Since I’m moving and planning on rebuilding my layout (n scale - starting up in DCC), I’m looking into how I want to power my turnout switch motors. Currently I have a handful of tortoises. The option of using NCE switch8 and Button Board to control them, vs using the new Layout Control circuit board for tortoise, and the distribution board and facia buttons, is the puzzle I’m looking at. I do plan to figure pricing in, but for now, I’d like to pick a few brains and see what the community thinks. Has anyone used the new Walthers system? I do like the idea of snap on cables vs bare wIrving, but is that enough?
I have not tried the Walthers system. I have installed a couple of stationary decoders, but I don't really like them and prefer panel toggles.
I don't like losing control of my locomotive just to set a turnout, or remembering addresses for turnouts, either. I decided to use DCC because I didn't have the right power bus on the new section of the layout on the far side of a removable bridge.
Not all stationary decoders can be controlled with buttons, either, so spend a bit more and give yourself the option.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I am using NCE Switch-It and Switch-8 (with button boards) to control the turnouts on my layout. They seem to work very reliably for toggle switch or DCC (throttle or JMRI) control. I have no experience with the new Walthers system.
Here are Switch-It and Switch-8 installed:
Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.
- Photo album of layout construction -