Model Railway Blog & DCC Guides


Welcome to the ACI Model Railways blog — your go-to resource for model railway advice, DCC setup guides, wiring tips, and layout ideas. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced modeller, our tutorials will help you get more from your railway.

Model Railway Blog UK | DCC Guides, Tips & Tutorials | ACI Model Railways

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 Usin...

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...

Adding Servo-Controlled Turnouts to DCC-EX Usin...

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...

Holgate model railway used to test train detection and DCC-EX automation systems

How Holgate Solved Train Detection for DCC-EX A...

How do you know where a train is on an automated model railway? Discover how the Holgate team tested RailCom, Hall Effect sensors, infrared detectors and current detection before finding...

How Holgate Solved Train Detection for DCC-EX A...

How do you know where a train is on an automated model railway? Discover how the Holgate team tested RailCom, Hall Effect sensors, infrared detectors and current detection before finding...

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...

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...

Holgate exhibition layout operated using DCC-EX CSB1 systems and wireless control

How Holgate Helped Shape the DCC-EX CSB1 Ready-...

Holgate, operated by the Bridlington Model Railway Society, became an important real-world proving ground for DCC-EX systems and the evolution towards the CSB1 Ready-to-Run platform. This article explores how exhibition...

How Holgate Helped Shape the DCC-EX CSB1 Ready-...

Holgate, operated by the Bridlington Model Railway Society, became an important real-world proving ground for DCC-EX systems and the evolution towards the CSB1 Ready-to-Run platform. This article explores how exhibition...

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 Ch...

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 system from a Core...

DCC-EX RTR vs Core Systems: Which Should You Ch...

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 system from a Core...

Converting a DC model railway locomotive to DCC with decoder installation and wiring upgrade

Convert DC to DCC Model Railway – Complete UK G...

Thinking of upgrading your model railway from DC to DCC? This guide explains how to convert a DC model railway to DCC, including controllers, wiring, common problems, and the best...

Convert DC to DCC Model Railway – Complete UK G...

Thinking of upgrading your model railway from DC to DCC? This guide explains how to convert a DC model railway to DCC, including controllers, wiring, common problems, and the best...