Just getting back into the hobby after 18 years and thought I'd try N scale this time. I have a 6 foot layout soon to expand to 10 feet. I had looked into going DCC, done all the research and chosen NCE Powercab. After giving it more thought, I dismissed the idea as I basically have a loop and a small switching yard. Why go to that expense? Then I went to my LHS and he offers me An Atlas commander for $50 new in the box! No power supply, but I got that covered. Should I jump? If I do, can I set one loco to run continuously on the loop while another does switching duties? Thank you. Charlie
I haven't heard of the Atlas Commander in almost 7 or 8 years. I don't even know if Atlas still supports the Commander, where as with the Powercab, you know NCE will be there if something happens to it.
Atlas Commander has been discontinued for some time now. That being said $50 is a pretty good price for that particular system especially brand new. Commander will do much more than a Bachmann Easy Command which are also available in the $50 range. Commander is actually a Lenz system. It is compatible with Lenz equipment and throttles so it could be expanded or used as a booster with another system.
I would recommend the NCE. After using the commander for a while, it became annoying to click the + and - to get to the next engine address. Also, it only supports 2 digit addressing, so you can only address locos 1-99. Think of the clicks to get from loco 5 to 31...... rather than pushing aquire loco - the number - enter. Consisting is a nightmare, and then some.... I would save my money with that one - in the long run, you will be happier with the NCE.
I did the original review of the Commander for Model Retailer years ago. At the time, I had only used the original MRC DCC system (it's name eludes me). I found the Commander an excellent system for a beginner, and someone that was only interested in operating a small layout. It had options to expand with additional Lenz components, or Atlas components such as throttles. The first version was a bit short on programming, but a later version had a newer chip that fixed that. Programming some of the more intricate stuff can be a bit of a bare on the system. I'd ask which version the shop has in stock. My guess is the later, but you never know. If you're only looking to get into DCC and don't think you'll get too into programming, and only need 2 digit addresses, it's a good system to start with, and for $50 you really can't go wrong.
The commander is version 3.2, which is I believe the last. I am modeling the Cleveland Marietta Railroad turned Pennsylvania RR Marietta branch. They never had enough business to double head anything. As far as programing, what ever one can do with the big gun systems, I am completely unaware of it. The biggest reason I have for even looking at it is the geek side of me. Other than that, dc would work great with the biggest issue being a reversing loop. Not that difficult. I would like to thank all that has responded to my query.
Charlie, Version 3.2 at $50 is a good deal. However, if you are seriously back in the hobby for the long run you will be much happier with the Power Cab. It will add so much more fun and options for you. Also, the Atlas Commander is not a good choice if you will be using any sound locos. Jerry
