I'm looking to move into DCC. My current stats: N-scale, two Bachmann DC locomotives, home layout around 5x9 ft hoping to expand into modular layouts in the future, fairly low budget. eBay has a few auctions offering a Prodigy Advance DCC 1406 kit with: (1) Command Station (1) LCD Cab/Handheld with Cable (1) Power Supply Will this be a decent DCC starter kit for me? I realize that decoders will be an additional expense. Thank you.
Depends on what you wish to have in the end. With a small roster and layout at present, one of the starter packs like NCE's PowerCab may be a better choice as it has a lower start-up cost but can be expanded to meet future needs, or parts of it used in an upgraded system at a later date. As to whether the Prodigy is a good starter system for you I can't say other than what I (and you) would read in the 'blurb' would have to suffice in the decision on whether it does suit your current and future needs. It would be best to have one in your hand to try it of course.
BH, My concern about MRC is that whenever they have upgraded their systems, none of the older components are compatible. I think Gary' s advice about the NCE system is good. You can also get a Lenz system for not much more than the Prodigy Advance.
BH I think this place has the best price on the Prodigy Express & Advance systems http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=MRCPRODIGY&ID=200428899 Here is the review of the Advance system in the March 2005 MR http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=52 2slim
BH If your locomotives are older Bachmann, you might find converting them to DCC a challenge. I believe their new N scale offerings are DCC equipped or at least DCC ready. 2slim
