I am a new bee in the model railroading hobby but it's something I always wanted to do. I've been doing some research but being unfamiliar with certain jargon I am unable to decide on what's a good starter kit. My wish is to start off right away with DCC, so I would appreciate if I could get some advice on a good DCC starter kit and any other thing that I need to know.
I hope to get to know all of you fellow rail roaders over the course in time. Cheers.
I can not advise you on a so called kit, but I can suggest you look into a local club in your area. Just picking a scale to model is subject to like and dislikes. There are a million scenarios to consider and without knowing what you like or have room to build is beyond the scope of these forums. Joining a club with multiple scales will give you a basic and advanced look at the differences and ideas on how to go about choosing something that you will enjoy for a long time.
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!
Welcome!
As I understand it, there are many good starter sets. Some of the differences are your future plans for expansion and upgrading. I haven't decided on which way to go, as I have had to change plans and create a new space.
It would be a good idea to see what others in your area are using and what is locally available. Knowledge of operation and service are both important factors.
Good luck,
Richard
Thanks Pete. I will surely look to join a club and get ideas from there.
Thanks Richard. It seems that the HO Scale is a popular choice and I did check with the local hobby store and that's the scale for which most options are available. I will probably settle for the HO Scale but now I just need to decide if my starter set should be a Bachmann, Atlas of Life-Like. Although I heard that Life-Like is pretty basic. The search and research is on. ;)
NuB: I was was in your position a few months back and received the following advice from a couple of seasoned enthusiasts.
I know some of the purists will take issue with #3, but it has served me well. I have followed the advice. I now have a modified 4x8 oval with a turnout and a switching yard, and a couple of Kato diesel engines. So far it has been bullet-proof. I have never had a problem with track alignment, derailments, or switch problems; it all just works. I am currently running DC with an upgraded power supply and plan to make the move to DCC in the next couple of months. I have made some mistakes and am learning from my experiences.
I am no expert, far from it. I am three months into it and am still loving it. All I can tell you is what has worked for me.
Thanks Richard. That's some splendid advice. I will surely keep it in mind. I am still looking for a good DCC set and should get started soon.
RideOnRoad NuB: I was was in your position a few months back and received the following advice from a couple of seasoned enthusiasts. Because I was somewhat constrained by space--N scale. Save up my money and only buy Kato engines. Use Kato Unitrack. I know some of the purists will take issue with #3, but it has served me well.
I know some of the purists will take issue with #3, but it has served me well.
ROR,
I would have more issues with #2 than I would #3. You are VERY limited to era (modern) if Kato is your only choice of locomotives; even moreso if you choose N-scale. Bowser, Proto 2000, Atlas, and BLI all make very fine locomotives.
NuB,
If I were in your shoes, I would consider spending a little extra and buying my components (track, power pack, locomotive, etc.) separately rather than in a "set". While it's nice to have "everything all-in-one-box", the quality of most train sets is fair - at best. If you don't buy a good quality locomotive from the get-go, you run a much higher chance of becoming frustrated after a while.
Do keep in mind that "quality" doesn't necessarily equate to "expensive." You can find GREAT deals on quality locomotives - if you know where to look. Which leads me to my next thought...
Even before doing that, think about what era of railroading most interests you. Steam? Diesel? Both? If it doesn't matter then you have a wide open field to choose from. If you have preference for one over the other, that will help you to narrow your field.
Also, I would encourage you to go DC at first rather than jumping right into DCC. A DCC system is an individual choice and you need to first figure out what your layout needs (both current and future) will be before making that kind of decision. Once you've determined that, that will help you hone in on the DCC system that will best meet those needs. If and when you do go DCC, the power pack can easily be used for turnout or lighting control.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Tom, that was excellent advice. In any case, I have my mind set on HO Scale and was looking into Athern locomotives or even Bachmann to start off with. Since I am very new to all this I want to start easy and grow from there. I don't really have a preference for any era. I like all types of trains. I would prefer to run all types in my model. So, you can see, I have a long term plan. I took a look at your website and I loved the layout. So much in just 4'x8'. That's creative.
A really nice and user friendly DCC system for beginners, is the NCE Powercab. It has everything you need to get started for a small layout. Just connect two wires to each rail of track, and you're running trains already. Download and read the manual.
You can get it for around $150 at your local hobby shop, or online.
http://www.ncedcc.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=3&category_id=1
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
I recommend the Digitrax Zephyr Extra. It also has everything you need to get started for a small layout and can be used for a medium to large layout. It has almost twice the power output of a Powercab and two old DC throttles can be added to it to control more trains. About $180 at street price. You get what you pay for.
Martin Myers
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/digitrax_stsets.htm
http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/products/command-stations-boosters/dcs51/documents/ZephyrXtra_Manual_2012.pdf
Thanks Martin. The Digitrax Zephyr Xtra does look like an excellent product. The controls are good looking and will give a more realistic feel. I will look more into this.
NuB:
The nice thing about the Zephyr is its ease of expansion. I started with the basic Zephyr and then added a UT4 tethered throttle and then a UR91 receiver and a DT400r wireless throttle. I now have added a LocoBuffer USB to my system for computer connectivity via JMRI. It was easy just adding the desired items one at a time.
Joe
Thanks Joe. This sounds very promising. Does the DigiTrax controller work with any tracks i.e Atlas, Unitrack or Bachmann?
nuBrailroader Thanks Joe. This sounds very promising. Does the DigiTrax controller work with any tracks i.e Atlas, Unitrack or Bachmann?
Yes. The manufacturer of the track is a non-issue. DigiTrax systems will operate any DCC equipped loco since the decoder manufacturers comply with the NMRA standard (except for some very old units). Where incompatibilities come in is between control systems. For example you cannot use a Digitrax throttle (UT4, DT400, etc) with an NEC system and vice versa.
Ok, cool. That's make it easier to decide.
I am no expert...FAR FAR FAR from it! I have only been at this hobby for a little over a year myself, so I still consider myself a rookie. So consider my 2 cents with my 'rookie status' in mind.
I have found that patience pays massive dividends in this hobby. No matter what you do, take your time, do your research, and ask questions. The seasoned veterans on this site (not me) know their stuff, and are always willing to lend a hand and offer sound advice.
In terms of DC vs. DCC, I would tend to go DCC right off the bat if that is where you eventually want to go. Even for a small layout, DCC just opens up more possibilities, and if you want to operate more then one train on the layout at a time, your wiring for DCC is really cut down and simplified. DCC doesn't have to be expensive or complicated either. It all depends on what you want. Now, please don't misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with DC whatsoever! But if DCC is where you want to be, and you are just starting out investing in this hobby, then I would personally go that route from the get go.
Others far more qualified can advise you on which DCC system to go with. A lot comes down to personal tastes. I have an NCE Power Cab because it suits my humble layout.
But my best advice...HAVE FUN! Enjoy the hobby...it is the best hobby out there!
Regards, Don
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time. The good news is that you decided to take the train and not fly."
Thanks Don, that's some great advice. I am doing my research and with the help of you guys here, I am sure it will all turn out good. Yes, I am planning on starting out right away with DCC and that interests me more. I want to run more than one train for sure. I am all excited and look forward to starting this hobby. It's something I always wanted to do but had far more important commitments. Now it's a lot easier. The wait will be sweet. ;)
New Bee
I started out with a Zephyr and had issues so I returned it and bought the NCE Power Cab. Plugged it in and never looked back. I can run 4 or 5 engines at once, or a couple of double headers with short trains. I have some grades of up to 2%.I started my layout in 2007 and my troubles with the Zephyr may or may not been my doing but my experience with the Power Cab was flawless.
Just my experience, no flames please.
Have fun.
Lee
Thanks Lee. I will surely consider your advice.
Best product i would suggest is the NCE power Cab. i knew nothing about DCC when i started or how it worked to controll trains etc. NCE is SOOOOO eay to learn and understand with their controller.
First decide where you want to go with your layout . How many trains you wish to run ,if you want to PLAY trains Or PLAY the track,NCE provides a number of locos that can be stored in one Button,RECALL , when you need to command a number of locos in a short space of time you only have to hit recall to find the loco you want then press ENTER ,instead of having to enter all the numbers again and again.
You also have the option of adding another controller to yourr layout if a friend wants to play with you, How cool is that!!!!!!!
NCE is the best and i would recommend it to anyone who wants to start out in DCC
Hey Tomcat, that's a lot of very good information. Now I have the difficult task of choosing the right one. Thanks. ;)
nuBrailroader ...Now I have the difficult task of choosing...
...Now I have the difficult task of choosing...
That's what is great about this hobby...the choices are endless! Compared to what some of the older vet's in this hobby had available to them 20+ years ago, we new guys really are spoiled.
I've had a Zephyr for over 10 years - no problems, ever. I've added a DB150, PM42, and a few throttles over the years, along with some other bits like a PR3, Locobuffer, and LocoIO (the last two built from circuit boards from Hans DeLoof)
Recall is overrated - it's greta when you only have a couple of locos (and anyway the Zephyr Xtra DOES have recall), but once you get more than a few, it's LESS button presses to just enter the number than it is scrolling through a large recall stack. I've never seen the point. Assuming all your locos have 4 digit addresses, there is a maximum of 6 button presses to enter ANY loco by keying in the number.(select/loco/whatever, the 4 numbers, and enter/ok/whatever). I can set 4, 8 or 16 recalls on my DT402 throttle - I've never changed it and I don;t remember actually ever using the recall feature to go through my locos. Most of mine have 3 digit cab numbers, following the prototype, so it's never more than 5 button presses to select any loco in my roster (more than would even fit in the recall list if I set it to 16).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I still think you ought to look at getting your components (i.e. locomotive, track, rolling stock, etc.) first BEFORE deciding on a DCC system. You can have the greatest DCC system alive - pick your choice. However, if you're trying to run a Tyco F7 that only has two speeds (warp speed and stop), a decoder - if you can install it into one - isn't going to make it run better.
My ...
Too many choices make it even more difficult to decide. The less the better. ;) But, I see your point...we new hobbyists are truly spoiled.
Yes, Tom, that' s what I was planning on doing. I'm already planning on a layout and will soon buy the tracks and then will come the trains.