Well I’ve been out of model railroading for about 10 years. Now I have a good flow of “play” money and have deciced to built a new N-scale layout and do it right. As of right now I only have two questions
I’m going to a DCC layout. The Digitrax Zephyr Digitrax Command Control looks to be a pretty good system for Introductionin DCC. So is that idea a thumbs up or down?
Thinking about using Atlas True-Track or should I just stick with Atlas code 55 and do my own roadbedding?
Digitrax’s Zephyr is an excellent starting system. it has pretty much everything you need in one convient box. Also, it is easily expandable. Nice price too.
I’d stick with plan old flex track and turnouts. If you lay your own roadbed, you can ballast it in any sort of way, which makes it closer to the real thing.
NCE PowerCab is another good choice of more recent design.
You can’t go wrong with Digitrax, nor the NCE PowerCab as cuyama alluded too. Both are right out of the box plug 'n play systems that are also fully expandable. If I were you, I would stick to the tried and true method of flex track and roadbed. I think hand ballasted track just looks more realistic than any type of integrated roadbed. It may take more time, but I think you will be more happy with the result.
i agree with indiana rr that you cant go wrong with either system. me personally i think the nce is less confusing and easier to work with, but htis is just my opinion and i had worked with both systems. me personally i would go with the flex track and ballast as it shows your craftsmanship and skills of the hobby in the track laying aspect. also you will be pleased a little more once you see the final product of the layed track and know that you have done it all.
Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.
T G 3.
As has been said above, Either of the above will suit you. I have the NCE Power Cab and it is literally “Plug 'N Play”.
1) Plug in wall wart.
2) Plug lead from wall wart into facia mounted plate.
3) Connect your 2 power buss leads to back of facia plate.
4) Plug in DCC hand held controller to front of facia plate.
5) Run trains.
It is literally that easy. (NOTE. In actual fact, you should do steps #1 & #2 last.)
As for track, definitely go with cork roadbed and Flex track. It looks much more realistic to my eye. Just be sure to sand the roadbed smooth before you put your track down and make sure that your straights are straight and your curves are smooth with NO KINKS.
Good luck.
You should use whatever floats your boat.
I use Digitrax and a combination of Sectional track, flex track, and Atlas switches on Woodland Scenics foam roadbed.
I just made the decade-later “jump back in” myself! I am working on a small layout, a 2" foam base and cork roadbed under Atlas track and switches. I have a soft spot for old N scale stuff in my collection & heart, therefore I had to stick with the big-rail stuff, no code 55 for me. Otherwiee my older rolling stock and locos would jumpoff eevry switch, while my Atlas/Kato/Intermountain stuff rolled gently by… making my antique Minitrix stuff jealous 
I am very happy with the results and the only thing I would do differently next time is to superelevate my curves and spend more care-time not melting end-ties while soldering my flex-track together! Welcome back
I don’t like the pre-made road bed. They do not make enough shapes and sizes to truly get the track plan one wants. I would stick with good old flex track. While I have never used the new Atlas track (been out of N-scale for more than a few years), the Peco turnouts were a much better quality than the Atlas.