Took the plunge

[Edavis]

Not sure if iam writing this in the right place or not but I took the plunge and ordered starter kit and 3 modules one with sound is there anything thing else I might need to run.All I run with now is tech2 hooked up with the two wires.Totally new at any kind of control other than what I have now.Any help,tips,would be great.thx

[Alan]

Welcome to the club. Sounds like you have everything you need to get up and running.

[Edavis]

Ok thanks for the reply. I am looking forward to trying this

[Alan]

Upon further thought...

If your locomotives are not DCC Ready labeled locomotives (no circuit board or wiring connector inside) then you will need a 9 pin harnesses to wire the LM to the locomotive.

http://www.ringengineering.com/Accessories.htm

[Edavis]

I have one athearn quick plug and one Walthers  mainline and a athearn genesis.the quick plug I think I get but the  Walthers iam not sure didn't see a quick plug.the genesis I haven't opened yet I hope it has the plug.

[darryl.trains]

Looking for DCC ready engines makes the transition quite a bit easier but some engines have to be hard wired. A DCC installed decoder that is not part of the board is very easy to change with an adapter plug with plugs on each end. Built in decoders within the main board are usually tossed. I don't know why most of us call the decoder socket a plug but we know which is which?  Since I had to hard wired a few old brass engines when I converted to can motors and add lighting made the changing to RailPro a snap. Eventually you most likely learn how to convert any worth while engine. Some can be a headache as was the very old Athearn RDC rubber drive beast I worked on.  All in all, I enjoy the initial effort in starting with RP and no going back ever. Do the work, play the trains, simple as that. Lots of help here and do not be afraid to ask as many have been through this from the start.  The old fardt in Arid-Zona 

[Joel B.]

I have a question that might need to be moved but due to the nature of the OP question I thought it might fit here. OK,if I was to buy an HO scale engine to put my first control LM in what would you experts suggest? (Brand / Model and why, Railroad not important)
Thanks!
(not there yet)
Joel B.

[nodcc4me]

Would you prefer a diesel engine or steam? For a first install, I believe you would find it easier to install in a DCC ready steam engine because the tender will most likely have enough room to easily install both a LM module and speaker. If you feel comfortable doing that you can try a diesel installation, which can be tricky and may involve removing the factory board and hard wiring it.

[Edavis]

I was wondering  if I can use the same two wires that I have now to go from the railpro power to the tracks?

[nodcc4me]

Yes, those wires will be fine as long as they are around 16 gauge. You can run 22 gauge feeders off them if desired.

[Alan]

Adding to what Al said... you will know if the wires are too small or too long if the HC reports a Low Voltage warning while operating a locomotive. DC locomotives simply slow down if the wires are too small. RP will report a warning.

[nodcc4me]

While on the subject of low voltage warnings, you may also get one if your wheels are dirty. Before you run any RP equipped locomotives on your existing track, clean the rails good. DC/DCC powered track gets pretty gummed up. That won't be a significant problem with RP.

[Edavis]

Ok thanks, The wires I use now are pretty small and just connected to the track with the rail joiners in one spot. I don't have any feeders at this time. I think the wires came with the techll controller. I am guessing I will need more feeders to provide power to farther track?. I can run my dc locomotive all the way around without problems.thx for the help guys.

[Alan]

If your DC locos work all way round the odds are so will RP. I wouldn't change anything unless there is a problem.

[Edavis]

Ok that's what I'll try.thanks again