I was deciding a year ago and quickly got down to (for me) Digitrax versus NCE. From what I've seen here I don't think you can go wrong with either (not to take away from Lenz, etc). I encourage a discussion with Tony at TonysTrainExchange, as I was able to discuss my layout plans with him and then the Digitrax/NCE pros and cons for my situation (a moderate sized HO layout with 2 reversing loops, connecting mainline and 3 yards). I like the wide Digitrax range of products, including reverser circuit boards, so the ability to use one manufacturers components was a plus or me (turned out I was overemphasizing this). The throttles are different and one may prefer one over the other; it would be great to go to a shop or layout and try both. I personally disliked the buttons on the Digitrax but that is purely a preferential issue; more important may be the differences in how speed is adjusted, etc.
I ended up going with the NCE 5A Procab system, but adding non-NCE subdistrict boards: one a mainline circuit breaker and two are combo circuit breakers / auto reversers. I have a track on my layout switchable as normal operation / program track. The program track wiring needs are different for Digitrax versus NCE but that does not drive the system choice; just pick your system, then wire accordingly.
Again, suggest if you know your layout plans that you will find a conversation with Tony most productive in getting answers to your questions, options and what considerations matter most for you (and what questions to ask you may overlook). He understood I had a bias toward the NCE throttle and helped me decide "why not" and then to add the aux components I needed. An example in my case: there were several reversers I could choose with my NCE system; the cheaper OG series served my needs very adequately and there was no need for the next step up. Without the conversation I would not have successfully determined that, at least, with confidence.
I can say the NCE was super easy to get going. I set it up first by building a shelf and adding the power strip, main components, circuit boards and hooking it up (with a jumper and alligator clips) to a 3' flextrack to test it. It just worked from the get-go, so it also worked when I added the shelf to the layout under construction and started adding track.
You can't go wrong.
One side comment. I bought the fancy DCC meter up front, to enable trouble shooting if I encountered problems. It was not pushed on me...I wanted to be prepared. They are pricey, and I've had nil need for it. Don't figure you need to budget for it at the beginning. I'd suggest wait and see, then spend the $75 or so if you want later.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Lavae16:
I vote for NCE. I have the Power Cab version which I find pretty easy to use both for normal train control and for programming. If you eventually build a big layout it is easily expandable.
Digitrax gets great reviews as well, and it has some exclusive features, but I am all thumbs and looking at a typical Digitrax cab made me think I would need more thumbs! Too many similar buttons for my wee brain.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I've operated quite on the NCE, Digitrax and MRC. They are all good. I chose the Zephyr and added a throttle. I got it because my local club ran Digitrax. The president invited us over to run his layout and we had 10 trains--some with sound--running at once on a single Zephyr.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
I use both Digitrax and NCE systems on a regular basis.
My system of choice is NCE.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I started with a EZ Command and graduated to a Digitrax Zephyr. Never had a problem with the EZ Command, I just "outgrew it".
Do you mean 10 engines running or mostly sitting while you run one or two? There is a big difference, as only the engines running really draw power.
Good question, as this will determine how much "add-on" devices/accessories you may need.
If you can, visit a shop or train show where you can actually handle the throttles. The throttle unit is your interface to the whole system. If you are comfortable with it, you'll like the whole system a lot better.
Do you have any means of testing out various systems? Perhaps at a local club, hobby store, or fellow modelers home layout? Sometimes even just handeling the systems can sway you one way or the other.
I"ll 3rd the recommendation.
Inspired by Addiction
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Do you have any means of testing out various systems? Perhaps at a local club, hobby store, or fellow modelers home layout? Sometimes even just handeling the systems can sway you one way or the other. I was lucky enough to be able to try out both the Digitrax and NCE starter systems. I went with the NCE Power Cab as I just found it suited my needs better and was easy to operate/program right out of the box. Both systems are excellent, and you will probably not find a consensus as to which one is best or which one you should buy. There are so many variables to consider and many times the choice is subjective to the individual modeler. In short, in the absence of not being able to test either system out or handel either system, whichever one you choose will serve you just fine.
"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."
I personally have a Lenz system. Part of my decision-making process was the feel of the throttle. I've got big hands and fingers, and the Lenz throttle has large buttons, unlike the smaller cell-phone sized buttons on other throttles. (If you look at Lenz, by the way, get the Set 100. The analog throttle with the Set 90 is very awkward.)
Once you get away from the low-end starter sets, you can relax. Every manufacturer makes a quality product, and pretty much everyone here is happy with the choice he or she has made.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
In addition, which scale will you be running?
Will you have sounds?
Lavae16Thanks for the replies when I start my layout I was gonna probably expand it and run about 10 engines and add a few dcc things but I'm leaning towards the nce and digitrax but stuck
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
I did not compare to the other DCC systems, so I have limited reference. I bought an NCE pro Cab wireless and have been very happy with it. Also connected it to a laptop and run JMRI software with Withrottle on my Ipod. I have been very happy with it all.
The big sellers are Digitrax and NCE. Explore them both, and find what you like best. I ended up with Digitrax and am glad I did - but if I chose NCE I likely would say the same thing.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I am at a similar point in my modeling career. If you are a subscriber, our host has reviews of some of the systems available above under NEWS & REVIEWS. Also, you can go to Tony's Train Exchange site and find reviews and comparisons of some of the systems.
Take your time and weigh all the information you get. We are each a little different, our layouts and desires are different. I can see how some people like one system for their needs, yet others think some other system is the best for them.
Another thing to consider is if there is a club or other folks in your area that you might want to interact with, having a compatible system would make sense.
Good luck,
Richard
Like Jeffrey I started with a simple system - an MRC Command 2000. It was very limited but got my feet wet. I then moved up to a Digitrax Zephyr and was very pleased with the difference. I added a UR 91 receiver and a DT400R throttle and have been very well pleased. I like the ability to be able to add components to the system as needed/wanted. I also like the ease with which I was able to interface it with my computer and use JMRI. All in all the Zephyr has been an excellent "starter system" for me.
Joe
I hesitated too long to make the move to DCC, then I bought a NCE Power Cab for my small switching layout (30 ft main line with two yards and two stagings 8 to 12 ft long. I am actually really happy with this system and I feel I will never have to go to a larger system. Reliable and easy to use. Just what I needed.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
I started in DCC with the Bachmann EZ-Command system. Very limited. I moved on to the Digitraz Zephyr. I find it easy to use and it's easy to program my locos with it. I especially like the CV readback feature and the dedicated separate program track. Not all systems give you a program track.
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