I am a long time HO model railroader, I have latley been thinking about changing to DCC. I am leaning towards the MRC Prodigy Advanced, I know i will have to equip my locos with decoders and most of my good ones are DCC ready. I like the MRC because I have an MRC 20 walk around That I have used since day 1 of my railroading and I like it alot. But now the new tec stuff is neater.
I am just looking for opinions on any DCC system or input on the one I am looking to buy.
My recommendation is to buy a “good” system from the get. I cannot see buying a starter set that you will outgrow in 6 months. Buy a good one once and be done with it. I have used digitrax, NCE, and I own Lenz. Any of the premium systems are a good choice, and if you are wanting to use sound equipped engines like Broadway Limited, you are normally only able to take advantage of all of the bells and whistles, and other sounds from a good system. If you have a local model railroad club, you may want to see what they are using, and have them explain things and give you some “hands on”. IF you are interested in joining a local model railroad club, there are a lot of benefits of having the same system. You will have no learning curve to use “their” equipment, and you will be able to bring your own throttle to play.
Hi firechief811,
Since you have decided to make the switch to DCC, there must be some compelling reasons that you want to make this switch. Think about the type of operations that you run now and would like to run with a DCC system. For example, you may be interested in running locomotives in consists. What ever you want to do, investigate how well the systems that you are considering perform the functions neccessary. I have a particular interest in interfacing my PC to the DCC system. I use the decoder pro package for simlifying the programming of decoders. (See the current thread on DCC http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36389). If this capability interests you, the Prodigy Advance would not be your system as it does not have a PC interface. Perhaps if you list some of the needs and wants that you have, we can provide suggestions.
- Go for it.
- Buy as big a system as you can right off the bat. A high end system is no more difficult to operate or install than a beginner system, and when you do want do something fancy you have the capability.
- If you can afford to go to radio throttles with DCC, do that, they are wonderful. No blocks, no cords, just you and your train.
Dave H.
Maybe I should have asked if you all even think i should switch? I want to operate the layout…I usually run small trains with 1 loco or sometimes 2. It is a short line so small trains are what i run. I like to do some switching as I have 1 hidden staging yard and a newly installed 5 track yard on the layout. I have several businesses i switch out.
I have no plans now to use a computer interface. I like the sound aspect, and thought about using DCC to add sound to my locos and maybe run some lights and sound in the buildings in the town. I also have several tortious switch machines that I thought about using DCC to throw them. I like the walkaround throttle as I have an MRC 20 now. I can move it around the layout but it is small enough that I can operate it with a normal length cord. I don’t know what else to tell you… I just thought i would like it but I have no idea what benifits i would gane other than what I can read on the internet.
Absolutely! If you are thinking about making the move, make the move. DCC is so much better than DC. If you want to run the train instead of the track, use DCC. Even if you only want to run one or two locos (consist) DCC is easier to use. All the advice others have given is good advice! Have fun!
In a word, Yes. Go DCC. There is just so much more you can do, even switching small trains. You can have a friend help switch. You can change engines without ducking into a convient power block. And as you said, there’s sound.
Maybe, if it were me, it would be a yes, but perhaps not for you.
Based on what you have mentioned here, one of the starter sets will most likely meet your needs. You don’t plan on running a lot of locomotives at once, so you don’t need a system with a huge capacity to run trains. You mention throwing tortoise equipped switches and operating sound and lights in the city with DCC, this will require the installation of static decoders. You should make sure that the system you choose can control static decoders and throw switches. I am not sure if the Prodigy Advance has this capability, but would be suprised if it does not. There are some less expensive starter sets on the market, that would more than meet your needs. You could get a Digitrax Zephyr system for about $150 and add a basic UT throttle for walk around for $60 or the more sophisticated DT400 for $140.00. In either case, you would then also have the base station throttle as well for a 2nd user.
If the question is, “Should I switch to DCC?” the answer is YES. Once you’re up and running you’ll never look back! When I first installed my DCC system I used to sit by the layout and do saw-by meets again and again just because I could. Please keep us posted on your decision and your choice of systems, progress, etc.
Cheers,
Ed
firechief811,
I started out working in DC, but quickly decided to switch to DCC and I have never regretted it. You won’t even have to change any of your wiring to get it to work. If you have a small layout you can just turn all of your blocks on and plug in the Prodigy Advanced. The Prodigy Advanced may be listed as a starter system, but I own it, and I think it is extremely capable of handling a large layout as is. You may need to get extra boosters, but that is the same with all systems. It has the capability to handle all of the sound functions on my BLI, and I think it would be a great choice.
I will also agree DCC is the way to go. So many more realistic operations like lights and sounds that you can control. I have had a very good experience with my Zephyr, and you can add to the system as you expand.
Two words: Do it.
Tom
As if you need my added opinion by this point, yes to DCC, not so sure about your choice. Maybe take a step back and regroup before you send big bucks down the track.
I am using a Digitrax Super Empire Builder, one of their oldies, but goodies. It will take a while to catch on to its methods, but once you are ‘dialed-in’, you won’t regret it.
Our DCC guru, rrinker, indicated that he was awaiting his Super Empire Builder a while back, and I believe it arrived in mid-May. He might be able to assure you that he made the right choice by now.
Take it away, Randy!
Well I changed my mind - I just bought a DT400 throttle to use with my Zephyr. I made this decision after I ran EIGHT locos at the same time with the Zephyr. I figure I’m good on power for now. I just wanted a walkaround throttle, so I bought the DT400 and a couple of UP5’s to install around my layout.
Should I end up needing more power down the line, I can add just about anything - even a nice cheap used DB100a would work.
But at any rate, I do not regret my decision to go with Digitrax at all. I got in cheap enough with the Zephyr, and if/when I neeed/want more, I just add one as I go.
TO be honest, for your ONLY equipment I would NOT get the Super Empire Builder. The lack of CV readback alone is enough to stop me. My choice would be either the Zephyr or Super Chief. Both are far more cpable. I see the current position of the SEB as a good way to expand - you get the DB150, DT400, and UP5 for significantly less than the individual prices for the components. So if you need an extra booster and throttle, just buy a SEB, never buy the seperate components unless you really don’t need all of them.
–Randy
I use a cheap little bachmann dcc system for my 4x8 layout. Since it basiclt the WGH greatest layout it is perfect. I have recently baught a Zephyr system from digitrax because I have decided to expand my layout in a small room. I am a member of a local HO club, and we use Digitraxx and I have to say hat I would never use DC again. No matter what size of system you use, DCC is now the only way to Higbhball down the pike.