How much is in the bank?
What is the size of your maximum withdrawal?
Rich
Alton Junction
I suggest NCE Power cab . Others will have their own suggestions of course but i knew nothing of DCC and was running trains in a flash!!!
Easy to learn, operates sound ,(horn, bell and lights )etc
Good power supply for a decent sized layout, Lots of fun
ENJOY
I agree with Tomcat. Went to DCC two years ago and bought the NCE PowerCab. I never regretted it.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
i have a small layout and don't expect more than myself operating. I am very satisfied with the NCE PowerCab I purchased, but only later realized that NCE offered the DCC Twin. I latter joined a club where I also use my PowerCab, so the PowerCab was the better choice in the end.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
I would like to thank everyone for the imput. I am also looking for expandability, can I run signals and crossing gates with these controllers in the future as my layout grows.I was going to ask this question on my first post, but my finger touch the screen and sent a question before I could finish.
There are three choices that come to mind that roughly come in around the same price:
1) NCE PowerCab
2) Digitrax DCS51 Zephy Xtra
3) MRC Prodigy XPressMRC has expansion limitations.That leaves the NCE PowerCab and Digitrax. Of these two you need to make a decision.Holding the throttle in your hand is a very very nice feature. The power to the track comes from the throttle. So if you unplug it, your trains will stop. The throttle is in the form of buttons and a rolling thumb wheel. The display is more user friendly then the digitrax. So if you are a little more computer challenged, this might be the ideal choice.That said,Throttles are fragile. They can break easy if they hit the ground. If there is a potential for your son to drop the throttle, you might want to consider something stationary that is tied down to the surface. Plus, the digitrax comes with an actual "grab throttle" which, in my humble opinion, feels considerably nicer then NCE's roll wheel. There's also a simulated brake function on the digitrax. If you move the direction switch to the neutral or brake position, the throttle will slowly change the speed to 0 (greate for simulating a train coming to a slow stop). I'm kind of neutral on this feature, but I know people who like it. For a more advanced operators, there are better ways to simulate heavy loads. But for the beginner who doesnt' want to remember to reprogram CV's and what function button to his to engage brakes, this is a great options.The digitrax display is LCD like on an alarm clock. But the function buttons are CLEARLY labeled. The NCE uses a 2 line display that gives hints in the second line of what buttons to hit next.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Back.
There are things to consider before purchasing a DCC system. Double track mainline? Already built? How big? Equipment and rolling stock already owned or are you buying newer DCC equipped/ready?
Any DCC system can run trains. The real choice is how the system fits you and what you need it to do. A layout larger than arms reach could benefit from a walkaround throttle either tethered or wireless. Wireless costs $$ beyond the system in batteries and chargers for rechargables. Tethered throttles are cheaper by far and more durable than you think. The plugs are the week spot in most. Lenz uses a five pin DIN plug that is durable as a brick ship yard. NCE and Digitrax uses TELCO connectors that wear out or break after awhile. The little foldy pins inside the sockets lose contact and the latch breaks off the male end. I have replaced mine on my Power cab 3 times in 10 years. My Lenz LH90 throttle is older and more abused and never has it failed. The feel and ease of use of the Lenz LH90 makes it my favorite throttle. The Power cab is easier to program with but in use I have to look at it for direction changes and function choices. That is the difference between an engineers throttle and a dispachers throttle.
Lots of choices to make. Good luck.
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!
I went Digitrax way back when and haven't looked back. Even the full feature throttle is easy to hold and can easily be operated with one hand, no looking at it to change direction or any of that, you just click the speed knob. The Loconet bus is more capable than the other systems when it comes to signals and detection. In fact, many NCE layouts end up adding a Digitrax Loconet bus to handle the signaling and detection. All parts of any initial system purchase remain fully functional in an expanded system, no surplus parts. I started with the original Zephyr, and have since upgraded with additional throttles and an extra booster. That original Zephyr is still used, and it powers my accessory decoders. The Zephyr has been repalced by the Zephyr Xtra which can run up to 20 trains (it has power for 5-10, for more, you'd need to add a booster) and supports all the functions up to F28. The original Zephyr only went up to F8 - however all I did was get a newer throttle that supports up to F28 and I have access to all of them - no upgrade or otherwsie altering the Zephyr unit was required.
When you are ready to go to a signalling system, there are basically two ways to control this - free JMRI software, or expensive (but somewhat easier to set up, for some) RR&Company. This is why it is strongly suggest to stay away from the MRC DCC systems - neother program works with MRC, because MRC won;t work with the developers to add their protocol. ALL of the major US and European DCC manufacturers like Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, ESU, etc. all with with either software package. ALL, except MRC. You'd think with the beating they've taken over this in nearly every railroad and DCC forum they would rethink this policy, but I guess not.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
NCE Power House Pro, 5 amp system.
That's the very best.
Welcome back to the hobby. Glad to see you have an interested young partner. Have always wished mine had had more interest.
As mentioned above, there are several good makes and most folks seem to favor what they have.
One question that was asked me when I was shopping, was: "what do others in your area have?" If you want to invite others over or go to other layouts, whether a club or home layout, the various systems are not compatible. Some booster parts are, as I understand it, but not the actual controllers.
I went with the NCE Power Cab for several reasons. First, it was the one I seemed to think was most appropriate for the way I wanted to operate. Second, there is a large home layout, open to others to come to periodic operating sessions, it has NCE. Third, I can add a second controller (06), so that I can have a grandchild or visitor operate with me and have their own handheld (don't need to buy anything but the second handheld). The Power Cab will operate three or four locos at a time, maybe more, depending on the locos needs (sound). Layout size is not as much a factor as the number of locos and/or accesories you are running. The system is expandable by adding a booster if you need more power.
I have seen information on the NCE DCC Twin. It does allow two operators, but you are both bound to one location, as the control panel has both throttles mounted on one box. With the Power Cab there is a tether for both the included handheld and the 06 has its own cord, so you can move around and follow your locos to the extent of the tether.
Radio operated hand helds are available and free you from the tether, but unless you are planning a large layout that you plan to operate for years, I'd advise hold off on that expense for awhile. not sure how much you have to upgrade your system to add radio control.
I have not seen nor operated either of the other brands mentioned, but I am sure they each have their own "better" features. In choosing, decide how you want to operate your layout, then read up an all the available starter systems and see which best matches your desires and expense account.
Have fun,
Richard
If possible, you and your son should go to a train shop or a train show where you can try out a few throttles. The throttle is your interface to the system, and you should make sure you're comfortable with it. Throttles are part of the DCC system. Unlike the decoders in the locomotives, they are not interchangeable, so get one (or two) that you like.
You may have noticed that everyone likes they system they have. I like my Lenz Set 100. I think that's because pretty much every DCC system is a good DCC system. Regardless of what you choose, you'll almost certainly be happy with it. Welcome back!
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Digitrax or NCE. Both are very good systems and both of their low cost entry systems can be expanded. Their instructions differ however. It seems that the Digitrax instructions are more technical, where the NCE instructions are more for the layman. Also, the NCE throttles are more intuitave than Digitrax. Both systems have simple rotational knob type throttles you can buy as additional throttles.
However, whichever system you get, you will learn it in time, and both will do what you want. I have an NCE Power Pro at home with a stand alone LocoNet for signals, and we have Digitrax at the club I belong to.
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.