Dear readers,
Does anyone know a decent DCC system suitable for small ( but slowly expansing) N scale layout?
I’m sure that there are several.
Take a look at the new NCE PowerCab, among others.
Look through these forums. There have been a large number of threads debating the pro’s and con’s of the various systems. Whch system is best for you depends on what features are or aren’t important to you.
For example, some folks like the Bachmann and MRC offerings because they have a low initial cost. However, others (like myself) wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot-pole because of other attributes they have or don’t have. For example, the Bachmann makes you use “it’s” addresses instead of the decoder’s addresses. MRC has a bad track record when it comes to upgrading. And both of them lack a computer interface, which I think is essential (especially if your layout/roster is expanding).
Other folks like the offerings from companies who specialize in DCC, such as Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, and EasyDCC. Although the initial cost for their lower-end sets may be more than the Bachmann or MRC sets, that difference is more than made up by their additional abilities, especially when it comes to expansion and upgrading.
So read the forums, see what folks have to say, decide what’s important to you, and make a choice. But one thing I urge you not to do is get caught up in the manufacturer’s hype. Much of that hype is gee-whiz stuff that looks good on paper but has little relevence when you’re actually running trains on your layout. Read between the lines to see what the real story is.
HTH,
Steve
Braden,
For the money and the write up on it, I’d go with the NCE PowerCab. The PowerCab is a handheld command station, booster, and throttle all rolled up into one, with 1.7A of max. output. It should run 5-6 N-scale locomotives with no problem. The PowerCab can be upgraded to and used with the NCE PowerPro system as an additional throttle. For $140 at discount, it’s worth considering. Tony’s Train Exchange had a nice write up on it, on their web site.
Tom
Thanks.
Guess I’ll ask what “small” and “slowly expanding” (to what) mean. That would help define your needs.
Depending on the answer to those questions, your solutions might include:
Digitrax Zephyr
NCE PowerCab, or,
Prodigy Advanced
I’m sure I’m forgetting one or more that might fit the bill. But we need to know what you envision as your “end state” to know how much expansion might be in your future.
Stevert is 100 percent correct. Do some research. Check the manufacturers websites, check out retailers such as Loys, Litchfield Station and Tony’s Train Exchange. Check out the numerous threads here. Figure out what you need know and into the near future. Figure out what you don’t need but would like to have. Figure out what you don’t need. It may take some time, but time spent in objectively looking at the various systems out there is well worth it.
Check out Model Railroader’s new Information Station downloadable PDF Getting started with DCC
There’s a system comparison grid within that package that’s very helpful.
Erik