Big Bear DCC

If you are a railway aficionado and would like to see what it is like to control trains, routes, signals, and every single other aspect related to this environment, resorting to a dedicated software solution might prove both fun and educational.

Big Bear DCC is a piece of software whose purpose is to offer assistance in this regard, letting you design realistic layouts you can resort to in order to operate various events taking place within your simulation.

First of all, it should be pointed out that installing the software utility is nothing to worry about, with the process being uneventful. As for the user interface it prompts you with, in spite of the fact that the program exploits a niche, it manages to remain approachable, with valuable pieces of documentation being inserted here and there for an overall untroublesome experience.

The software utility enables you to operate multiple locomotives and trains for which you can simulate as many routes as you want. The “Design” tab is where you need to go in order to create your track diagram. DCC signals, straights and curves, and many other active items can be added to your scenario for a realistic feel.

Different scenarios can be simulated for your layout, with the “Magic Routing” features letting you find routes automatically, which, it need be said, can be saved for subsequent use.

Handling your fleet is possible if you turn to the “Configure” menu. Coming up with details such as names, codes, and DCC addresses for your locomotives is something you need to do in order to start driving them. Support for lighting and sound effects is offered as well.

On an ending note, Big Bear DCC is a full-featured piece of software that works as a capable DCC controller. Locomotives, trains, routes, turnouts, signals, and more can be easily managed, with the program’s modus operandi being intuitive enough for the average user, especially given the documentation integrated into the GUI.