Hi experienced hobbiest.[:)] I would like to know what your favorite DCC engine is in the world. I have a Atlas DCC union pacfic dash 8cw. Do you have cool DCC engines that you like to talk to me about.[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]
Sincerely
Ryan LaPlaca
Ryan,
Hard to say that it’s the “best in the world” but I am very fond of my Proto 2000 Alco S1 switcher. I picked it up for 70% off MSRP from Trainworld. In either DC or DCC, it crawls like a champ and the detailing is exceptional. Couldn’t be happier with it.
Tom
I like my BLI N&W 2-6-6-4, DCC and sound…my only DCC engine for now
BLI steamers, in general. However, that is only because I have so many of them compared to other makes. I have a P2K Heritage 0-6-0 that is a real honey. However, I have been wanting a PRR J1 for the longest time, and finally got one a few weeks back. Maybe because the real McCoy was such a tremendous engine, I just can’t seem to get enough of that beast… another BLI.
Whichever one is on the track right now.
Hello Ryan What system are you using to run your Proto 2000 Engine? I am thinking of puting in A small second or third level loop of track of Ho on my existing O guage layout. I’m not too familiar with a Dcc system and what engines to use. Felix
I like my Atlas SD40-2
Athearn’s Genesis Santa Fe F3 A+B sets (with DCC and Sound).
As much as the sound is maligned…too much so in my opinion based on how good they do sound after tweaking the sounds from the factory settings…these locos are the smoothest running locos I’ve seen. Even better then my Kato NW2, which was the best runner up to this point.
Details are better then brass, painting is ultra superb, and with nickel silver wheels they stay clean and its conductivity is far better then any of my other locos.
Although they are pricey, the price in this case is well worth it.
If you like newer locomotives such as the SD70ACe and the new ES44AC and DC units go with Tower 55. There units are DCC installed and come with sound.
If you like older locomotives from the 60s, 70s and 80s then I think you should go with Atlas. They have some of there locomotives with DCC already installed. Other companies like Kato do not do this.
My Favorite locomotives that have DCC at the moment is either my SD10 or my U boat series, including my U28B, U23B and my U30C. Great running locomotives.
Sound wise I’m impressed with my E unit.
James
Depends whether you mean DCC factory-fitted or not. Bachmann’s UK diesels are superb with a decent decoder inside them - I have a Class 37 that will creep along at incredibly slow speeds. In terms of DCC factory-fitted I’d say the Lenz V36 0-6-0 diesel switcher would take some beating - it has DCC controlled couplers along with the usual lighting and control functions.
I like my Kato SD40-2 with a Digitrax DH163 decoder in it. For the most part the understood best locomotives are Kato and Atlas, but the decoder you’ve installed (or that was pre-installed) makes a lot of difference when it comes to ease of operation, lighting options, and extra controls. My Atlas Dash-8 is my second favorite, second because it is slightly louder than my Kato. These are some of the ones I’ve put decoders into myself, and I think that makes me like them more than my Atlas SD-24, Proto 2000 E9, and BLI Hudson that came with decoders pre-installed. It just makes the locomotives more personal the more time you spend making them what you want.
To answer the original question after that whole mess, I’m gonna say that my favorite DCC locomotive is the one that I’ve done the most to.
Greg
whichever the heck one you like the best.
For smooth operation, quiet operation, pulling power, My trio of Atlas GP-38’s are tough to beat!![;)]
Mine! [:p]
underworld
aka The Violet
[:D][:D][:D][:D][:D]
My favorite factory DCC locomotive is my Atlas Santa Fe SD26 with sound. But my favorite locomotives that I installed decoders in are my two Kato Conrail SD80MACs. I used Digitrax decoders (a DH123 and a DZ123) and from what I’ve seen, they can’t be beat.
All of them, at least all of mine.
For me it’s a toss up between my Atlas Sliver Series GP-40’s (Painted in a Local RR color) or one of my 3 Proto 2000 Switchers. Both types run so smooth, quiet, and creep along the track so well. I just have so much Joy when I run these engines.
Of course a nice Sound equipt GP9 from P2K is also a pleasure to run from start up to shut down.
Chris
My Atlas SD24 Southern Railway
My next one! [:p]