Please help me decide which DCC for Atlas N-18 layout

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I just started the model train hobby and I really don’t know much about it. I am working on Atlas N-Scale layout N-18 “Gulf summit lines & Susquehanna valley railway”. This layout uses upper and lower level and each has two tracks. So there are 4 trains running at different directions at the same time. It also has one reverse loop. I heard that DCC is much easier to use so I would like to go and use DCC. Which of the following three systems would you see best fit this layout?
1. MRC Prodigy Advance
2. Digitrax Zephyr
3. Digitrax super empire builder system.
I deeply appreciate your kind help.
Mo:-)

[Anonymous]

The Super Empire Builder is WAY too much for this layout. I would suggest the zephyr because if you do decide to expand. All Digitrax products are forward and backward compatible. So if your layout gets too big for the zephyr, add boosters, throttles, UP5 panels, whatever you need. But you dont need the super empire builder to start out on a layout this size.

The prodigy advance is a far inferior system to the zephyr, and also more expensive. But some people love the PA throttles, so take a look.

Have fun!

[Texas Zepher]

How many people will be running the trains? I would think that with either Digitrax system you would also want to get a UT throttle for each additional operator. http://www.digitrax.com/menu_throttles.php Sometimes it is nice to have one throttle for each train even with one operator so that you aren't constantly flipping back and forth.

A limitation with the Zephyr is that you can only have 10 trains in the stack (running - not just sitting on the track) at a time.

[Anonymous]

I am not running any operation and I will be the only one to use it for now.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher

How many people will be running the trains? I would think that with either Digitrax system you would also want to get a UT throttle for each additional operator. http://www.digitrax.com/menu_throttles.php Sometimes it is nice to have one throttle for each train even with one operator so that you aren't constantly flipping back and forth.

A limitation with the Zephyr is that you can only have 10 trains in the stack (running - not just sitting on the track) at a time.

[ereimer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

The prodigy advance is a far inferior system to the zephyr, and also more expensive. But some people love the PA throttles, so take a look.

Have fun!

woah ! i have a zephyr myself so i agree it's better than the PA in some ways , but calling the PA far inferior isn't fair , it's a pretty decent system and the walk-around throttle right out of the box is nice . you're right about the price

[tstage]

Mo,

Of the three, the Zephyr would be the most logical choice. It's a good system and is expandable.

Another system to keep in mind is NCE's Powercab starter system, which is due to be released any day now. It has 1.7 amps of power and would be able to run plenty of N-scale locos. If more power is needed, a 3-amp power booster can be added for only $60. Price on the PowerCab is $180 list. You can purchase it at discount from Empire Northern (http://www.empirenorthernmodels.com) or Tony's Train Exchange (http://www.tonystrains.com) for $140.

The PowerCab can be upgraded to and incorporated as an extra throttle for NCE PowerHouse Pro. It will also come with a USB port for connecting to a computer. This will allow you to store, save, and recall CV settings for your individual locomotives using DecoderPro.

Tom

[Tom Bryant_MR]

moshken, I built the Atlas N scale #14 as my first. Email me at my link below with a return address. I have a proposal you might be interested in.

[Anonymous]

Hi Tom,
I have sent you 2 Emails and I still waiting for your proposal. Did you get my Emails.
Thanks.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Tom Bryant_MR

moshken, I built the Atlas N scale #14 as my first. Email me at my link below with a return address. I have a proposal you might be interested in.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

The prodigy advance is a far inferior system to the zephyr, and also more expensive. But some people love the PA throttles, so take a look.

Have fun!

woah ! i have a zephyr myself so i agree it's better than the PA in some ways , but calling the PA far inferior isn't fair , it's a pretty decent system and the walk-around throttle right out of the box is nice . you're right about the price

Didnt mean to rile anybody up. Just my experiences with the PA talking.

moshken-
As mentioned, Lenz is also an option. The USB is very convenient (better than the serial cable for digitrax) and Lenz is a fine system. I prefer Digitrax because it is a few bucks cheaper for the zephyr ($150), the basic system has more power, and I like the Digitrax throttles better. Also Digitrax is what my LHS carries.

[Anonymous]

I use the Zephyr on the very same layout. Works just fine, plenty of power. I use an old DC power pack on the jump ports to get two additional throtles. I'd say the Zephyr's the way to go.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by moshken
I am not running any operation and I will be the only one to use it for now.

In that case, I agree with JPM335, an Empire Builder system might be overkill.
Also as distantantennas says, the jump port on the Zephyr is a unique and very nice feature for a one-person operation.

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I have noticed that you have the Atlas N-18 and I would like to get some info from you. You do not have your Email address in your profile. Is there a way to comunicate with you.
Thanks.

QUOTE: Originally posted by distantantennas

I use the Zephyr on the very same layout. Works just fine, plenty of power. I use an old DC power pack on the jump ports to get two additional throtles. I'd say the Zephyr's the way to go.

[cripp12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by moshken

Hi,
I have noticed that you have the Atlas N-18 and I would like to get some info from you. You do not have your Email address in your profile. Is there a way to comunicate with you.
Thanks.

QUOTE: Originally posted by distantantennas

I use the Zephyr on the very same layout. Works just fine, plenty of power. I use an old DC power pack on the jump ports to get two additional throtles. I'd say the Zephyr's the way to go.

I would like to know also. I am working on the same layout.