i am looking at moving over to a DCC system as I expand my layout. I currently have a 14’ x 5’ dogbone layout with a small switching yard. i am moving th etable into a larger room which I will be devoting to a larger layout. The current layout already has terminal joiners every few feet in anticipation of eventually going DCC. I am currently looking at the Prodigy Express system because of price and later expandibility. It seems that for what i run now that system out of the box would work well.
My question though is as I expand to a larger layout in my 9’ x 21’ room, will it be enough. I don’t know a lot about DCC but understand I will likely have to get a power booster and perhaps put in a couple plug in locations around the layout. I intend to be th eonly operator but maybe one or two more in years to come. Hopefully the layout will runn 3-6 trains at a time with one or two in a switching role also.
What do I need to be looking at and does the MRC system have a decent reputation in the modeling community?
Get the inexpensive Bachmann EZ Command system. Get used to it, find out what you like/dislike and then move on to one of the better systems. The fans of the various systems out there will contradict me, but that seems like the best way. As a bonus, you’ll be able to sell your Bachmann system after you’ve decided.
As someone who started with an EZCommand let me be the first to cotradict. Start with anything EXCEPT the EZCommand. The EZCommand is primitive and not expandable. It is only capable of running addresses 1 through 9. It cannot program CVs, it cannot operate switches, it cannot be upgraded. Mine was retired to the junk pile about the time I bought my third train.
There are several low end systems that can be easily expanded as you grow over the years. My personal preference is Digitrax. Other people in here can recommend others. But the EZCommand is a toy.
About six months ago, I was where you are today regarding DCC. I asked a lot of questions at hobby shops and on this Forum, and read, read, read all I could. My layout (replacement now under construction) is HO, 11x15 with a lower level staging area. I like to run ABBA consists with all units powered, and have some sound equipped locos as well.
I’ve been playing with trains since the '50s, and will be doing so until my demise. So, I wanted to get the best I could manage for my situation. The decision came down to Digitrax or NCE, and I decided to go with Digitrax for the system, although it looks like most of the decoders will probably be NCE.
I got the Super Chief system, and the Super Empire Builder (to get a second booster and DT400 controller) as the set was cheaper than individual components.
That is what I did, and would do it all over again. However, I could have easily gone with NCE too. You will find that the majority of folks are very opinionated on their system, with most stating that their’s is the best. Soooo, before you buy, do all the research you can and ask all the questions you can come up with. I suggest you make sure what you get will be expandable for your future needs. And, put your money into the operating system. You can buy your decoders over time.
Whether you go with MRC, NCE, Digitrax, or whoever (they’re all good), be sure to go with one thats expandable. Start with something small, like an Digitrax Zephyr or MRC Prodigy Express. It might turn out to have all the power you need. If not, it’s easy to add a booster. Later you may add radio walkaround or signalling or who know’s what?? But take it in steps would be my advice. Nobody won the Olympic gold medal the first time they jumped into a swimming pool.
Thanks for all the info guys. The appeal to the MRC system is that it seems like it is expandable pretty easily and without a huge amount of expense. I thought about the Prodigy Advanced but felt like the express would give the opportunity to get a cheap starter system so I can see what i like. Also, the handheld just seemed a little friendlier for use, which may nat be the best reason, the LCD also looks good.
I think in the long run you will be happier with Digitrax or NCE. You just can’t go wrong with either of these. I wouldn’t waste my time or money with the Bachmann EZ Command. You will learn so much more, and faster with Digitrax or NCE, and they have good resale value should you decide to make a change later.
MRC systems are good in many ways but the Express has limitations that will definitely need upgrading before long. It’s very short on power for one thing. I personally am a big Digitrax fan and user. Their Zephyr has good power to start with and great expansion options depending on your future needs. Digitrax and NCE are both very good but Digitrax just fit my personal needs and likes much better. Take a good look at both of them and see which fits you the best.
Actually, the MRC system is the most expensive to expand. The Express is very limited and I strongly suggest you look at the NCE Power pro or the Digitrax Zephyr. Both are much better choices.
Yeah I was looking at the digitrax. The basic system seems like a fairly reasonable price. Seems like enough to fit what I am looking for now and then not real expensive to expand. Am I right in thinking that expansion really only requires buying a booster pack more more power. Or do you have to buy a new cab as well?
The NCE looks real nice too but the Pro is pretty expensive for a guy at entry level. I did like the handheld unit though.
I am also getting ready to start a mid-size HO layout. I looked at several of the systems and decided to start with a Digitrax Zephyr and two UT4 throttles. The price was not bad and with the Digitrax system I can add things such as boosters or radio throttles at any time. Digitrax and NCE seem to have the best reputation, the systems from MRC and Bachman come across as beginner sets with little expandability.
I have been using NCE since 1999, when I converted from another older command system called Dynatrol. Dynatrol was limited to 19 channels if I remember right, so moving to DCC and NCE was like a rebirth. I have not run on a Digitrax system todate, so I can only address NCE, which I find simple to understand and use, but I know either system has a core of followers and believers.
The use of DCC has made my enjoyment in the hobby, which dates back to 1958, even more enjoyable. The NMRA certified systems let you use different brands of decoders, so I have a pretty even mix of Lenz, Digitrax and NCE decoders on my layout. After installing decoders in around 200 diesels, I can do it in my sleep and program them during the dream intermission.
I started out with a Zephyr and then moved on to the Empire Builder after a few years. The Zephyr is a great starter system and I still use mine to run my yard and I do all my programming with it. One thing you do need if you choose the Zephyr is another throttle, you might not think you need it but you will. One great thing about Digitrax products is that everything is compatible with each other so nothing will go to waste or will need to be sold off. Stay away from the Bachmann EZ Command system, it is just a junk system and you will not be able to learn anything about DCC with that unit. I’m a big fan of Digitrax products and that’s all I use but I have tinkered around with a friends NCE Power Pro system and like it. You can’t go wrong with either of those two.
I have no intention of flaming others for their choice of DCC system or which is the best. I keep hearing the Bachmann EZ Command can’t be upgraded and how cheap it is and who came first easy command or EZ Command. Bachmann has been around since the 1800’s and they are still in business and doesn’t look promising for them to got out of business even during these tough economic times. I still use my EZ Command and have for over 4 years. I had no problem with the system at all in that amount of time. There are definitely limitations with their “cut down” Bachmann decoders (Lenz). Not much you can do to change CV’s or program them. I am moving up to Digitrax eventually. I am retired and watching my bucks and took a hit on my “mad”, dividend income money, just holding off for a bit. The Bachmann ready to run DCC equipped diesel engines can still be purchased brand new in the box for around $50.00, where else can you buy a DCC loco that cheap if all you want to do is run DCC. OK not very pretty to look at, but most all of mine are still running. I also own Atlas, Athearn, Proto, BLI, and Stewert, half dozen or so with sound, and 2 with sound I have on order, BLI, Blue Line.
I am sure there a plenty of modelers who run with the Bachmann sytems, EZ Command or the new Dynamis wireless system it depends on how much money you want to spend and how much room you have for your layout, mine is u-shaped 16’ x 10’.
Bachmann brought me back to this wonderful hobby after being out of it for 35 years, I learned a lot in 4+ years and this forum is the reason I will be going Digitrax, but Bachmann was my start, I could afford it and have lots of fun growing in this hobby in my retirement.
Bachmann EZ Command is expandable to a certain point, here is how I expanded mine:
1-I have the 5 amp Bachmann booster, I was able to run 3 DCC loco’s, including sound, with the EZ Command stand alone&nb
Sorry, Dave. Gotta disagree with you. Just because something is limited doesn’t make it junk. For what the EZ Command does, it does quite well - albeit limited. And I actually had one for a year and learned quite a bit with it before I moved to my NCE Power Cab.
I agree the EZ Command isn’t for everyone. However, that would also be true for the Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, or Easy DCC systems. If you’re money tight and just want to get your feet with DCC, for $40-$50 you can have yourself a decent little DCC system with the EZ Command.
And if you sell it to someone else, you can always recoup some your cost. That’s what I did. I originally bought my EZ Command brand new in 2005 for $53 and sold it a year later for $30. So for a $23 investment and a year of my time, I had loads of fun with DCC and figured out which system I would be buying next.
Having said all that, if I would have had to pay $100 (MSRP) for an E-Z Command, I would definitely have reconsidered my position.
WOW they may be recommeded MSRP and I certainly would have not purchased when I did at those prices. My first Bachmann purchase was for the EZ Command with a loco for well under $100.00 right now the EZ Command is availbale from The Favorite Spot, a Bachmann dealer in Texas for $79.99. Bachmann Walk around companion is $65.00 at The Favorite Spot, he also has DCC Bachmann equipped loco’s for as little as $38.00 for a GP 40. I paid $150.00 for my 5 Amp booster. Also I paid $67.00 for my PR3 and have seen them as low as $54.00. Even guys that have CV read and write capability have purchased the PR3 much easier to adjust and with the JMRI program musch friendlier to use.
I know ya’ll hate Bachmann, but like I said it got me back into this wonderful hobby and I am upgrading to Digitrax. I have no regrets and like the previous poster, it was cheap and I will get a return for the 4+ years of problem free use and running.
I don’t hate Bachmann, or the EZ Command. My EZ Command was still working perfectly when I remanded it to the dead train box. I just think that unless you are buying a train for around the Christmas tree, it is a giant step down the wrong path. I’m not a big fan of going back and starting over. The price difference between the EZ Command and an entry level puchase in a mature system is not enough to tip the balance in my humble opinion. I quoted Digitrax because that is the system with which I am familiar. The prices among the various manufacturers are similar.
I also do not have, and never have had, a Zephyr. I went from my EZ Command directly to the Digitrax Super Chief.
I quoted MSRP because that was easier than checking several sites for their prices. The places that have the EZ Command cheaper will also have the Zephyr cheaper.
You’ve given about the best reasoning that I’ve heard for going with the EZ Command. But then again, to make it really workable you’ve had to add quite a bit to it. It sounds like you’ve invested somewhere between $350 to $400. Certainly without the PR3 one could only run trains in a toy-like manner (not being able to adjust CVs).
I know that many of us would feel that for that kind of investment you could have easily gone with a full-featured system that would not cause you the loss that you will now encounter if you upgrade to another system. And, you would now have had 4 years of experience and pleasure running a top-notch system. But I appreciate your thinking and reasoning for your approach and am glad that it has worked well for you.
So now maybe you could give us your reasoning for feeling the need to upgrade to Digitrax. That might be helpful for others that might be considering EZ Command. And also tell us which items that you now have that would be compatible with, and could be used with, something like Digitrax, e.g., the booster and reverse module.
It being the Prodigy Express. The real variable is not the size of the layout but the number of locomotives and other things that draw power from the DCC system. A 9’ x 21’ layout with three-six locos will need the same power as a 4’x8’ with three-six locos.
It was not indicated how many trains are run simultaniously on the current layout?
How many of the 3-6 trains will have multiple powered loco’s pulling it? I mean that could mean 3-24 locos if they come in sets of four.
Will the new layout have a engine terminal where lots of loco’s will be sitting around sucking power?
Will the expanded layout use DCC to power stationary decoders for turnouts?
Unfortunately, that is the one system I have zero experience with.
Generally:
I count 4 locos per AMP of power. So to me a Digitrax Zephyr with its 2.5 Amp included power supply is designed for 10 locos. Count each sound unit as an additional locomotive. So this would be sufficient for 5 sound equipped locos. Check what power supply (if any) comes with the MRC system. Map that power output to the number of locos and it will indicate if it will need a power booster or can stand on its own.
The other reason one might want multiple power boosters (or at least power splitters) is to isolate short circuits and other problems to one section of the layout. Our club has eight boosters. No we don’t need 40 amps of power to the trains, but we do want 7/8ths of the layout to continue to run when there is an issue in 1/8th of it.
Not to guide you away from the MRC system as I have noted above I have zero experience with it, but that