Hi all, as you know I have been shopping for DCC systems, and have a limited budget. Basically I have narrowed down between Bachmann DCC and MRC PE. Which should I go for, $95 for PE or $60 for Bachmann? I will need to power about 3-4 HO locomotives eventually, no more than 5. Thanks for your help!
MRC
I think most will steer you away from the Bachman system only because it’s very basic, I hear mixed reviews on MRC( I kinda like this for the price and functions), so I’m not sure about that one yet. There is one more there talking about maybe someone will say it soon.
I just picked up the MRC PE system this past weekend. I had been eying it for a while, mainly for the price/features it has compared to other sets such as the Bachman or Atlas entry level systems. I like MRC’s handheld throttle in particular, very similar to the NCE throttles used in my club although theirs are wireless [:D]
I hooked mine up to cab b on my layout and left cab a hooked up to my tech ii 2400 so I can run dc locos until I convert the rest of my fleet later on. I have a total of 6 and run 3 at once on a regular basis. The MRC system has no issues with this.
I definately recomend the MRC system.
I would go with MRC. I’m not sure the bachmann system can handle that many locos. Also, unlike bachmann, MRC supports lighting effects and MUing.
I own an MRC system. I don’t care what (newer) system you get, MRC is the easiest to understand while still being very advanced and expandable.
Go with MRC.
Derrick
Where are you getting a MRC Prodigy Express for $95?
Among those two, get the PE for sure. More features and walkaround control make it a far better value than the Bachmann.
–Randy
Jordan,
Actually, though it’s pretty basic, the Bachmann will do MUing. It can also handle 2-3 newer locomotives but that’s about it with 1 amp.
Derrick,
I agree with Randy. If you are going to run that many locomotives at a time, the PE would be the more logical choice. It will also have more features, including a LCD display.
Tom
Get the MRC unit. It is more advanced and easier to understand. I run a PA and enjoy it.
If money is your greatest concern and you don’t mind a throw-away system on which to learn DCC, then the Bachmann system is okay to learn on.
For $95 the MRC system is better, but it’s not all that great. Like the Bachmann system, it’s basically a dead-end system with no future expansion options like a computer interface. If you don’t think you would ever use a computer interface, think again. With a computer interface you can literally program very complex decoder settings with a few clicks of a mouse on your PC.
If you don’t get the Bachmann system, but think you could afford the MRC system, I’d save up my money just a bit longer and get the $140 NCE PowerCab system. The extra $45 buys a ton more system with unlimited expansion capabilities later – including a computer interface.
Have you even given thought to a digitrax system ? http://www.litchfieldstation.com./ has the best prices I’ve found.
Tony’s Trains will be at the National Train Show this weekend in Philly, I’ll be picking up a Digitrax Zephyr for $150.
Must be nice when you can actually see feel and try what you buy [:I]
In my opinion, the Digitrax Zephyr’s powerpack form factor is getting rather dated.
For about the same money, you can get an NCE Powercab system, which has a walkaround command station form factor.
With programming on the main now a common feature of most decoders, having a handheld command station makes a lot of sense even in a starter system. This is why I think NCE’s really riding on the latest DCC trend curve with their starter system using a walkaround command station design.
The other starter system that’s getting pretty dated because of the powerpack form factor is EasyDCC. Back when the Zephyr and EasyDCC systems were first released, you used a stationary programming track to program decoders. But times have changed and there’s lots of advantages to being able to program on the main anywhere on your layout.
Only if you have a very small layout and never expect to go any larger does a powerpack form factor still work well. This, I believe, needs to be taken into account when considering a starter DCC system purchase.