Even though track wiring is in place, our hosts still need to install a Digital Command Control (DCC) system before trains will run on the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout! David and Bryson first examine the components of the NCE PH5R Power Pro DCC system before working to integrate the parts and pieces that will soon bring the rails to life! You won’t want to miss the inaugural run of the ETIP railroad, with a notable MR&T heritage fleet diesel locomotive under the wireless control of an NCE ProCab!
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the Expert Tips and Techniques the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
Tinning wires to put into screw receptacles is not a good idea, particularly if high current is being used. A 5amp booster at 16v is equivalent to an 80watt soldering iron. What happens is that over time the the copper wire and the solder expand and contract at different rates and eventually loosen in the screw receptacle potentially creating a fire hazard (a 5am booster at 16v output is equivalent t an 80watt soldering iron). Many people using FDM 3D printers have found this out the hard way.
While a 3D printer provides more current than a command station or booster, it is safer to crimp a ferrule on the ends of the wire instead of tinning them.
Otherwise, an excellent video!
This is a real nit pick.
When attaching insulated wire to a plug or device, it is a good idea to remove only enough insulation to fit the device with NO exposed wire showing. This makes sure that there is no exposed wire for bare metal/wire to short out the plug or device.
More outakes!!
Glad you used the high line as the program track.
Being straight out of the box, did you have to do any programming for that cab? Need a video on that process as I find it confusing, specially getting sound settings inputted ( I have a very loud loco I need to turn down!)
Great video to show steps involved. Thank you.
Good suggestion, Andrew. The NCE cabs have their own addresses, and you need to set those off of the factory default to use multiple cabs with the layout. We’ll hit that in a future installment.
ncrgeo@gmail.com
Very easy to follow. Well done.
If you are looking for a more modern and less expensive DCC system, you could go with a Digitrax starter system, the DCS52 with 3 amps and a built in throttle, their LNWI WiFi component and a pair of Train Control Systems UWT-50 throttles. No antenna needed. The LNWI, which can service 4 throttles, can also interact with old cell phones equipped with throttle software. Now there is a cheap loco controller. Visiting friends with their own WiFi throttles can also connect to the system.
Thanks for the tip, Roger. We rotate DCC makers when building layouts, and having just used Digitrax on State Line and TCS on Fremont Mills, NCE was back in the lineup. Also, as this is going to be our main HO scale office layout, and we still had all the wireless cabs from the MR&T, so we opted for this system. We will configure it for WiFi operation later, just like the MR&T was.
I have also installed this same NCE DCC system although its an older version without all those new enhancements. I love this system and have had no issues (to date 🙂 ) . Curious about your UTP panels. Is NCE now selling new ones with the LEDs already installed or did you add the LEDs prior to filming this video? If you did install them, might make a good video to show us electronic “challenged” viewers how that is done. Thanks a again for all the great videos.
Hi Richard,
I bought the CAT5 versions of the panels and they came with the LEDs installed. I’ve done the LED wiring on my older UTPs on my Olympia layout, and I have to admit, while not difficult, it wasn’t my favorite chore. Glad these panels already had them. Best wishes!
Now that the wiring is complete it is time to install the cabs and power some trains the day has finally come that the MR&T is coming back to life. The DCC control panels are going in.
One suggestion on wiring the track and programming plugs to the command station. I would trim the wires shorter so there is no bare wire showing. Less chance of causing a possible short
I have to ask, what the heck is the cable connecting one port on the command station to another port on the command station? Why isn’t this internal?????
The power pro box is divided in two sections. On the left is PB 105 power booster and on the right is the command station. You have to connect cab bus to the power booster which puts the track voltage on the track along with the command information for the decoders. If you didn’t need the command station and want to use only the booster part which the cab buss would be connected to the cab buss socket on the left. You would also have to run a bonding wire from that unit to the master unit. Some people have pickup an extra Powerhouse Pro cheap to have as spare. This is one of the reasons I like NCE products. You can configure them in many ways.
Comments: 1) The layout is large enough to handle up to three independent operators, so I would suggest setting the wiring to handle three independent power districts, each with is own circuit breaker. Then a short in one would not affect the others. 2) A modern trend is the use of WiFi throttles, either a full handheld like the TCS 100 and 50, or a cell phone with the needed software. Generally more reliable than many proprietary radio systems. A WiFi board for NCE systems is readily available to handle four throttles, with expansion available. 3) As a switching layout, I recommend considering a ProtoThrottle for more realistic prototype train handling. With this unit, you feel you are operating a locomotive, not just running a train. You are a “real” engineer.
I noticed a typo, Heritage Feet rather than heritage fleet, but I love watching the East Troy being built.
Noted! Thanks, Jason 😉
I love it! Heritage Feet – LOL! Good catch, Jason!
Excellent video. Bryson makes a great pitchman/demo guy! I’ve been debating DCC and you sold me.