What brand do you recomend on using to make a beginner’s ho scale layout for two trains? what brand and what items do you think i need for a dcc laout no bigger than 4x8 what exact items will i need? and also can some post a link of a good site that sells it at a low price?
[#offtopic]I wish i had a local hobby dealer near me![#offtopic]
thx so much in advance
Do some research by reading the “DCC For Beginners” item on Tony’s Train Exchange’s Web site at http://www.tonystrains.com
This question is asked at least every week on this forum and the answer is never the same because what people are going to recommend based on what they use may not be right for you. Learn more about DCC and then make your own decision.
Personally, I would avoid the really cheap systems such as Bachmann or Atlas, and go with something better. For a small home layout, consider something along the lines of the MRC Prodigy Advance or Digitrax. Even though these systems do more than you currently need, the extra features are there if you ever expand your layout.
What brand do the people around you use. Several brands seem ok, but if you have a different brand than the people you can talk to, you may be frustrated. I have Digitrax, and the reason is all my friends do.
I bought SuperChief to get its power. I was told to stay away from Empire Builder. For you the small one will be enough if price is the issue. Also seriously consider if the cord will be a problem. It is hard to walk around a 4x8 with a cord. The IR on the ceiling may be more fun.
thx guys ill do that
Check out Loy’s Toys also (www.loystoys.com). He has some pretty good online tuorials to help you decide what you want based on cost, layout size and type, etc.
computerwiz77,
Along with the DCC systems already mentioned, NCE just came out with their new Power Cab: A throttle, booster, and command station all rolled up into one. It’s a starter DCC system that works great on my 4 x 8, and could handle larger. I find the button arrangement very intuitive.
The link below is a thread of my initial impressions of the Power Cab, as well as questions, comments, and issues:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=59491
Hope you find that helpful somehow.
Tom
I have an MRC Prodigy Advance that I was first drawn to by price and simplicity and I have had good luck with it. I have listened to all the comments and it seemed that most disliked it. I have also found out that most of the quirks that I had in the system were more me than the system ( a little knowledge goes a long way ). I have an 11 x 16 layout, with plenty of switching and probably 1/10 the feeders most guys have and everything seems to run fine. Hope this helps.
If you want some information overload, here are a couple threads…
First, and I think more important, How to pick the best throttle and what’s the difference between them…
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=49460
Second, What’s the best DCC system, based mostly on consisting (running of more than one loco in a train) ease.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=1&TOPIC_ID=49375
That said, I’ll throw out my vote for Digitrax. I run the Chief system with a wired throttle. It’s probably overkill for a 4x8, the Genesis may be better for you. There are a LOT of factors that may go into picking the best system, no two are exactly alike. Some have features others lack and what is best for you is strictly a personal choice. Just be aware that your preferences may change.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve read on these forums is if you can find a club or local operators running DCC, look them up, get yourself (politely) invited, and try it out for yourself. Put a shout out here on the forum (you only need be general about the location). You never know, your next door neighbor may be a train nut [:D]
Good luck…
Nice comments from rolleiman.
OK, so there’s been a lot of threads in the past, but you’re at this point now aren’t you? Not back when.
It took me ages to decide. The whole DCC thing is about doing a fair amount of research. List out what you need. Ask what you want for future expansion. Do you want consisting, do you want to expand into computer control and accessory control? What do you want? List out what you want and then look start looking around.
I made a list, looked up the capabilities of each supplier and reduced it down to 3.
I then asked questions, read up on them all and then spoke to a very knowledgeable and honest hobby shop guy. Then picked on one.
Just take your time and make your decision.
GOOD LUCK, dear friend! Take your time.
Me? I finally went NEC Pro. Fantastic!
Cheers
Barry
One thing that sold me on Lenz (SET-100) was the low priced wireless walk-around throttle cabability. Plus, a top quality product, 10 year warranty (1st year is goof -proof), future expansion capability, LHS expertise, and easy to follow instructions. Also, I was able to use all components of my old Atlas Commander, giving me an extra throttle and power supply for my DCC powered turnouts. The SET-100 was $299.00, including the power supply. The wireless throttle component was about $45.00 plus an existing, inexpensive cordless phone that I had on hand. Thanks to Ken in New Zealand as he suggested the Lenz solution for me.
My $.02 is the Digitrax mixed with Tony’s Trains. Our system was well worth the money. When we added the Radio a whole new world opened up. You can search around and get some good deals. We got the Radio Super Cheif for $395.00. Got both Empire Builders for $210.00 each.
The EBAY method is not bad to get parts either.
If you are up on the air about things, go to Yahoo groups and join the:
Digitrax, NCE and MRC groups. You can find out some inside stuff and get realy good insight into the FAULTS of each system.
Take Care
George P.
Go to the manufacturers websites and read the manuals. If you can read them without the items in front of you and gain basic understanding you can start there. This helped me tons. If you are worried about decoder programing make sure to get something with computor hookup capabillities and simplify with the various programs available.
I am deciding what to buy for my second layout in my new home for a 11 foot by 16 foot room that is finished with new lighting an d carpeting. I need to come up with a plan as well.
I purchased a Digitrax Zephr. Great starter set that can be added to when you need to grow. At a price at approx. $160 it’s a good way to get started on dcc without shelling out big bucks at the get go. Jerry
I meant Zephyr when I said Genesis [:I]… Digitrax replaced the Genesis starter set With the Zephyr. Sorry if I confused anyone… [B)]
I like Digitrax for its versatility and MRC prodigy for its simplicity. A drawback on MRC is one cannot run analog (straight DC) on MRC.
My only experience is with my Lenz 100 system, and I’m completely satisfied with it. From reading other posts over the past year, it seems clear that all of the systems are very solid, reliable products. The standard warning, though, is “Don’t buy a non-expandable, low-end system.” Fortunately, there are good, expandable starter systems. If anything, there are more systems now than a year ago, so it’s hard to go wrong.
I’m new to DCC and I went with the NCE Powercab. I got mine from Empire Northern Models for $139.00.
It comes with everything you need to get started and it’s expandable.
If you mount the powerpanel on one end of your 4x8, you can easily access both sides of your layout with the 7 foot cord that comes with the system.
Hope this helps,
Craig
thx everyong i have all the time in the world i am saving my money now but will buy it come june