Well, not quite a year, but quite a few months lol. Your words are flattering, but none of my research would have been possible without all the fantastic input from people here - you, Randy, Joe Fugate and a bunch of others. I very much enjoyed reading what other folks thought of their systems - especially when discussiong the limitations of their systems. Although never in my “final cut” I did very much appreciate your frank discussions of the Bachmann system, your approach to learning DCC and why you then went with the NCE. While wireless control was never important to me, it appears that MRC is coming out with some sort of wireless ability for the PA/PE. Although I doubt I will go the wireless route, I do think it would be intersting to see how it works.
Certainly there is someone closer than a tank full of gas who has a layout using DCC. Most modellers are more than happy to help other modellers with questions such as yours. You might even find someone who would welcome help in operating sessions. Call that local hobby shop that you know of and ask about area model railroaders.
If MRC is in fact adding wireless capability to PA/PE that would pretty much make their system full-featured except for the computer interface. As long as MRC doesn’t pull another backward compatibility issue, they may significantly improve their DCC market share yet. If they added a computer interface as well they’d be right up there with the big names. Starting to get tempted again as I still use my DC…
in your profile - look under the section for your avatar. You have to have the picture uploaded to a hosting site (photobucket, railimages, etc) and then put its url into the “location” box.
I agree but I already asked the one LHS. No go. I feel I am in a Modeling void!
I checked again on the yellow pages in Yahoo and another LHS came up. I’m going to check on them today. I’ve called and they also only sell Digitrax but haven’t personally used a DCC system. They also do not have a layout at the store. When I get there I’ll ask about any clubs near by. The next big area to the south is Jackson, MS. and to the East is Nashville…both 3-1/2 hours away. St. Louis is 4 hours to the north. I would have thought there would have been a bigger presence in the Memphis area though.
I have found there is a really big following of RC in this area. Maybe that’s what everyone is in to in this area.
RC is getting big everywhere including Iowa and Illinois. Only the true train stores carry any DCC at all. Some hobby stores that were exclusive to trains have now gone RC, probably just to stay alive. I wonder in 10 years if there will be brick and mortar train shops? I see the writing on the wall.
I stopped by my LHS yesterday for a bulk pack of KD #5s, which he assured me a month ago that he would have more in a week. None, he forgot to order them.
When I purchased my DCC system five years ago, he also told me that he was going to become a Digitrax DCC dealer. No Digitrax but he still has three MRC2000 sitting in the display case. He does not sell any decoders or other DCC accessories. I would like to support my LHS but you can see why I buy from Internet suppliers.
I went to the second LHS in Memphis. No go. He has one Digitrax Zephyr for $199. I asked if he knew of a club nearby. He said he knows of one but doesn’t know where or when they meet, and told me the next time one of the guys shows up he’d ask.
I asked him about DCC and he stated that those that come in to purchase are mostly all still running DC. He thinks there might be one person who runs DCC.
That confirmed my suspicions…kinda slim down south. I did see a reply to one of my posts though a few weeks back from someone that lives an hour north of Memphis. That would put me a couple hours away. Maybe I can hook up with him sometime.
To put things in the proper perspective, let me say that I have a Digitrax Zephyr and I am very happy with it. I have had no trouble with it since I received it a a gift 5-years ago. It has powered as many as 6 sound equipped locos at once. And with the ‘jump’ ports, you have the option of cheap additional throttles. It is worth a serious look.
Now to the gist of the discussion. If you have done your research and know what you want, or need in a DCC system you can’t go wrong with a Zephyr. I have seen them on several of the DCC specialty sites for about $150.
If you get the opportunity, go to a few train shows in your area. Talk to the layout operators and the vendors. Many of them will allow you to try the various equipment. It is a good way to get a feel for the real thing, rather than the propaganda the manufacturers put out. Check the listing of Coming Events on the MRR Magazine home page for times and places.
Below are three links to sites you might want to visit. They all have ‘comparison’ pages of the various DCC systems, by price, features, reliability etc. All of them will answer your questions via e-mail or telephone. Don’t be bashful. Check them out.
