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Introduction to Lenz DCC

S Helper Service has become a Lenz DCC distributor! This means that:

• We are offering a complete, ready-to-run train set with DCC!
• All current and future locomotives will be offered with a DCC no sound option.
• SW-9/NW-2, SW8, F7, and Consolidation Locos with DCC sound installed are available with an included DCC System!
• Any of our Hobby Shops can carry the full line of Lenz DCC products.
• All Lenz products will be tested and documented in S scale by us.

A major advantage of DCC is that it is owned and controlled by the NMRA, not be a single manufacturer. That means that products and improvements come from many vendors, and competition lowers prices and raises creativity. Compatibility at the rail means that you can buy a system from one vendor, yet still buy locomotive or accessory decoders from all DCC vendors.

A disadvantage of all the options available is confusion. A modeler who wants to get into DCC is faced with a wide range of products from many sellers. S scale has not been a targeted market of any of the vendors, which makes it hard to know what fits best in S. There has been some great work done testing and documenting a range of products for use in S (check out Michael Greene's site), but the modeler is still faced with multiple vendors to complete his or her railroad.

S Helper Service (SHS) has been the leader in DCC for S. We were the first to offer a DCC-ready loco (with an NMRA plug) in S scale. We were the first in any scale to offer a locomotive with DCC sound installed at the factory. Now we are the first S scale manufacturer to offer a complete DCC system as part of a ready to run set. Everything you need from one source. And available through our dealers!

Lenz GmbH developed the basis for the DCC system in 1988. In 1996 Lenz was the first company to ship a fully compliant DCC system with decoder, earning the prestigious NMRA conformance warrant. They have built OEM systems or decoders for Atlas, ConCor, LGB and ROCCO. Lenz is famous for decoder innovation, very high quality, full NMRA conformance, and friendly user interface. Some history available here.

SHS will be demonstrating the Lenz system and products integrated into our product line at all the shows we attend. We will also be testing, documenting and supporting all the Lenz products that fit in S. The documentation will all be available on this website. There is a wealth of information available on the Lenz website regarding the Lenz company and all their products.

Primer on Lenz DCC for S Scale
Lenz Quick Start
Lenz DCC Product Ordering Page

Updated 6/24/2006

Our products are models, intended for use by people at least 14 years old. They are not intended to be used as toys by children under 14 years old.
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