Hi…
Just a quick question… I plan on building a shelf layout soon and want to know what a good DCC setup would be. Loco’s, signaling, etc.
Thanks in advance!
Andy,
[#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
How big is your shelf layout gonna be? How many locomotives do you plan on running/operating at a time? Also, what scale will you be modeling in?
Generally speaking, a small shelf layout wouldn’t require a DCC system with a lot of power. So you shouldn’t really need anything with more than 3 amps. However, since you want to add signaling to it, that adds a new wrinkle to the equation.
I know that Digitrax and NCE will allow you the capabilities of using signals on your layout. Certain models will also allow you to control them by computer via a computer port - e.g. RS-232 or USB. This is usually an extra add-on on most DCC systems.
I’ll put in a good word about the NCE Power Cab. It’s a very nice and intuitive starter DCC system and it will control signalling. However, it doesn’t have a computer port yet. The USB prototype is currently being tested and will, hopefully, be released in the near future. The NCE Powerhouse Pro is/can be outfitted with an RS-232 port. I believe all the Digitrax models (Zephyr, Empire Builder, and Super Chief) can be outfitted with a port.
Andy, if you’re interested in reading more about the Power Cab, here’s an initial review I wrote on it, after it first came out in February 2006. Hope that helps…
Tom
Depending On how much your going to have I have a MRC Prodigy Express for a roughly 10x10 layout and it can run up to 7 engines, no sound though. I never had any problems it was my first DCC system ever purchased. It’s a great beginner system and you can always upgrade it too more power when time comes. One thing though the cable that connects the Cab to the system that comes with it is JUNK! when I first got it i kept trying to program a engine and It wouldn’t and I wasn’t sure why… I almost returned it. Then I thought it could be the cable so I just got a old ethernet cord, have a bunch of thoose, and connected it as a subsitute. And it worked 
Good luck with your layout.
Welcome to the forum. When I got into DCC I wanted just a little unit for my small layout. However, I had no idea how fun DCC was, with sound and many engines and many opperators. And then I discovered radio, best toy in the train room.
My advice, get one that can be upgraded to walk around radio (not IR) without losing a lot of money.
By the way, I went Digitrax because that is what people have around here. When I get all my grandchildren each running their own train with their own throttle, it is a blast.
Thanks guys,
I’ll be checking out my hobby shop today and see what they stock. I appreciate the tips on expandability via wireless and computer interfacing. Once I get it home and get it going if I have any questions I’ll post them.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!