Opening the box

So many e-mails land in my inbox that they seem to merge into one. However, occasionally, one will stand out from the crowd. The e-mail that caught my attention suggested that the warnings issued with some new models - that they shouldn’t be used with older controllers - was the manufacturer’s way of forcing everyone to go DCC. It got me thinking about our attitudes towards model railway electronics. Modern models make use of modern motors, that have become smaller and more efficient as technology has developed. The reason why manufacturers issue warnings about older controllers is that they were designed to supply current that a motor of the same era requires. These old motors drew a lot of current, whereas modern motors draw much less, because they’re now much more efficient. An old controller - or an electronic track cleaner - will simply provide too much current and could cause damage. It’s a bit like buying a modern eco-engined car, and then wondering why it won’t work properly when you fill it with two-star petrol. Modern motors can be squeezed into the tightest of spaces, such as the fireboxes of steam locomotives. This is perfectly illustrated by the Graham Farish ‘Castle’ reviewed this month. Do we really want to go back to the days of motors filling cabs, of locomotives being stretched or shrunk to fit around clunky and - more importantly - big motors, just so we can run a layout with a 30 to 40-year-old controller? We modellers are pretty unique in that we like to hang on to old electrical equipment. Yes, some guitar aficionados prefer vintage valve amps over modern types, but there is an argument that using old model railway equipment is unsafe. Would you still feel confident in using a 40-year-old toaster, kettle or electricWhy is a blanket?model railway controller any different? And are manufacturers really forcing people to go digital? I was a DCC sceptic until I tried it, and then I instantly saw why it’s so popular. Nothing gives you the realism and refinement in control - it’s as close to running like the real railway as you’ll find - but it is expensive. It can be problematic (I spent a huge amount of time swearing at my new system as I installed it over Christmas). But, for me, it was worth the effort. And that’s why manufacturers push it, because it enhances the modelling experience. We all want to make our layouts as realistic as possible, and DCC gives us a big boost towards that realism. That said, it isn’t for everyone. And that’s why manufacturers offer a choice. Hornby and Bachmann offer analogue controllers alongside digital ones, as they do with locomotives which are either DCC ready or DCC fitted. We’re actually really lucky - nowhere else in life are we given that choice. Analogue signals have been switched off, so now you have to buy a separate box to watch TV. And have you tried to buy a new VHS video recorder recently? Demand has led to a resurgence in photographing on film, or listening to vinyl records. Could the same happen with analogue? Gaugemaster is leading the way with its excellent new Unity system. Or will some bright spark develop a ‘black box’ that converts the output of an H&M Duette or Clipper into something safer for contemporary motors?