There is alway's alot of talk & differing opions about who's DCC system is the best. I would like to know how much you have invested in your DCC system & what you got for your money. My layout is in a room about 10 x 11. I started out with Prodigy Express, upgraded to Advanced Squared, then added wireless conversion. I sold my express so I have 1 wireless throtle & 1 tethered. Cost involved $305 after sale of Express.
Larry
First, my dollar investment is between my wife and me and is really no one else's business. So I won't write in those terms. I am completely happy with my NCE powerpro and whatever that involves as far as bucks is known to me, and I feel I got the best investment for what I spent. That said, the amount of money we spend on DCC is as large or as small as we want it to be. I have just over 200 diesels, all with decoders. Then I have the NCE command station, four boosters, 9 wireless/tethered procabs and 10 CAB04P handheld cabs, some are wireless. Then there are the additional items like cab/facia plug in panels, wire, etc. I buy most of my equipment from the big guys like Tony and Litchfield who provide discounts, but I also buy most of my decoders from a local hobby shop at retail with a discount.
The layout occupies a room 35ft by 28 or 29ft. Layout is three decks.
I also have a command station and one booster on my workbench, where I do my testing and installation. It was my first command station and booster, replaced a couple of years ago by the current main system. It lets me do testing, programming and break in running.
It sounds like a lot perhaps, but I have bought components as needed, and I do consider it an investment.
I might add that during the 90's, before DCC, I used a command system called Dynatrol which was limited to 18 receiver addresses, and non tethered, but it was state of the art for it's time.
Bob
I bought a Lenz System 100 about 3 1/2 years ago for the going price, whatever that was. I got it with a discount at my LHS. I also bought an extra "engineer's" throttle, the same one that comes with the Lenz System 90. The Lenz puts out 5 amps, which is more than enough for my layout. I replaced the train transformer which I was using to drive the Lenz with a 5-amp NCE power supply when the old transformer just couldn't support the load, and the trains started slowing down. The Lenz systems themselves do NOT come with a power supply, so you need to provide one. I think the supply was about $35. I'd go that way from the start, and skip the train transformer step, if I were starting again.
I use the original "Dispatcher's" throttle all the time. The simpler Engineer's throttle, with a big analog wheel instead of up/down speed pushbuttons, hangs on the back of the layout. I don't think I've used it for a year or more. Of course, at the current time I always operate my layout alone, so it's a bit silly to use 2 throttles. If I were to do it again, though, I would buy a second Dispatcher's throttle instead. It's really awkward to do programming with the other one, and the locomotive address stack is only 8 engines vs. 32.
I wired a control bus around my whole layout. The Lenz throttles are tethered, and they plug into a commercial DIN jack. I just bought a bunch of these jacks online, and mounted them beneath the layout. So, I can easily move around the layout by plugging in the throttle wherever I am. The Lenz system retains all information in the base station, so the trains keep moving even when you unplug the throttle, and you're right back in control again when you plug back in. I have jacks every 6 feet or so.
I have no computer interface directly to my layout. I do have a Digitrax PR2 (the previous version of the PR3) which hangs off the computer and lets me program decoders, particularly Digitrax SFX sound decoders. I bought this specifically to add sound to my trolleys, which are not available as standard off-the-shelf sound decoders. This is an isolated system, though, and this programming is done on a separate piece of track off the layout. People say you can use JMRI Decoder Pro with the PR2, but I haven't been able to get it to work. I use the Digitrax SoundLoader program to download sounds files.
Most of my engines have sound by this point. I started out with basic no-frills decoders, thinking sound was just a gimmick. Once I heard sound with my own ears, though, I was hooked. Now, I'll only buy sound engines if available. The extra cost for a sound engine is about the same as the cost to buy the parts to retrofit the same non-sound engine, and I don't have to pay for extra labor or do it myself.
I throw my turnouts (all twin-coil equipped) from a control panel using toggles. I am happy with this, and don't plan to use DCC for turnout control at any time in the future. I have thought about putting DCC on the turntable, though, but for now it's on a toggle, too.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Total 'Cost' of a DCC system has too many variables. And you have to factor in decoder cost as well. I suspect most folks got a 'deal' on their system - I know of no one who paid MSRP. Here is what powers my 25' by 20' layout area:
Digitrax DCS100 'Chief' command station
Digitrax DB100a booster
Digitrax PS515 power supplies(2 for the above units)
Digitrax PS12 power supplies(6 for the UR91/UP5's/PM42's)
Digitrax PM42 power district/reversers(2)
Digitrax UR91 radio base station
Digitrax UP5 panels(3)
Digitrax DT100R radio throttle(2)
Digitrax DT400R radio throttle(2)
Locobuffer USB
100' of Loconet cables
600' of 'bus' wiring
300+ IDC connectors
All of this was purchased between 1999 & 2005. I started out with a DCS100 command station and 2 DT100 throttles in a 'package' deal from a 'basement' operator who sold/installed Digitrax DCC stuff. Add to that about 40 decoders(and 8 Sound/DCC engines) - I do not think about the total cost. The layout was wired for DC 'Cab Control' with 2 MRC CM20 throttles, and about 2,000' of wiring. There were 3 'panels' with something like 43 toggle switches It took over three weeks of evening s to 'wire' that layout(not counting building the panels). It took 2 evenings to pull all of the old DC wiring. and another 3 evening to 'wire' it for DCC. I sold off the MRC CM20 units and even gave away the yard panel! You can add up the cost of the DCC equipment by going out to Tony's and adding it up.
As I mentioned, there is the 'starter' cost and the 'final' cost.....about $1500 for everything(DCC/wiring). This does NOT factor in the cost of decoders.
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Many years ago, AVRO in Canada built the Canuck CF-100 all weather fighter. It wasn't called the Canuck by those whose lives were governed by it in the Air Force...instead, they affectionately called it "the clunk". Still, it was a very robust and reliable aircraft.
(hey, who'da thunk...I wrote those words and then decided to provide a link to the wikipedia entry, and whomever had written largely the same thing! No, not I.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_CF-100
Anyway, I have what I call the clunk in the Super Empire Builder. I spend $400 Canadian in 2005. I added another DT400 a few months later. Total now is $490.
I don't know that I would characterize the expenditure as an "investment", except that my wife would emphatically agree with the term, insisting that it has made my early retirement a joy. I suspect that it will continue to serve me for a few years yet. It isn't fancy, but it is extremely confidence-building due to its robustness, reliability, and power. If someone told me they were looking for a system with lots of power and didn't want computer interface or CV readback, and could get one for USD$270 or less, I would say do it.
-Crandell
I have a 25' x 50' HO layout that has a Digitrax Zephyr ($160), a UR91 radio receiver ($150), three DT400R throttles ($180 ea.), and five UP-5 throttle panels ($16 ea.). That's $930. I also have approx. 30 locos with decoders that I've installed for at least an additional $450-$500 (depending on types used). So call it $1,380-$1,430. Now, that's spread out over the last 6 or 7 years. At the moment, that's around $200 per year if one wants to spread the cost out completely.
So what have I got from my almost $1500 investment?
I have a wireless digital system that allows me to run my train without worrying about blocks. I can park engines anywhere. I can add helpers anywhere. I don't have to constantly walk back and forth to cut a car with a skewer, then go back to the throttle to move the loco (and then repeat...over and over again). I can look and admire my train running from anywhere...from right next to the engine to across the room. I can play sound effects that come from the loco. I can MU any brand of loco with any other brand of loco. I have constant lighting that stays on even when the train stops. I can read car numbers for Operations without having to bring the train over to me (I can walk to the train while running it). I can add realistic momentum effects to my locos individually and on the fly.
In short, I've made my Operations far more realistic than I ever could with DC, and to me that's worth 1 modern new brass steam engine, or 2 new brass diesels, or 3 BLI steamers, or 6 Atlas Gold locos, or 15 Athearn RTR locos, or 150 Athearn RTR boxcars, or 2000 Kadee couplers (all are around $1500). YMMV.
Paul A. Cutler III*******************Weather Or No Go New Haven*******************
I am best part of 6 years into this as well. Like many I have a fairly typical expanding Digitrax setup. I started with an entry level set, the Zephyr and have subsequently added a DB150 booster, DT400 throttle, UT4 throttle, Locobuffer 2 PC interface and JMRI software, UR90 infra red wireless and a couple of panels. I plan on upgrading to the new Digitrax duplex wireless as soon as it is released for sale. Frankly I have no idea what my total DCC spend is. These items have been added spread out over the 6 years, so at no point did it feel like a big spend. I am really happy that my original investment in the Zephyr has paid off. It still forms an integral part of my system and has not had to be replaced. I consider it to have been excellent value.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
I first got into DCC ten years ago with the purchase of a Digitrax Super Chief (radio) which came with a DT100R throttle. I knew that I would need a BD150 booster for my layout so at the same time I purchased an Empire Builder which came with a DB150 and a DT100 throttle. I belive my initial investment for both sets was about $600 from a discount retailer. I have since added additional radio throttles and picked up another DB150 on Ebay. Unlike others who sold off their first DCC system when they upgraded, this was not necessary with Digitrax. My first Digitrax command station (DCS100) is still running my layout.
I will be upgrading to the new Digitrax duplex radio throttles by adding the new parts to my DCC system.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
I have a Digitrax Super Chief Radio system with 2 additional boosters, a Locobuffer II, a PR3, 7 DS64s and a few other assorted items. Total cost approximately $1400. I've got far moe than that tied up in sound locomotives. I have no issues with the costs nor return on my investment. I too will upgrade to the 2-way radio system when it is available.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
I'd have to agree with Jim, there are so many aspects to this question, I wouldn't even want to try to add everything up . This is a "sky is the limit"scenario where everyone will be adding components for years as They try to build Their "dream pike" ,or layout . Really You have to know what You want to spend You're extra money on,how involved to get in the hobby,what do You want You're system to do & most importantly , will this system be upgradeable in the future as You,re skills improve . I use the Easy DCC, wireless system, cost is not a concern as I know They make a reliable system .Although I still use MRC's 9500 power pack for testruns before I install decoders, I would'nt buy Their dcc system because of their apparent "We'll go it alone attitude" , & lack of expandability. I'm not criticizing Their system, it just dosen't offer what I will want as My skills improve in the future. So You see cost isn't the main factor. Everyone I would assume buys the system that He/She fells comfortable with.
I guess I'm the "cheapskate"! I got the Bachmann EZ command and the 5 amp booster getting on 4 years now, cost $200.00 give or take $20. I have 27 DCC loco's range in price from $39.00 (Bachmann) up to BLI $250.00 (with sound), Atlas, Proto, Athearn in between some with sound all factory installed decoders. I find no fault with what I got, simple to use and dependable. Retired and having the best time of my life. MRR is my favortie thing to do with clothes on!
pastorbobFirst, my dollar investment is between my wife and me and is really no one else's business. So I won't write in those terms.Bob
First, my dollar investment is between my wife and me and is really no one else's business. So I won't write in those terms.
The original poster was quite clear on the requirements to post in this thread. Since you posted, you are required to provide to the forum members all costs associated with your DCC system. While we wait for you to get your figures together I shall post my DCC costs
NCE powercab $149.95
NCE program switch $24.95
NCE Cab-04E $89.95
PSX-1 circuit breaker $39.95
Total $304.80
I have approx. 13 decoders ranging in price from $16 to $25
Total decoder cost approx. $260
Total DCC outlay $564.80
I am very happy with this system and will continue to use it.
The club uses a Lenz/cvp wireless system. I bought a used CVP throttle for $50 to use at the shows for the modules. At home I have a $134 Power cab version 1.1. (one of the first to come out). I only have 28 feet of modules. (2 corners and 4 straight sections) The Power cab is great for what I do with it. Mainly programing and testing. I love switching and it works great when the modules are set up at home. I lost count on decoders after fifty. Mostly TCS, QSI, Blueline, NCE.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
mrgstrainI would like to know how much you have invested in your DCC system & what you got for your money.
I replaced my Railcommand with a LENZ system with one LH-100, two LH-90s, the computer interface, and two power stations. Since our club and almost all the members purchased similar systems at the same time we got a price so low I cannot say what it was. I also spent $400 for a CVP wireless throttle system (base & two throttles) for it.
I've also got a Digitrax Zephyr that I paid $135. I have also purchased a PM42, BDL168, SEC8, DS45, and several detection units for $560 or so. I got both computer interfaces but don't remember what I paid for them.
The biggest expense by far has been for decoders and on-board sound units. I won't even venture a guess on the cost. When I started a sound units was $295 and decoders were $40 each. Even though decoders have dropped to $12 each, and sound units below $100 I've not nearly converted even 1/4 the entire fleet.
But I would never call it an investment. An investment is something that one expects to make money on or use to make money with. I buy this stuff to have fun with and enjoy.
Like many have said before, it's hard to put number on all of the items, but here are my basics. I have a 14X18 walkin layout and use NCE and DCC Specialties stuff.
NCE Power Pro R $550.
6 PSX1 $180
4 PSX AR $190
Misc wire, connectors, terminal blocks are probably another $150. If you want to add in the Tortise and Wabbits, it would add in another $550. Not cheap, but I can do anything from the Cab and not have any worries about shorts, shutdowns, etc.
As other have said, the DCC locos I have are more than this, so I like to think I am keeping them safe with my 'investment.' It's not a cheap hobby, but I love every minute I spend on it.
Happy modeling to all.
Jeff