New setup

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KelZac

New Member
Howdy everyone. I am new to the scene and have got myself a cheap layout but is tracks only. Was wondering what the best most affordable dcc system to get is.
 
KelZac,

Welcome to the forums first of, secondly, affordable or cheapest?

The cheapest, most basic DCC System is the Bachmann 44902 EZ-Command System, about $180.00

The best DCC System to start in (in my opinion) is the NCE Power Cab Complete DCC Starter System running around $199.00

To be 100% honest, any NCE Power Cab system would be your best choice for at least four reasons:

1. Affordability
2. Ease of Use
3. Expandable
4. Functionality

Add to that that there are more people on these forums (and most likely other forums) that use NCE equipment than the Bachmann gear. As such, you will have access to more people for advice and help in using setting up an NCE System, should you run int o problems.

There are other systems, Digitrax, MRC and so forth. Digitrax is very good BUT also complex. I can't talk about MRC as I know nothing about them. For what it is worth, I have a Digitrax System ($355.00) and now wish I had bought the NCE System. Actually, for $199.00 I am seriously considering buying one anyway.

Hope this helps.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


nce and digitrax seem to be the two most popular. some like one more than the other. if you are lucky enough to have a shop around that has a working layout, and has both systems handy, it would be good to go and try them out for both running and programming. i know that the digitrax is a pain in the rear to program soundtraxx decoders.
 
The NCE power Cab is widely available for $150-160. It is a fine system and easily expandable.

- Jeff
 
Don't pay the manufacturer's suggested retail price for model railroad products. You'll seldom pay that much if you shop around even a little.

- Jeff
 
G'day and welcome to this fantastic hobby...Tony and the other members are so right...especially re the NCE and Digitrax recommendations....I switched to NCE and have never doubted my choice....but anything Digitrax is great too....Also agree the starter level Bachmann EZy command or even Bachmann dynamis are also good...All I can add is "shop around" if you can because many of the bigger outlets will offer a great deal or sale price...What track choice did you decide on by the way ? Even in that regard the choices are wide and varied...Great to see yet another new Forum member...Cheers Rod
 
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1407577455.361238.jpg. Here it is.
 


I have a Digitrax Super Chief.
It is OK however, it can get a little complicated for a beginner.
If I were to do it over I would get a NCE system and call it good.
I may get to the place where I understand most of the Digitrax, but then again, maybe not.
BTW, Digitrax Super Chief does not come with a power supply. I am using an old MRC DC unit from the old layout.
 




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