Happy Sunday evening, My layout is 100% new... the benchwork is installed and I started laying out the sub-roadbed today. I have a 2'6" x 8' layout that will have room for up to 2 operators (either a friend or with high hopes, my son as he learns) and 4-6 N scale locomotives running at once. I've looked at the NCE systems, used a Digitrax system as a visitor at a layout, but that's about all the experience with DCC I've had. My last layout was DC only. I've been looking at the NCE Powercab, but I don't see anywhere that you can add an additional cab to that for a second operator. Does anyone know if you can? Also, any suggestions for a layout like what I described would be helpful. I want to add sound and automatic turnouts, so something that will run those would be a plus in my book. Thanks!
I'm very satisfied with Uhlenbrock Intelli-Box (for you better Digitrax Zephyr) and walk around throttles like Digitrax UT4. I've started with Intellibox and FREMO throttles, but now I own two UT4. They have 12 functions, good for sound! For booster I've asked the gurus at FREMO, their answer: Lenz LV101 at that time, now LV102. Wolfgang
You want the NCE PowerCab I've got the NCE PowerCab and I give it a BIG :thumbs_up: You CAN add a second cab to it; the PCP Power Panel has two sockets, the left one is for the PowerCab's 6 wire power cable (otherwise you get no power) and the right for an additional cab. There's also a port on the back to add an additional PCP. In fact I've bought a CAB04e, only it's got stuck in transit and, like Sam Becket in 'Quantum Leap', it may never find the way home.
I have a 30"x8' layout as well, and use a Digitrax Zephyr with a UT4 second throttle via loconet. It works very well, I can operate up to 10 locomotives at a time. It has plenty of power for the 2 sound equipped N scale engines I have, along with several others at the same time.
Some additional information regarding the NCE PowerCab provided for our fellow admin Alan who is considering a DCC system. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=87948
If you can afford it go with the NCE system. Its a fantastic system and and it works in english. Its easy to set up and I have 2 systems and have never had an issue with either of them. Go for NCE you will never be sorry. Steve
The emphasis is mine, but having just looked at an NCE system, is there anyone in your area that has one? Can you try it out? Or is the only NCE system in the area still at the LHS? When someone asks me for advice on a system purchase in one of these forums, I always ask, what is the most used in your area? I have found that the most used will have the most people that can assist you with any problems you may have with the system. I'm not saying get "such and such" system. I'm saying do some more research and find out what is the most used in the area. If there is substantially more of one brand used than another, I would give alot more consideration to that most popular one rather than the other, no matter what brand it is. BTW, the system for our area is Digitrax. There 30 Digitrax users vs 1 NCE user.
My HO layout is 26' X 6'. I originally installed a Digitrax SuperEmpire in 2002. Last year in '06, I upgraded to a Digitrax SuperChief Radio system. Its worked great and very reliable. I think the major systems of Digitrax, NCE, Lenz are all good and you really can't go wrong. Research each to the detail you feel necessary. From what I have read, either of those three will serve you well.
I had the same decision to make but My N-Trak club uses CVP products Easy DCC so that is what I picked. I spent a little more money on the system but I also have a large support network which is a help to a newby such as myself. Also the system can do just about anything and is very upgradeable. For me however the main reason to get the Easy DCC was the support network that I have. Good Luck Al
Except of course if the base station is SO easy that you don't need help! :teeth: This is why 9 out of 10 users who have actually tried both prefer NCE... Any DCC system that has a "how to get the best out of" book written for it is WAY too hard! :teeth:
