I am looking to get a DCC System. I am starting out with a 5x8 HO layout and will look to expand down the road. I am interested in the new steam locomotives coming out with synchronized puffing smoke/sound (Broadway Ltd Paragon Series and MTH with Proto-Sound 3). This is a big step up for me. In the past, I've just snapped together the EZ Track, plugged in the transformer and ran trains. I'm thinking I should go to the higher end of systems(NCE PHP?) just in case I expand and better understand this hobby. Any advice is appreciated and thank you in advance.
1 WELCOME TO THE FORUM
2 Have you got arms long enough to reach into a 5 ft wide layout?
3 My personal preference is Digitrax. I have a 16x16 around the room layout powered by a Digitrax Super Chief. I have never wished that I had chosen anything different.
Others in here have different preferences. It's like Ford vs Chevy with just a couple of exceptions.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Welcome to the wonderful world of model railroading.
The best advice I can give you is go to a train show that has portable modules, Hobby shops that deal in more than one DCC system, Local clubs and home layouts. Try out the throttles, Look at the systems and ask questions of the owners and users.
My personal experience is a Lenz system at the club, Digitrax system at a friends house and I own an NCE Power Cab at home. Of all of these I like the NCE system the best. After 6 years at the club I still need the book on the Lenz system. My friend has to help me sometimes on the Digitrax system. But the NCE system is real easy to use I have not seen the book since I set it up.
All are great systems but the feel of the throttle in your hand is the most important point. The Lenz throttle uses buttons for speed control. My friends Digitrax uses a knob that can be sesitive sometimes and the NCE has buttons and a thumb wheel that I like. In switcher mode the thumb wheel controls forward and reverse with no button changes. Real nice in the yards.
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!
Lots of good info in this thread on DCC
Forum Clinic: 12 years using DCC
I assume when you mention a 5X8 layout, that you will have access all around so you can reach.
I have the NCE Power Pro - R. The R is for radio. I love it. Having a wireless throttle is great. With wireless I don't have to fool with a cab bus yet still have walk around. One power bus around the layout with feeders - really simple.
At the time I bought it, it appeared to be the best wireless on the market, but others have advanced and you'll have to examine them all to see which will best work for you. If you can afford it, it's the way to go.
Enjoy
Paul