Nice little layout and glad to see you enjoying it so much more than apparently you thought you would.
I assume by now you decided the DC/DCC issue.
If you can stand one more input:
When I got back into the hobby 4 years ago after many many years of hiatus, I decided I wanted this new fangled thing called DCC. I, to, have a small HO layout {3.5 feet x 5.1 feet} It consists of two interconnected by switches ovals with a 4 spur yard and two spur engine service facilty/storage house inside the inner oval.
I got the much mentioned Bachmann EZ COmmand DCC unit with a loco kit. I connected
just 2 wires to the layout.
That's it. I can control my Bachmann DCC OnBoard locos with speed, direction and light control. It serves the purpose I need for my small layout. I did later add one set of feeders on the other side of the layout from where the original connection is.I can run two trains at once, one on each oval for example , even in opposite directions! I can run them forward and backward independent of the other all with just two wires and no electrical "blocks" or insulated "blocking" required.
Later on, I may want to upgrade to a better more expensive system, but am currently looking to put together a new under-the-table-top-xmas-tree layout board and am going to get another Bachmann EZCOMMAND DCC w/loco set for that layout. {$89.00 at wholesaletrains.com} It will be all I need to run a few trains around under the tree.
True, it doesn't have sound capabilities, but I don't care for sound anyway. I have had no problems programming my locos for basic operation or even changing the order number setting {there are 1o settings for 10 locos that can be chosen from} with #10 being able to run a DC only loco if need be}.
For the simple pleasures of getting into DCC with something that is easy to operate and run for you and your son, I would still recommend it.
Also the Bachmann DCC OnBoard locos are relatively inexpensive {around $50 for diesels} if you aquire them from a place like:
www.wholesaletrains.com OR www.trainworldonline.com .The idea here is if your young son {or you LOL} damages or destroys a loco somehow, you haven't lost much. Other sound equiped DCC locos can run into the hundreds of dollars,and that would be a shame to ruin on behalf of a childhood mistake.
Welcome to the greatest hobby in the world and pleased to see you have some bonding time with your son!
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences, others may vary.
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JEAN ALESI