Hi, I have a 4 by 8 HO layout and I want to run more than one train at once, and want a DCC system. Problem is, I don't what kind to get! I have seven locos and would like to run 3 or 4 at a time, and I don't want to spend over 200 dollars. So, what would be a good system? Thanks...
Unfortunately most of the good systems are in the price range you want to avoid. The Digitrax Zephyr Xtra is on sale at Walthers for $199.98. That's just a starter system and doesn't include any decoders. It's just the power pack, booster and throttle. It should have no problem running four locos at a time. I have the old model Zephyr and it runs four locos at a time just fine.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
If you are going to run 4 locos at a time, you are going to be one busy operator.
floridaflyer If you are going to run 4 locos at a time, you are going to be one busy operator.
LOL
So true.
I can keep four going on my double main line, two per track, but you gotta be vigilant.
Rich
Alton Junction
Sunnyside railroad. Hi, I have a 4 by 8 HO layout and I want to run more than one train at once, and want a DCC system. Problem is, I don't what kind to get! I have seven locos and would like to run 3 or 4 at a time, and I don't want to spend over 200 dollars. So, what would be a good system? Thanks...
I'd assume you'd want to run several locos in a consist rather than 4 trains at the same time. I don't really see any way to run more than one or two actual trains simultaneously on a 4X8.
Either a Digitrax Zeypher or an NCE PowerCab will probably serve you well. I'm sure someone will recommend one of the MRC systems, also. Any of these should be able to be found new in the price range you specify.
In that price range I believe you can get a new Zephyr, NCE Power Cab, MRC Prodigy, or Bachmann E-Z, or Bachmann Dynamis.
On the other hand if you start cruising the used market you might be surprised what you can find. In the last year I got a CVP Easy-DCC system for $100, and an NCE PRO-Cab Radio for $300. There are always people updating systems land moving to new and better things.
OH! PS - On the used market you will find MRC Command 2000 systems for $10 - $50. While these work they are first generation DCC systems and I do NOT recommend them. They only support 2 digit addressing, they only have 14 speed steps, and the system can only support certain channel numbers in certain combinations. I have two of these systems and love them, but I know what I am up against and do not recommend them to others, especially newbies.
Ok, thanks for the help!