Model Railway Knowledge Centre

Practical guides, projects and technical help covering DCC and DCC-EX, layout automation, servos, electronics and real-world model railway projects.

Latest Guides

Six DCC model railway controllers compared: NCE Power Cab, Digitrax Zephyr Express DCS52, Hornby Elite, Roco Z21, ESU ECoS and ACI DCC-EX CSB1, displayed in front of a model railway layout.
Best DCC Controllers for UK Model Railways: 6 Systems Compared
Choosing your first DCC controller or upgrading an existing system? We compare six popular options from NCE, Digitrax, Hornby, Roco, ESU and DCC-EX, exploring their strengths, limitations, prices and control... Read more...
How to Add Locomotives to Your DCC-EX Roster – A Beginner's Guide
How to Add Locomotives to Your DCC-EX Roster – A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to create a DCC-EX locomotive roster, give your locomotives recognisable names and configure function buttons for lights, whistles, horns and sound effects. A beginner-friendly guide covering throttle apps... Read more...
Controlling a DCC model railway from a phone over Wi-Fi
How Can I Control My Model Railway From My Phone?
Control your model railway wirelessly from a phone or tablet. This guide explains how Wi-Fi DCC control works, what equipment you need and the different throttle options available. Read more...
Overhead view of servo-controlled turnouts on the Holgate N gauge model railway using DCC-EX, EXRAIL and a PCA9685 servo controller.
Adding Servo-Controlled Turnouts to DCC-EX Using a PCA9685 and EXRAIL
Learn how to add servo-controlled turnouts to your DCC-EX model railway using a PCA9685 16-channel servo controller and EXRAIL. This step-by-step guide covers wiring, HAL configuration, turnout definitions, servo calibration... Read more...
DCC-EX CSB1 controlling a conventional DC locomotive on a model railway layout
Can I Run DC Locomotives With DCC-EX?
Can you run DC locomotives with DCC-EX? The answer is yes. Discover how DCC-EX can control conventional DC locomotives while adding wireless throttles, accessory control and a straightforward path towards... Read more...
Comparison of DCC-EX Ready-to-Run and Core command station systems showing beginner RTR setup versus advanced DIY Core configuration
DCC-EX RTR vs Core Systems: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the right DCC-EX system can feel confusing when you are starting out. Should you choose a fully assembled Ready-to-Run command station, or build your own installation around a CSB1... Read more...
Converting a DC model railway locomotive to DCC with decoder installation and wiring upgrade
Convert DC to DCC Model Railway – Complete UK Guide
Thinking of upgrading from DC to DCC? Learn whether you can use your existing locomotives and track, what equipment you need, and how to convert your model railway step by... Read more...
DCC-EX CSB1 command station installed on a model railway layout at a realistic station platform with track and scenery
What Do You Need to Get Started with DCC-EX? (Beginner Guide)
What do I need to start a DCC model railway? At its simplest, a DCC model railway needs a DCC command station, a suitable power supply, a way of controlling... Read more...
DCC-EX EX-CSB1, Digitrax Zephyr Express and NCE Power Cab shown on a realistic model railway layout comparing DCC control systems
DCC-EX vs Digitrax vs NCE | DCC Controller Comparison
Comparing DCC-EX, Digitrax and NCE? Learn how they differ in throttles, wireless control, cost and expansion, and whether you really need an expensive DCC controller. Read more...
Is DCC-EX Suitable for Beginners? A Practical Guide
Is DCC-EX Suitable for Beginners? A Practical Guide
Is DCC-EX beginner-friendly? We explain the pros, potential concerns, and the difference between ready-to-run and core setups so you can decide if DCC-EX is right for your first layout. Read more...
DCC-EX expansion setup with servo controller, sensors and automation modules on a model railway layout with signal and turnout
DCC-EX Expansion Guide – Adding Servos, Sensors & Automation to Your Layout
Take your DCC-EX system beyond running trains. Learn how to add servo control, sensors, and automation to your model railway using modules like the PCA9685 and EX-RAIL. Read more...
DCC-EX Configuration Guide (CSB1 Default Setup Explained)
DCC-EX Configuration Guide (CSB1 Default Setup Explained)
A practical guide to the default DCC-EX CSB1 configuration, including how to restore, update and apply pre-configured files using EX-Installer. Ideal for troubleshooting or resetting your command station to a... Read more...
DCC-EX CSB1 Ready-to-Run wireless command station controlling a model railway layout
DCC-EX CSB1 Ready-to-Run Review – Setup & User Experience
Discover how the DCC-EX CSB1 Command Station transforms model railway control with simple setup, WiFi operation, and powerful performance. See why most modellers choose the Ready-to-Run system. Read more...