Hi there train fans! I am building a straight shelf layout, 2 feet deep and 16 feet long. I need to operate two locos at a time, one in the yard section to the left and one in the port section to the right. I would like to use DCC (for the first time) and would like your recommendation. I won't have multi-loco consists, long trains, reverse loops or wyes or other complex trackwork, so I need a good basic system on which my (adult) son and I can operate two locos at the same time. Please let me know what you recommend. I am fairly comfortable with technology but not with soldering or DIY electronics. Many thanks for your time.
Any of the starter sets by NCE, Digitrax, MRC (and NOT in that order!!!) would have you a very excited and happy MRRer. However, what you should find out for yourself is what features you would want and need to keep you excited and happy. For example, do they all have computer interface capability so that you can adjust the performance of your decoders using the freeward Decoder Pro (by JMRI)? Is it conceivable that you will want that feature before long? Would you like a digital display readback of the current CV inputs for your decoders so that you can read them at a glance? Not all systems have that feature. How big are your hands? How good is your eyesight? Which hand-held throttle will be most ergonomically suited to you, the particular user? One last bit of advice...think long term. Most of us grow, and that means eventually needing more capability and more power throughput. Can your system be added to? Or should you pay another $80 now for something that will likely keep you excited and happy for, say, 10 more years?
NCE Powercab. Search the posts and you'll likely find that NCE Powercab comes out on top for the best low-cost starter system.
NCE. The NCE Powercab has many great features like menu driven programing, consisting, etc... Consider where you want to be 5 years down the road. Will it still fit into your railroad operating system? DCC is not cheap so this may or may not be important to you. I have one and love it. I did expand to the SB3 command station and added the computer interface(a must have) and now have the capability to run with four operators. The Digitrax Zephyr has some strong qualities to, like the ability to use 2 DC cabs as DCC throttles. This is always a tough choice but if I did it again I would still go with the NCE system for its ease of operation. Hope this helps.
NCE Powercab I too have to vote for the NCE PowerCab. I've had mine for 2-3 years now and it is great, has grown right along with me.(even went wireless with it) Do your research and you'll be fine!:tb-wink: Chuck
You should spent al ot of time researching the many systems in DCC available in today's market. Make a list of what you want in a DCC system and see which systems best meets your present needs and what future plans you have. I've been using DCC over nine years and I'm learning new ideas constantly. If you have a chance to physically see different systems that would be very helpful in making your final decision. No I don't use a NCE PowerCab or a Digitrax Zephyr. However they are both fine DCC systems.
For the size of the layout you have described I would think that you could get by with a starter set up. Like a Zephyr or a Power Cab. Both sytems are good. They have there differances. The Zephyr will run 1 non DCC locomotive. That is it will operate one locomotive that does not have a decoder. NCE's Power Cab will not do this. The Zephyr is a bench mounted type controler, sets on your bench, not hand held unless you buy a second throttle. The Digitrax book is a little complex. NCE is written on a laymans level. The Power Cab is a hand held throttle and has a display so you can read what is going on. If you need a second throttle you will have to buy one so you and your son can operate together. If you can get a demo on the systems. You will find features that you like or dislike and make up your own mind as to what system works for you.
I'd go with a Digitrax, but that's just me. I have a SuperChief and Super Empire, both have served me well. However, you can't go wrong w/ NCE or MRC. I am in the process of starting my 3rd layout (Or should I say, "planning" the thing.) I have "entertained" the thought of switching to NCE when I get the thing going. No compelling reason. I like my Digitrax, but consider it just to walk the other side of the fence as it were. Do as suggested above. Research based on what you want. Of the manufacturer's you list, you cannot go wrong.
