Good evening rail fans. I am looking into changing to DCC and I’m trying to locate, either online or otherwise, reviews/information on the many different systems and prices. Any ideas anyone?
Run, don’t walk, to Tony’s Train Exchange and start by reading his “DCC For Beginners” tutorial and then look at his comparison matrix.
Ditto Tony’s. And, once you’ve digested some of that info, do not hesitate to call them. They are great at even-handed advice, and since they handle just about everything DCC, there’s probably nobody who knows the whole field any better.
There are about a zillion threads here full of opinions – this one is better than that one, etc. Posted mostly by people talking about what they have and are comfy with, but know little (if that) about other systems.
Most of the systems are “good” – they do as advertised (if not, they’d be sued out of business!). You’ll need to decide first, roughly how big a system you will (eventually) want. You might want to start with a relatively small, inexpensive “starter” set; if so, note that some are easily expanded, some not.
Other than that, probably the biggest factor is which one operates in a way that seems natural . . . to YOU, not necessarily to me or anybody else. If there’s a club in your area, start there. No doubt some of the members have systems they’ll demo for you, and probably let you use.
Do the research, and take your time.
If you can, go to a train shop and take a look at the various hand-held throttles. After all, this is what will be in your hand, and it’s what you’ll use to control the trains. A lot of this is a matter of personal preference. Do you like a big analog dial, or pushbuttons? Do you like lots of small buttons, or fewer big ones?
The good news is that pretty much all of the DCC systems are really very, very good. The decoders (the part that goes in your locomotives) are all interchangeable, so you can run TCS decoders on Lenz systems, or NCE decoders on Digitrax.
There was a thread running here a while back asking if anyone had bought a DCC system and then gone back to DC. Nobody answered. Once you try DCC, you’ll find that you really like running the trains instead of the track. Welcome to the future.
Jon,
Chuck, Jim, and Bruce have given you some well-seasoned advice on DCC. I won’t repeat what they have already said.
Jon, since you mentioned that you are specifically looking for reviews on DCC systems, here’s a link to a thread that I wrote on the NCE Power Cab a few months ago: [Edited: Forgotten link [:I]]
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=59491
It contains my first impressions of the Power Cab, as well as questions, comments, inquiries and issues with it. I think it’s a fair assessment and trust it will help you in your decision making processes on a DCC system.
As Jim pointed out, the one important thing about choosing a DCC system is finding out which one is right for YOU and what will best fit YOUR needs. All systems have their pros and cons. You need to figure out what quirks of each system you can live with and what features you can’t live without.
Jon, keep reading all you can and keep askin’ questions. [:)]
Tom
I went DCC a month ago. CONCLUSIONS:
- I love it. Easier than I thought.
- Choose something that people around you can talk to you about. Most of the systems work, but it is nice to see the same system in other places in your area.
- Get all the system you can afford. It costs extra to add it later. Example, I wish I had bought radio in the first place.
- Cheapest will probably cost you the most.
Have fun, you will love it. I waited 50 years, should have jumped sooner.
I concur with Tom on this but would add not only to look at your current needs but your future needs. It is possible to outgrow a system or find yourself wanting features that you can’t have without a total upgrade. I thought a long time on this subject and decided to spring for the Super Chief Radio system. Yes, it is pricey but not when you look at it over a 10 year period. I didn’t “Need” it today but I “wanted” it because of the features I would grrow into over time. The same thing will be true when planning boosters. You may only need one the first day but don’t let that trick you into wiring your layout as one big block. Today we have sound locomotives that draw more pwoer. Who knows about tomorrow, probably more video and multimedia stuff. No doubt it will require more power.
In the end, don’t be afraid to take the plunge. My only regret is waiting as long as I did.
Thanks everyone for all your valuable input to my question. I will read, research, and analyze all I can find before I jump. Again, thanks and have a great day railroading.
Jon,
Oops! [:I] Just realized that I forgot to add the link to my NCE thread that I told you about:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=59491
Sorry about that. Hope you find it helpful.
Tom
MisterBeasley is giving you good advice. I hope you’re near a hobby shop where you can ask a lot of questions and touch and play with several systems. Maybe there’s a local train club that you can visit and ask question or train shows.
You will find a lot of personal bias but if you read, listen, check internet sites and study this subject the best you can you will finally settle on what’s best for you. The clincher for me was a local hobby shop that had the expertise in the system that I went with. It’s kind of like buying a car. There are lots of good ones out there but there is usually one that’s best for each of us considering all factors. Take your time, don’t hurry, you will be using your selected system for a long time.
Jerry
Another very good source of info is Bruce at Litchfield Station.
I’m switching to DCC next week. After quite a bit of research I’m going with a radio cheif for my HO layout. I don’t want to expand or upgrade other than decoaders with sound. This system should take care of my needs for a long time. I’m buying from Bruce at Litchfield station. He’s very knowledgeable, doesent talk down to you when he explains in detail, over all it’s been a pleasure picking his brain. And his prices are as good if not better than most I shopped with.