MRC'S DCC

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, can someone tell me about MRC’s Dcc command 2000 system. I’m looking to make the move to Dcc and I just got my Micro Mart summer blow out catalog and this system is advertised for $99.95. Is this a good price, how is this system to use, it says it can run 10 locomotives but the walkaround throtle can only run 4 of the 10, is that just at one time? Command 2000 - $100 Walkaround 2000 throtle - $26, Power supply - $30, HO decoder - $19, N scale decoder - $30. Just what am I getting for my money. Thank you Jamie Macko Clev. OH

2

I thank everyone for there responce to my question and I will be looking into the Digitrax system for that seems to be the one that most users I talk to and have heard from in this forum are using thank you all again. Jamie

3

Hi Jamie,

We reviewed the MRC Command 2000 DCC system in our February 1997 issue, and the walkaround controller in the June '97 MODEL RAILROADER. You might also want to try http://www.tttrains.com/mrc/index.html, MRC’s Web site for the Command 2000.

Best wishes,

Andy Sperandeo
Editor
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

4

My experience with DCC is limited only to MRC Command 2000, so take this for what it’s worth!

I have owned it for about 4 years now. It worked as advertised - easy installation, easy operation, (my 4 year old son was operating it), relatively inexpensive. I also have the walk around throttle - again, easy installation and operation.

Not sure about the limits on numbers of concurrent locos as I only run 2 right now (1 on my walkaround and 1 on the console).

I also had to return it last year for service - their customer service was excellent.

5

James,
You should look at Atlas, Digitak, and Easy Dcc systems. Our club and several club members use the Easy system. It is easy and will run more locs than most of own as will the other two systems listed. Do not limit yourself to NO growth with the MRC system. I know price is a big factor, but spend the extra money.
Ron

6

Thanks guys for the info. I will check the reviev like Andy said. Cost is a big factor for me at the moment and I do understand the idea of expandability, that is why I’m asking the questions to the guys with the knowledge and experiance. This is for a medium size layout the is still evolving. There is an expantion pack available so that 20 engines can be run off this system, so it does sound expendable. Can more of you guys tell me of your experiance, knowledge, likes and dislikes of the MRC system. thanks Jamie Macko

7

Jamie -

Don’t think that the advanced DCC systems are ONLY for controlling more locos. Those extra “functions” also control things like Soundtraxx sound systems. Controlling sounds from your loco is fantastic, and the reason I chose to save my money for a Digitrax “Emprie Builder” instead of getting the cheaper MRC or Atlas systems.

Speaking of money, be sure to check out some of the on-line DCC dealers. One of the biggest is Tony’s Train Exchange:

http://ttx-dcc.com/

You may find that that advanced DCC system isn’t as far out of reach as you think!

Good luck !

  • George
8

Thanks George, I appriciate the feed back. I haven’t checked into DCC much yet as I am Just getting back into the mobby after about 15 years off. Everyone out here has something to learn and something to teach. My how are newer forms of communicating make the knowledge pool so vast. thanks again for the advice, Jamie

9

Jamie,

As for the price in the MicroMark catalog, it’s about right for the current street value. I’ve also owned this system for about 4 years now. I found it too limiting for me, as I’m build a 10 ft by 20 ft HO layout. The walkaround unit hasn’t held up to my expectations, as you can’t control any of the 10 loco that you wish. It can only control 4 of the 10 possible addresses. Given the size of my layout, and its design for multiple roaming operators, I found this system too limiting. I’ve made the move to Digitrax this year, as this system seems to have the features that I’m looking for.

AS for their decoders, I’ve used them successfully. Although they only have a couple of functions available, they have worked for me. The price is similar to other decoders on the market, some will have more functionality the these will.

The 5 Amp power supply is reasonably priced, as is the auto reverse unit.

I agree with the above reply, don’t restrict your growth path. THe system is fine for single roaming users with only a couple of active locos, but a medium sized layout will exceed this systems designed capacity quickly.

Paul