. If the decoder is "analogue compatible" and the relevant CV (function) is activated, then yes, the engine will work with an analogue controller....
Surely more is always better, so a 21 pin decoder is bound to be better than an 8 pin decoder? Actually, the answer is not that straightforward. With more pins, a 21 pin DCC decoder will be able to manage more functions than an 8 pin decoder....
As the DCC standard is still evolving, there are several different sizes and formats for DCC decoders.To give you an idea of the difference in pin numbers and their capabilities/functionality take a look at the list below of common DCC...
"Analogue compatible" means the decoder is able to run on a traditional analogue layout that is not DCC. This is useful if you have two layouts, one being DCC and one being analogue: the same engine can be used with no modification on both...
The blanking plate is a small circuit board that manufacturers add to the DCC socket to protect the socket that your DCC chip will go in. The blanking plate will need to be removed before the DCC chip can be inserted to allow you to run on a DCC...
DCC ready means that the loco is designed to be fitted with a DCC chip. At the factory a small piece of circuitry is added to the loco with a socket that enables you to insert a DCC decoder to convert the engine from analogue to DCC. It is quite...
In theory, it should be easy as the whole idea of being DCC Ready is to simplify the process. The first time I did this, it took me less than five minutes however it will depend on where the socket for the DCC decoder has been placed. Sometimes...
You do not always have a model railway controller on you. And even if you do, sometimes you do not have any power socket to use it. This means you may not be able to test an engine before buying it. The easiest solution is to get a 9 volt battery...
Yes, an N Gauge controller is compatible with OO gauge trains. You may have to change the power clip to the track but otherwise there is no difference, both scales run on 12 volts, so the output is just the same. The reverse is also true: you...
Electricity is inherently dangerous and should always be treated with respect. But with model railways the voltage is so low and there is no risk of electric shock at all. You can touch the track and you will not feel anything (and will not hurt...
Weathering powders are very much the same as powdered paint pigment. The only real difference is that weathering powders are produced to create a specific effect such as rust, mud, grime and are a realistic match for the real thing. If you are...
Weathering is a painting technique used by modellers to create the appearance of dirt and grime and even damage to make the model "whatever it may be" look aged and used. For example: If you have just built and painted a model of a military Jeep,...