I have the Powercab and would recommend it. How many times do you see yourself running four trains anyway, or a four unit lashup on a small layout? You can add a booster and additional throttles later if you like depending on your needs...
I do like the Power Cab, and it is ideal for many small layouts; however, depending on want one wants to get into, it is pretty easy to outgrow, even on a small layout. I'll give you an example: Let's say you have a small layout, but it is designed so you can have two operators at a time, and you want operating signaling. For the signaling, you'll need block detection, input modules to the DCC system, and a PC interface for signal logic. On NCE systems, the input modules and PC interface both occupy cab addresses, so you would have already outgrown the base Power Cab. Even with the Smart Booster and it's four cab addresses, you would be at it's maximum capacity. If you ran out of inputs, you could not add another input module(the Mini Panel has 30 inputs, so you would not likely use all of them for block detection on a small layout; however, if you want control panel buttons to operate routes, they would also use some of these inputs and would increase the likelyhood of running out). You could certainly upgrade to the Power House Pro at this point, but that is a pretty big jump in price. I do realize most people will not go this far, but it is something to consider for those that might.
This is one of the main reasons I went with a Zephyr instead of a Power Cab. I do plan on having block detection, operating signals, and possibly even some automated running. To do what I plan to do with NCE I would have to go with the Power House Pro, but my Zephyr will handle my layout just fine(you can use 10 throttles with the Zephyr, plus input modules and computer interfaces do not cut into that number).
expandability is not limited whatsoever with MRC...
Well, yes it is. Since you can not use JMRI with it, you can not build computer based control panels(you can operate turnouts and routes from MRC's software, but not using a graphical representation of the layout, at least not yet). Since MRC does not offer any kind of input module for their cab bus, you can not easily build physical control panels to operate routes from pushbuttons(the reason I say easily, is because this can still be done using diode routing). You also cannot integrate signaling.
Actually, to be completely honest, there are ways to do these things, such as using Loconet along side the MRC system(you don't even have to have a Digitrax command station to do this), but they are not as flexible and convenient as being able to integrate it all into one system.
...My biggest problem with MRC products is the lack of feedback. No way to read back cv's. (EDIT: conflicting sources here, do the latest MRC systems read back? If so my bad again) Also, no wireless option...
All of the current MRC systems are capable of decoder readback, even the Express system is if you add an Advanced cab. Some of the confusion may come from MRC originally not including readback in their sound decoders, although they have reversed their position on that and every one since then(I do not know when they actually started to include readback) does allow readback.
...To me, if I was going for digitrax, I would want to make it radio operated (it's cheaper than everybody else) but it seems like you have to dish out some extra cash (the idea of not being able to access all features without plugging in the throttle) serves no purpose to me. At least if I went radio on NCE stuff I could just stuff the radio system underneath the benchwork (or maybe in a built in, roll out shelf) and not worry about plugging in anything...
With Digitrax's duplex radio system you do not ever have to plug in the throttle, except for the initial setup.
...If I did go with MRC, than I'd just go straight for the wireless stuff because it's only $80 more than a powerhouse pro that is tethered...
Since price really seems to be a major concern, which I fully understand, it is important to note that MRC products generally have a much deeper discount than Digitrax or NCE. You wouldn't know it from looking at the MSRP, but you can get the MRC wireless starter set for LESS than the Power House Pro tethered set(
Tony's Train Exchange has it listed for $390 and
Micro-Mark has it listed for $360, also realize the Power House Pro price does not include a power supply, but the MRC wireless price does).
One thing I do not like about MRC's wirelss system is if you start off tethered and upgrade to wireless, you can not upgrade your tethered throttles to wireless. Both Digitrax and NCE let you upgrade your tethered throttles to wireless for the difference in cost between a tethered throttle and wirless throttle. I also don't like the fact that when you plug in a wireless throttle, all it does is charge the battery and you are still operating wirelessly - if you lose control for some reason due to RF interference, plugging in doesn't help. Digitrax and NCE throttles convert to tethered operation when plugged in. I do, however, really like the idea of MRC's rechargeable batteries.
If you really like NCE and really want to go wireless, one thing many people overlook is you can add a wireless base station and cab to a Power Cab. Also, these wireless components can then be used with the Smart Booster or Power House Pro if you then eventually upgrade to one of those.
