NCE is an excellent choice. I have used it since 2000, mine is set up for wireless but I kept the buss and plug ins for tethered also. In fact, when operating by myself, I tend to run with the tethered cabs, just preference, and probably because I used the old Dynatrol system for ten years before NCE/DCC came along.
However, the other "major" players are also good. You will probably live with what you buy for many moons, so be sure you are happy with it and understand it before buying and committing to it.
Bob
Thank you all for your responses,
I will most likely look into the NCE system, there are a couple of modelers that i still keep in touch with from my home town that swear by it (both have used other systems aswell), Especially with the type of operation that i am looking at the true wirelss walk around throttles would be a nice touch.
Once again thank you for the responses.
Montana Railfan
I suspect you are looking for some kind of 'walk-around' capability too. The NCE Powercab is a 'teathered' system. The 'command station' is in the Powercab throttle. This means your train loses power if you unplug the Powercab. It is expandable and extra throttles can be added(the expansion throttle can be unplugged). A computer interface can be added with other expansion options. Best price for the basic system is around $140.
The Digitrax Zephyr command station has a 'built-in' throttle in the case(sort of like a DC powerpack). It has a lot of expansion built into it, and additional walk-around throttles can be added(wireless too). It also includes a programming track connection, and a PC interface via the Loconet is possible. It does full CV readback as well and works very well with Decoder Pro on a PC. Best price for the basic system is about $160.
If there is a local club near you, you might want to check out what they or other local modelers use - then your throttles can be used while visiting. You mentioned running 5-6 engines - at the same time? The basic Powercab has a 1.7 amp rating. The Zephyr has a 2.5 amp rating. The Powercab can run up to 12 engines, and the Zephyr can run up to 10 engines at the same time. The amount of current capacity will be more of a limit that the number of engines. Both will do 'consisting'.
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Pick almost any brand of DCC of which you have heard and someone in here believes it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. My personal preference is Digitrax. Many others in here prefer other brands. As long as you stay away from the cheapies like Bachmann you will be fine.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Montana RailfanWith that aside (and sorry for the deviation), that brings me to the question at hand. My layout will be around 4 x 6 when all of the modules are together, are there any suggestions about which DCC system would be suitable for a layout of that size running 5-6 engines max? I have been seriously toying around with following the trend and going Digitrax but any suggestions are welcome.
HelloooThere are many that will say Digitrax but I use NCE because of the read back and you can walk around with the whole thing in your hand. Theres plenty of power for anything that you will need on that size layout. Do some research and make your on choice.
Happy railroading.Lee
Afternoon all,
I have posted here many times about the possiblity of creating a layout to fit into my dorm room, and while i was home on Christmas break i made it happen. I tossed around many ideas and finally settled on a modular N Scale layout. I started construction before coming back to school, and in short it is comming along very well and the first trains will hit the rails when my engine comes in sometime this week or early next week.
With that aside (and sorry for the deviation), that brings me to the question at hand. My layout will be around 4 x 6 when all of the modules are together, are there any suggestions about which DCC system would be suitable for a layout of that size running 5-6 engines max? I have been seriously toying around with following the trend and going Digitrax but any suggestions are welcome.