ModelRailroadForums.com is a free
Model Railroad Discussion Forum and
photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
When I was younger, I used to be a huge model train fanatic. That interest has waned to almost absolutely nothing in recent years, until recently. I have decided to clean out an area of my basement for an HO scale 4' by 8' layout with a 4' x 4' piece of plywood attached making the layout an L shape. I have quite a few pieces of power and rolling stock, most of which have the old hook-horn couplers. I have decided that on my first prototype of the layout I will not use DCC and just use two mainline loops that are separate from each other. Eventually I do want to upgrade to DCC because I figure it would be alot easier than wiring said layout to run in blocks.
So here comes my question, for a beginner such as myself, what is the best (and cheapest) DCC system out there? Would it be better for me to upgrade all my power to DCC, or just proceed to buy all new DCC equipped engines? And another one, which producer seems to make the most reliable DCC engines? Thanks for any help you guys can provide!
As far as DCC Systems, NCE, MRC, and Digitrax make good starter sets. It best to ask again when you are getting close to shopping.
To answer your question about converting the loco's you should first post what you have. Depending on the loco it might not be worth your while. This includes old tyco equipment. Also many of the older loco's did not have the motor isolated from the frame. This adds to the complexity of the change over.
every system has its cons and pros, be it price or some particular functionality or peculiarity. look at the three suggested above
I looked around and the cheapest one seems to be digitrax at $200. I looked around and saw a similar product by Bachmann for $133. Would this be a worthy investment, or is Bachmann a lower quality of DCC?
IMO Bachmann would be for a Kids starter set,,,that is if the youngster was to be getting into DCC. Not much upgrades or options with it
Digitraxx is consodered a industry leader has the most upgrades options but it is not as user frendly as MRC or NCE
MRC is a middle of the road system, NCE a little above MRC as far as options. Both are about the easiest to learn and use. I have been into DCC for about 8 years and have not found a system that was as simple as these 2 systems.
Have you heard of any problems with the Bachmann DCC though? As of right now I'm really not looking into running a huge operations with all the bells and whistles, just something that allows me to run 3 - 4 trains at the same time without having to wire the layout.
As of right now with all the input I seem to be leaning to Digitrax, but am still on the fence lol.
The only problem with bachmann is that their starter system doesn't allow you to do any real programming such as 4 digit addressing etc. If you get one I'm sure you'll have no problems with it but my opinion is put the couple of extra bucks on the counter and get something you won't regret later.
Digitrax Zepher $180 - $140
This is probably the same price as the other major dealers but I note that Internet Model Trains has the Zepher for $140 special - maybe for whats left of the weekend - I don't know .
take care ,,, ken
The NCE Power Cab is available for about $150, sometimes less if you find a good sale. It includes everything you'll need to get started and is very easy to use. I like mine a lot.
- Jeff
Agreement as well on the nce ease of use but for me would have to be support of any system Larry in service has been the best. Had to send (power cab) back for service once very short turnaround. Called him last week with a question answered it and I was back up and running.
John
Im running on digitrax, but my club is on nce. each system has its pro and cons. Not much peole use MRC and i havent got a chance to use it yet.
To me nce look to have an older design. Digitrax looks hard(even scary!
) to understand and program wich is not the case.
NCE power cab is a nice walkaround throttle.The Digitrax DT402 throttle can control 2 locomotive with 2 speed knobs. The digitrax Zephyr has two input for regular DC throttle to use them in DCC.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website
(Learn More Here)
