gtr, you ask a good question, and I am wiring it up now for DC only, with DCC a future thing. Two trains will run, with two reversing loops, so throwing the block switches and turnout switches could become kinda frantic, or may get easier with time. We’ll see. You make a good point, though. GE
I propose that a small layout is an even BETTER candidate for DCC than a large one - a ‘small layout’ being something more than just a loop with a siding or two. Why? Because with a small layout and DC block wiring, there either aren’t enough blocks, or the blocks are too short, simply because there isn’t enough track. With DCC, it all goes away, and you can effectively run two trains with no frantic toggle flipping, just sit back and enjoy. And when that small layout has a reverse loop or two - you either better be good with the toggle flipping, or stop the train in the reversing section while you flip the toggle, because again, there isn’t a lot of time because of the short track length. DCC completely eliminates this (if you use an auto-reverse module).
–Randy
You’re right, Randy. I have two reverse loops, so DCC would make my 3 by 6 foot n scale pike a lot more fun. What a great world we live in when we can seriously ponder such things in our recreational time!
You might also want to consider the Prodigy Advance by MRC. Lots of features for the money.