Layout Command Control

√

Signal-LCC circuit board made by RR-CirKits can control 16 signal lamps plus 8 I/O lines over an LCC bus connection.

Under the auspices of the NMRA, an open source group of developers, called OpenLCB, have been creating new standards for layout command control, which has been named, simply, Layout Command Control, otherwise known as NMRANet. The program has been around at least since about 2016, gradually improving and very slowly gaining in popularity. Clinics describing how it works have been occurring at national and regional meetings since then.

This is basically an enhancement, not a replacement, of the DCC system. When you wire your layout for DCC, you have one pair of bus wires going under the layout through which all locomotive and other signals travel. These signals include not only the ones that make the locomotive move, but also all the others that control the lights, the sound, the speed and multiple other variables on the loco and decoder-operated devices. If you have several locomotives and other devices on your layout pulling current from that same pair of bus wires, the signals start slowing down. It may take several seconds for a turnout to switch or a ditch light to come on, or the speed to change. The main idea behind Layout Command Control is that it allows these other, non-engine related, signals to locomotives and other decoder-operated devices to travel through a separate bi-directional pair of bus wires, which then greatly enhances speed and reliability.

Since the platform is standardized and the standards are approved by the NMRA, manufacturers must follow those standards, which means that all the products made for LCC will be interchangeable.

Manufacturers have been slow to bring products to market that would facilitate using LCC on the average layout, but they are starting to appear. TCS (Train Control Systems), RR-CirKits now have products for use on LCC platforms, and more are being developed. Also Deepwoods Software is incorporating LCC code into their "Model Railroad System" software that you can download from their site.

Here is a video tour of Detlef Kurpanek’s GNW layout using the Layout Command Control system and the products used for it...

For more information, please visit the NMRA Introduction to Layout Command Control.

Also see A Few FAQs about Layout Command Control.

Back to Home Page

Facebook X Pinterest

Facebook X Pinterest

Train Station on the Blue Ridge and Southern Model Railroad

Model Railroad Crossing Gates
How to model operating railroad crossing gates and lighted crossbucks, including bell sounds, all occurring automatically as your train approaches.
Wiring Railroad Signals
Wiring railroad signals is a somewhat mysterious aspect of model railroading. A simple wiring method is described here for manual operation. References provided for automatic operation.
Wiring a Solenoid Switch Machine
How to wire a solenoid switch (turnout) machine using a momentary SPDT toggle switch.
Basic Electronics
A brief tutorial on basic electronics that every model railroader should know.
Model Railroad Control Panel
How to make a model railroad control panel with remote turnout switches, accessory switches, turntable controls, etc. for your model railroad layout.
DC and/or DCC on the Same Layout
How to wire your layout for either DC and/or DCC operation.
Model Railroad Books
How did I learn so much about model railroading? From other hobbyists, of course, and from BOOKS. Here's a list of some of my favorites.
Soldering Tips
Soldering tips for model train track rail joints, adding feeder wires to tracks and soldering wires together.
Turnout Control
Automatic turnout control using Reed switches is a great way to control turnouts and prevent derailments.
Model Railway Track Wiring – Building Your Model Rail Road
Wire your railway track with the latest technologies of model railway track wiring suggested by Building your model railroad for a safe and secure connection.
DCC Decoder Installation
DCC decoder installation is relatively easy these days with many locomotives being sold as DCC ready. Here are a few tips for installation.
Layout Wiring Management
How do you manage all that layout wiring for your model railroad? Here's how I did it for the Blue Ridge and Southern.
All About Turnouts
Everything you need to know about model railroad track turnouts for your layout.
Model Railroad Wiring Tips
Tips and techniques for model railroad wiring – gauges, making connections, buses, terminal strips, etc.
Common Electrical Switches Used in Model Railroading
A description and comparison of some of the more common electrical switches used in model railroad wiring.
Model Railroad Wiring for Automated Train Operation
Automated electronics are very useful in advanced model railroad wiring applications - automatic train stops, train delay, slowdown or reversing operations.
Relay Switch
Relay switch - What does it do and how do you wire it?