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I am in process of building a 5'x13' HO layout where I will be the only operator and never run more than 2 trains. There just ain't enough room on a 5x13 for more than 1 freight and 1 passenger train. When I started planning the layout a year ago I had it broken into blocks and planned to go DC. I am a electronics hobbist and decided to build some circuits that would enhance the central train control (CTC) panel and turnout switching. After reading the "hype" on DCC I priced out the total cost of building my layout DC with electronic enhancements vs an inexpensive DCC system. The Digitrax Zephyr at $169 was cheaper than the cost of the toggle switches and electronic parts which would have cost me about $200. So about 6 mos ago I decided to go DCC and have been saving my nickels and dimes to buy the Zephyr when the time comes to start operations. However, now that I am ready to start wiring the layout I have come to realize that the switch machines will need to be either DCC controlled or toggle switch controlled. DCC static decoders cost more than toggles but toggles put me back to a CTC panel. Whether I use DCC or toggles to switch turnouts I still need to take action and do the switching. Yes, the switching could be done with a computer controlled DCC layout but can't see buying another computer to have near the layout. Besides if it were computer controlled, what would I do, sit and watch the train go 'round and 'round? The only benefit of DCC that I see at this time would be that I wouldn't need to throw the cab control toggle when I throw the turnout toggle. A DCC system would however reduce finger fatigue by 50%. [:D] DCCer's please don't stone me, I know there is more to DCC than eliminating a few toggle switches. I am still on the DC or DCC fence. I will need to fall off the fence soon or my layout progress will come to a halt. After re-reading this reply, maybe DC would be the way to go for a small, one person layout. "Help, I'm falling and I can't..."
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