Bachmann Digital Commander set

[stang_crazy]

Question about the Bachmann Digital Commander set

I was looking into DCC stuff & since im on somewhat of a budget right now, i was looking at bachmann's digital comander train set.

Anyone have anythoughts on this, i can get the set for about $120.00 Heres a link to what it looks like.

http://www.craftsetc.com/store/item...&IsOnSale=0&IsFeatured=0&IsNew=0&ItemId=44546

My main thing is im wondering if the control pak is compatable with other dcc units other then bachmann? If so then this dont seem to bad in my opinion as it comes with 2 dcc equipped engines, the control pak ect..

So any thoughts or opinions on this setup?

thanks mike

 

[grumpybob]

Mike,

Do yourself a favor and go on Tony's Train Exchange Web site:
www.tonystrains.com and take a look at his listings on Beginners sets such as NCE, Digitrax, Etc, For about $20 or $30 dollars more you can get a set up that is much more robust and definitely expanable. IMHO You are going to out grow Bachmann's set in a couple of months and it will me money down the drain. Call them and have a discussion with them out starting out.

Bob A.

 

[UP2CSX]

If you can get that set for $120, I'd do it. Bachmann's E-Z Command DCC system is compatible with all DCC equipped locomotives and Bachmann DCC locomotives will run with any DCC system. The major downside of the Bachmann DCC system is that can't change any control variables like speed matching if you wanted to run both locomotives together. I suspect you're just starting to into DCC so most of the more esoteric functions of DCC won't mean anything to you anyway. Now, if you really like the hobby, Bob is correct, you'll want a more capable DCC system but that is likely to be a year or more away, particularly when you start to get into sound equipped locomotives. At $120, you're not paying much more than for a standard DC trains set so you're getting the DCC system for almost nothing. When and if you decide to move up to another system, you can sell the Bachmann E-Z Command system on e-bay for $40 or $50 to another guy who's looking to try out DCC cheap and then use that money as part of the cost to upgrade to a more capable system. This is basically the path I've taken and I don't see a downside to it so far.

 

[stang_crazy]

UP2CX When you say

"The major downside of the Bachmann DCC system is that can't change any control variables like speed matching if you wanted to run both locomotives together"

basiclly if i understand this correctly if you wanna run both trains pulling the same load they cant run same speed? or if there running on say seperate tracks they will both be different speeds.

Not quite sure i follow a 100%.


But if i can use the ez command system with other dcc equipped engines, i think it would be a good start for me for quite some time, im not to concerned with sound at the moment.

 

[stang_crazy]

Mike,

Do yourself a favor and go on Tony's Train Exchange Web site:
www.tonystrains.com and take a look at his listings on Beginners sets such as NCE, Digitrax, Etc, For about $20 or $30 dollars more you can get a set up that is much more robust and definitely expanable. IMHO You are going to out grow Bachmann's set in a couple of months and it will me money down the drain. Call them and have a discussion with them out starting out.

Bob A.

When you say you can get a set up thats better then say the bacmann set up are you speaking of just the control side of it or is this including a decent engine or 2?


thanks for all your help guys.

 

[el3637]

I was looking into DCC stuff & since im on somewhat of a budget right now, i was looking at bachmann's digital comander train set.

Anyone have anythoughts on this, i can get the set for about $120.00 Heres a link to what it looks like.

For 30 bucks more you can get an NCE Powercab. It's the only starter system I can recommend in good conscience. I have the "big" NCE system on my layout, but a Powercab on my workbench for setting up and testing locos. It works just like its big brother, fully functioning throttle and all. The only limitations are on the total power output, number of throttles, and lack of wireless.

Andy

 

[grumpybob]

Mike,


"When you say you can get a set up thats better then say the bacmann set up are you speaking of just the control side of it or is this including a decent engine or 2?"

I am speaking of just the control side. the other basic systems do not include engines. I like Andy, am using the full blown NCE system and have used the Power cab, which is their entry system, but also compatable.

Possibly, if this is your total entry point, and you are looking to get started, as UP2CSX mentioned, then that may be where you want to go.

Bob.

 

[UP2CSX]

Stang, the only problem is running the same two engines on the same track pulling the same train. They may run together fine but one may be a little slower or faster than the other. With a more sophisticated unit like the NCE or Digitraxx, you can adjust variables to make both engines run at nearly exactly the same speed. If the engines are pulling two different trains, there's no problem, since you switch between engines on the DCC controller and can have both running at different speeds or even one stopped while one is running.

As I said, since you are new at this, getting two DCC equipped engines, cars, track, and the E-Z Command controller for $120 is a great way to get started. Any other DCC equipped engines you purchase will work fine with the Bachmann controller. If you really get into the hobby, the time will come when you get that first sound equipped engine and then you'll want a better DCC controller. Until then, it seems like this set will serve you well and you're not out much money if you decide model railroading is not for you.

 

[stang_crazy]

thanks for all your replys guys, youve been a big help.

Jim, that clears that up for me alot. Ive always been into model railroading, just didnt have the time or the space to do so, now i have both, so i think since im just starting out i will get the set, my g/f was asking what i want for my b/day so this would be a good start lol.


once again thanks for all your help guys.

 

[jtudor]

Stang,
That is the exact set that my wife got me for my birthday this year since I am restarting in the hobby after a 20 some year layoff.

So far I have been pleased with it, though I know that I will outgrow it and will want more in the future. It is a good way to run some trains, and learn bits about DCC so that you can make a more well informed decision when you are ready to step up.

If there is a Hobby Lobby store in your area, there is a 40% coupon on thier website that you can use for one item. She used one to buy the set for me.

Now that I looked at your link, I see that it is from the web division of Hobby Lobby, so you are on the right track there.

Good luck, you will enjoy it I believe.