I’m new to the hobby after many years. I found a great deal on a complete Grand Valley set and figured it would be the easiest way to get back into it, so I purchased the set. The question is how to power it? I don’t think I will be able to run multiple trains on a 4x8 layout, but it would be nice to be able to run one while the others are parked. I thought maybe the basic EZ Controller would be the answer, but after reading the past articles on Bachmann products, I’m not sure. I then thought that a step up to the Prodigy Express would be the next best answer. I went to one of the local hobby shops to get some more advice. In there mind the only conroller in the world to buy is the Digitrax, which seems to be way overkill for my layout. He also didn’t have anything good to say about the other controllers, or the Grand Valley layout I purchased. WHAT TO DO??
I’ve seen to many complaints about the EZ command. According to the guy at my LHS, the Prodigy is a good system, he is really impressed with it, and he has experience on both MRC and Digitrax. I personally am going to agree with your guy though. I think Digitrax is a step above the rest, and that they are most definitely worth it. It is easy to upgrade, so when you buy it, and get the more cut-down system, thinking it’s all you’ll ever need, and change your mind later–all you have to do is upgrade one or two components.
That’s my 2 cents worth anyway.
Greg
Hi,
I have a Bachmann EZ DCC unit available cheap if you’re interested 
Started there (layout is also a 4x8) and went very rapidly to a Digitrax Zephyr for reasons too many to list here - Trust me!.. This has now expanded to include a DT400R radio throttle (the only way to go IMCO) and an SE8C for signalling etc etc.
My advice would be to bite the bullet and go Digitrax (or maybe Lenz, but I don’t know their kit.)
As usual, ymmv,
Ian
Hello Cjep,
Being a model Railroader since the late 60’s In my opinion DCC is the greatest thing since sliced bread Some of my first 4’ x 8’ layouts used the block system allowing me to run two different engines independently, yes you can keep two operators busy even on a 4’ x 8’ layout. I then graduated to the CTC16 system with some problems but saw the advantage over the block system. Now that I’ve jumped both feet first into DCC I’ve never looked back and it’s going on 10 years of DCC without any major problems. Since DCC can be a rather large investment, you may have an advantage since you are starting out with a small layout. I would suggest picking up a copy of the December 2005 issue of Model Railroader and reading the article on page 74.
My first DCC system was from MRC and was very well suited for my small layout. I’ve since moved to a larger layout and upgraded to a more advanced DCC system. In closing I would suggest that you should give serious consideration to purchasing a starter DCC system. I would also suggest you try and find another hobby shop that has a wider selection of DCC products. If another hobby shop is not available in your area, I would recomend checking out Tony’s Trains Exchange at www.tonystrains.com
Take care,
Rich S.
Thanks for the info guys. I do agree the Digitrax system seems to have more functions than the others, but do I realy need it on a 4x8. I don’t mind spending a little more for a system, but the Digitrax basic sytem at the local shop is 249.00 Canadian, I can buy 2 prodigy express on E-bay and ship them up here for that much? Is the Digitrax that much better??
Cjep, I just shot over to the Woodland Scenics web site to take a look at the Grand Valley layout. It looks like a long single track main loop weaving into the figure 8 with a spur and 2 small sidings. From an operation point of view, you will be able to run a train on the main and have another or two sitting in the siding. With a DC powerpack you would be able to isolate the sidings and then switch the power to the sidings as need. This will allow you to park the locomotives in the sidings without them moving. DCC would give you a little more operational realism. You would be able to let the one train run on the main, while you are perhaps switching around on the spur.
You can get a decent MRC DC powerpack for $40.00
The EZ DCC for about $75.00
The Digitrax Zephyr for about $160.00
So there is quite a jump to give you movement on the spur simultansously with main line running. The choice is yours, but I think I would be tempted to go with a DC pack for now. Pick up a used one cheap off e-bay, there are usually hundereds of them. Then if the bug really bites go for DCC.
I’ve got the Bachmann DCC and it is very good for what it is. For less than $100 with loco it’s amazing. If you want to get your feet wet with DCC I recommend it. I’ve seen the DCC onboard Bachmann locos for $25 and they are ok too. Nothing fancy but good for the money. If you just want to run a few train there you go. I have a 9x13 layout and mine has worked just fine with 3 engines running most the time. I’ve seen it running BLI’s with sound. For the guy that wants to run a few trains on a small layout you don’t need to spend $180 for the Zepher, plus the decoders at $15 or more a pop, then the engines they go into. Not everyone is diehard prototypical model building railroader and you don’t have to go hogwild. Some people get into a hobby for a while and lose interest. Look at all the Casio keyboards under beds.
RMax1
If money is tight, then it is a good start and you can upgrade later. We all advance in the hobby, usually by acquiring more locos, more train cars for them to pull (means more power needed than the EZ-Command offers by itself). The EZ-Command will soon offer a booster to run more locos, but now you are adding to the original cost, and getting close to where the Prodigy and Zephyr are priced…and you STILL can’t program the CV’s that make your DCC locomotives come alive…in my opinion.
Once again, an OKAY start, but you will want to upgrade before very long, maybe a year.
I’m not sure if you’ve seen this, but this is a guy who is in a similar situation and is looking at the same thing.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=54312
cjep,
Well…looks like Phillip beat me to the punch:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=54312
cjep, the above thread may help you understand what the Bachmann can and can’t do for you. In your situation, I think it would work for you just fine. You can find the E-Z Command for substantial discounts. Saw one in my LHS for $50.
Not only does the Digitrax (Zephyr) give you more amps than the Bachmann (2.5 vs. 1-amp), it also allows for expandability and the option of using up to two (2) DC power packs for additional throttles. The Zephyr also allows you the option of hooking it up to a computer for CV storage or using it to run a signal system.
Tom
Check out Tonys Train Exchange. They have a side by side comparison list of all makes. See what fits your needs. He also has good prices on all his DCC stuff.[:)]
I paid $219 canadian for my zephyr , so your LHS is a little high . also note that the prodigy express has a number of limitations even compared to MRC’s other unit , the prodigy advance . good news is that you can upgrade the PE to PA capability if you find yourself needing the extra features . it will end up costing more than the zephyr , but you’ll have 2 throttles .
if you look at the PA vs the zephyr the PA is slightly more expensive , but it does give you that nice walk-around throttle . but neither of the MRC units have the option of a computer interface
see , isn’t this easy ? [:D]
by the way . i decided on the zephyr because of the computer interface option , i want to be able to use decoder-pro to set up my decoders and save the settings incase i need to reprogram or program a new decoder with the same settings . also i’m keeping the possibility of having the computer run one train while i run another , but that’s a whole different can of worms !
cjep,
Spend a couple of hours and go through some threads here. You’ll see the pros and cons of nearly every system discussed.
I have a digitrax zephyr on my layout which I expanded with a few throttle panels and a few throttles. I have never used up all of the 2.5 amps available even when running 8 locos (1 has sound). I think the zephyr is perfect for small/medium layouts. I have had it for 2 years and havent come across anything I cannot do with it. So my vote is for the zephyr.
Concerning MRC, everyone agrees that MRC decoders are awful. But the opinions on MRC command stations vary. I have used all of the major manufacturer’s command stations and here is what I have gathered about MRC.
Prodigy: Very simple system, very limited, but it seems to function like its supposed to. This is old technology and it was very basic even when it came out. Not a good choice in my opinion.
Prodigy Advance: MRC’s full-featured system. Claims to do what the big boys do but is plagued with problems. Try anything even remotely advanced or complicated (even consists sometimes) and the system will “get confused” and start doing wierd stuff. Again not a good choice in my opinion.
Prodigy Express: MRC’s middle-of-the-road system. Not as many features as the PA, but more than prodigy. I actually havent used this one, but drawing conclusions from past experience and conversations at the LHS it has the same problems as the PA. Again a bad choice.
So clearly Im no fan of MRC. Digitrax is what Im most familiar with and therefore my favorite, however Lenz, NCE, and EasyDCC are also good. Lenz makes a system comperable to zephyr. EasyDCC is a great system with advanced wireless capability, but its expensive. EasyDCC is used mainly on large layouts that need those features.
The only thing I’d like to add to the above advice is not really advice at all, and that is… if you think you’re going to really get into the hobby, going dcc all the way, then the Zephyr isn’t all that expensive in the long run. If you think you’ll never expand your 4x8 layout then going dc and using the block method will be ok. My bet is you’re going to expand one day to a much larger layout.
Jarrell
See my post in the General section on how much power you need - the other night I had FOUR sound locos runnng on my Zephyr (ok, well one is just a sound decoder that was clipped to the rails, since I haven’t completed the installation yet as I need to buy some bigger speakers) PLUS two non-sound locos.
SO if your layout will only have 1-3 operators, you may never need to expand the Zephyr other than adding some handheld throttles. Plan to get big, eventually, as I do, support 5+ operators, etc, then you will probably need to expand. But until then, the Zephyr works great. If you are converting an existing large layout, then don’t start with a ‘starter’ system.
–Randy