I am sort of new to model railroading. I had a small tyco set as a kid. I am 35 and want to get back into it. I have been reading about DCC and am probably going to get the Bachman DCC Digital Commander. I plan on building a 4x8 layout and setting it up in an extra room.
I don’t know much about the digital locomotives, except for what I have read on nmra and that you need a decoder and that they also come with sound. I know the EZ Command is 2-digit addressing and will plan on upgrading to 4-digit addressing down the road.
I have also been reading a little about the kadee couplers and have read various posts about the EZ couplers that come on the bachman train sets are no good.
Looking for more info on if the Bachman is a good starter set with the 2 locomotives or if I should get something different.
I hate “good” questions because good can mean so many different things.
I think for the price the Bachmann 2 loco set is probably just as good as any starter set. There are issues. As you pointed out the EZ-Command is only two digits. I don’t believe it can be upgraded. One has to basically replace it with another system to go to 4. But think about that. One really only needs 4 digit addressing if there are more than 99 locomotives. Are you planning on having that many? Seems we did just fine with even the old CTC-16 that could only do 16. 16 locos running on a layout simultaneously is a lot.
A different issue is the EZ-track. It is easy, but the selection of pieces is limited which limits the possible track plans. It is also EXPENSIVE. I might suggest to get the set, use the track for a test oval, but use Atlas / Peco / Walthers track for the real layout.
The other thing is that sound is not synonymous with DCC. It just seems that most people have discovered sound at the same time they discovered DCC. Plus there are many more options available for sound coupled with DCC these days than there ever were of either command control systems or sound systems in the past. Also plus, the price is so cheap today compared to what they used to be. A sound system used to cost $300 all by its lonesome back in the day, now one can get a much better unit WITH DCC included on the same circuit board for right around $100.
I’ve also seen sets by Athearn and Atlas that might be worth considering. I don’t think either of them come with DCC right out of the box. You might also consider just piecing a “set” together. That is often more expensive but you get more customized stuff for what you really want.
You have some good points. I don’t thinking the everyday hobbyist will be running 99 locos on a 4x8 layout. That is more for the big train shows and the people that use modular layouts and connect them together during shows. You also made a good point on track. The layout I want to do, I can do cheaply with atlas true-track. As far as couplers go, that is a good point too. I’ve seen locos that are dcc equipped and dcc ready. Seems it would be the same price either way. I don’t think I am going out to buy a $300 loco as my first loco. Would love to have sound later. I think for right now, I may get the Bachman set, gradually buy atlas track to replace the easy track with, then but a better dcc system as needed. Like you said, I can replace couplers for about $5-$6.
My recommendation is the Atlas trainmen set like this one http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Atlas-Trainman-HO-CSX-Train-Set-p/atl-0045.htm the engine can be upgraded to DCC, you get some track with it and DC controller and few cars to start with. Atlas makes good engines and a set similar is what got me started and I am still running that engine. The DC controller can be repurposed to power turnouts and lights when you expand your empire. Build a 4x8 oval to get a feel for how it all works and how much spaces is needed then if model railroading is your thing then spring for a NCE or Digitrax dcc system.
I have a basic dc set with a 36" circle. It is a life like with the hook horn couplers. Now, I’m wanting a bigger set, dcc, and knuckle couplers. The hook horn are alright, but not very realistic. DC is good, but I don’t really know how to block it off to run more than one train at a time.
I would recommend either the NCE or Digitrax or EasyDCC starter systems, instead of the Bachmann. For one, they are completely expandable. Expandabillity is the key, if you don’t want to have to start all over again when you find what you’ve got is inadequate for your needs. You’re only saving about $50 on the initial purchase. The starters sets that I mentioned are all less than $160. This is a case where going cheaper up front does not pay off. They’re also four digit, which is a better way to go as it allows you to use the whole loco number as the address. If you use a 2 digit you’re going to have to end up memorizing loco addresses once you get past the first 2 or 3 locos, with the 4 digit the address is whatever the loco number is. You can buy track from a number or different manufacturers and then buy the locos you want. I think you should do a little more research before you jump in the pond.
Your asking people to put aside their bias to recommend a system, not going to happen!
I have a Digitrax Zephyr and love the system, it is easy to work and you can add all the equipment you want, that Digitraz makes. I only have an opinion on my Digitrax system and no opinion on other’s equipment. Digitrax’s simple decoders are available for around $20.00. However, with the size layout you are considering, I would stay with DC Block Control, unless I knew I would eventually be expanding the layout. Starting with a DC system is a good way to start in the hobby, you get to understand all the basics and for the beginner is a reasonably priced way to start.
Please consider, that like myself, people will have a tendency to recommend the systems they decided upon. The decision may be based upon deep consideration of all the equipment available; or, maybe as simply as they liked the looks of the hand held throttle. Due diligence on your part, is your responsibility!
The EZCommand is definitely NOT just as good as any starter set. It can only address 10 locomotives, not 99. It cannot change any CVs except the address. It is not expandable. It cannot remotely control switches. It cannot control any functions above number 10.
There are several brands of starter sets that are much better. My personal preference is Digitrax, which is what I bought when I discarded my EZCommand.