I have decided, I will be using DCC first off when I build my layout. Digitrax Zephyer starter set to be exact. Anyone wanna give me some tips on which decoders to buy?
I’m going to use DCC first thing off once I build a layout. I too will use th Digitrax Zephyr. (Nice name for a throttle controlling Burlington trains!)
Dunno about the decodors but you can go to:
www.digitrax.com
www.soundtraxx.com
www.ttx-dcc.com
Lenz
Train Control Systems T1 decoders are good, as are Digitrax, Lenz, and North Coast Engineering. I avoid MRC decoders like the plague because five out of six of their early decoders were bad, and I will never touch another one of their DCC decoders or systems.
Also note that Tony’s Train Exchange has changed its Web address. Instead of ttx-dcc as listed by cjm89, it is www.tonystrains.com
What kind of locos are you putting decoders in?? Steam? Diesel (F,E,GP,SD???)
How much do you want to spend on decoders?
Digitrax makes some real nice decoders as well. So do NCE, I have never used Lenz but I’ve never heard anything bad about them.
I have a Zephyr unit on my layout. I have only installed Digitrax DH 123Ds in my locos. I have limited my needs to head and back-up lights. I solder well and find converting Athearns with this decoder a very simple installation. If you want ditch lights or sound or more stuff, you need a more advanced decoder. I have installed DH123Ds in 13 locos so far and installation is pretty straight forward. My email address is below, if I can be of more assistance.
I use DH163s meet all of my SP headlight package neeeds. I usually tear out the light board to conserve space, even if it has a plug on it.
Oh drat and i thought he’d finally decided to model a real Road, like SP [:D]
Jay
Jay,
Why would he want to run a Second Place road, shouldn’t he be modeling Always Triumphant & Superiorly Facile? [swg]
Just joking with ya… I have an SP Daylight I plan to run when my layout is complete.
JonBoy, (first 3 letters of your name, last 3 letters of your handle)
IMHO you made good choices, 1. start with DCC and 2. the Zephyr. I did the same, decided to go DCC first off and will go with the Zephyr. Although I put a Chrysler Hemi in a Ford “Tall T” once, I wouldn’t put a Ford motor in a Chevy so I plan to stay pure Digitrax.
Snake, how about modeling the Best National Shipper of Freight?[:D][;)]
It was worth a try.
I’m not into Southwestern roads, but since I model the Q I might also model two of its biggest interchange partners, the Santa Fe and Great Northern.
Some more DCC websites for 4884bigboy:
www.ncedcc.com
www.johnshobbies.com
www.cvpusa.com
Kalmbach publishes a DCC book, as does Digitrax.
LOL
now that’s good, I’d rather run a Supirior Paintjob road than a Utter Puke road.
yea that daylight scheme just draws you to it, there’s nothing like seeing that run.
Jay
Actually guys, modeling the RR of Ultimate Power will be great fun. I also plan to have SP, ATSF, Rio Grande, WP, and maybe even the Q. It’ll be western RRing at its greatest![:D]
No, its Utterly Pathetic, Billing America, Dependable Greed, and We Will Collect![;)]
There’s nothing like modeling the road of Classy, Beautiful & Quality passenger and freight trains, 4884bigboy.[yeah][swg]
If you model the Rio Grande, your layout will beDangerous & Rapidly Growing Worse.(just kidding, by the way.)[:D][:p]
Cool Rail is better.
Yep, I have to agree! I use these same Digitrax decoders and the lights package works just great! See the video clip taken on my layout here … http://my-memoirs.com/preview.asp
Joe- I always keep in check with your website because it has very good content and great photos. I love the way you have captured the Oregon scenery and the Southern Pacific feel of the 1980’s. In the coming months, I will be looking at your site a lot for inspiration to build my Oregon branch module. Unfortunately, I need to decide on a town that has a variety of industries and operational potential. I was thinking of Corvallis or Mcminville for basic thoughts. Have any Ideas for a 2x10 area with room for staging?