Would someone please tell me if the Broadway Limited Paragon 2 system is as good as they claim and what would be a good starter DCC system to use it to operate? I am building a N scale- 3 x6 logging and mining layout and will increse it to engulf my home office once I retire this summer ... about 14' x 18' space i now use for the office . I got offered a Broadway Limited E6A in UP livery for 40% off list price with the Paragon 2 DCC . I hope I done good .... I started my layout in analog but the wiring schematic is making me nutso...I read so many great things from the previous posts I had to ding my CC one more time ... thanks
The Paragon2 is an excellent decoder with great sound. It is still early for the full reliability reports on the E6s, but most of BLIs other diesels have been overall good performers. As other threads indicate, not quite as good as Kato and Atlas, but wonderful detailing and great sound. These will run with any of the DCC systems, and they all have their adherents and naysayers. Most folks would start with either the NCE PowerCab or the Digitrax Zephyr Plus.
I have just received my BLI AC6000 with the paragon 2 system. I LOVE IT!! I took the engine out of the box and placed it on the track. Powered it up and away it went. Sound is excellent. Engine is well detailed. The engine just creeps along at speed step 1 on my NCE system. I use the NCE system. I bought it way back when because it is upgradable. I just don't like the hammerhead style of hand controller. But they have newer, smaller controllers now. My friend has the Lenz system. I like it for ease of use. I hear that the Digitrax system is pretty good to use. But I have no experience with it.
I used a Digitrax Zephyr on my N scale layout when I decided to try DCC many moons ago. I took it with me when I changed to HO scale, and have been very happy with it. It will operate 3 or4 sound equipped HO locomotives at once, several of mine have the P2 installed. If and when you decide you have outgrown it, you can use it on the layout as an extra cab as well as a booster along with any other Digitrax system. There are other systems out there as good, but I have had most of my experience with Digitrax, so that is what I am most familiar with. Most people can recommend what they know.
Thanks for the replys. I will look real close at the Zephyr and NCE systems as I want to be able to run DC and DCC ( mostly main line on the expansion track) I did get the the controler from BLI that will run DC and DCC just to get started and may make a good interface - transition phase to full DCC in the future .... but me heart belongs to analog as I have a too many engines to convert to DCC and something about keeping the wire industry in business, at least for now . thanks again for your inputs! One more thing , with the BLI controller , does one use the DC power / throtle pack in conjunction with the BLI ?
The Bli sound control and program option is used with your DC power pack. Only good for Blueline and Paragon 2 engines. For QSI engines you will need a second control for the sound and to program. Mrc makes a power pack and controller that is for DC and DCC entry level. Take a look at the MRC tech 6. It will control all the sound options also. Bob
I have a Paragon 2 engine, as well. I like the sound. My only complaint is that I can't seem to change individual sounds manually using my Digitrax Zephyr. The CV values for volume are not a standard set (at least not on mine). They are numbers such as 52.1, 52.8, etc...
