Follow this link for one of the best sources of clear headed information on DCC:
http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
After you get into DCC for awhile and start thinking about computer hook up, Joe Fugate's DVD #3 is nothing short of fantastic and is a must see for JMRI users, new and old alike.
IF you have a friend or club you are attending, you'll be wise to think strongly about their system, regardless of what it is. When you get smarter, and you will, you can always blame a bad decision on them! (Just kidding of course.)
As your experience grows, your layout does too. Quickly you'll start thinking
wireless. Now I know this is going to excite the flamers from GA, but after looking at the hobby for two years and in DCC all that time, there are but two choices for wireless today:
NCE and Lenz/CVP Each of these two systems has some solid strengths and some solid weaknesses, the other systems have solid weaknesses and less strengths.
MRC has not been playing by the NMRA rulebook with either their decoders or their systems and frankly, I'm hard put to recommend them to anyone because of their continuing transgressions.
Digitrax IR system is 'wireless' point of sight, just think of your TV remote. Their throttles are considered unfriendly by many. (
I stand corrected here, Nick informs me that they have an RF Radio option which is not line of sight.)
On my
blog is an unscientific poll asking what is the most critical aspect of a DCC system when making a decision on what DCC system to buy.
Ease of use is #1, expandability #2 and Price is #3. Over 150 people have participated in the survey poll.
For the record, I purchased a Super Chief system and sold it preferring to keep my current system.
Wireless is important even for a small 2*8 shelf railroad, that cord gets tangled in everything. . .
Just my 2 cents; hardly worth that
Joe