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Hi Pogie, Sounds like you have a new family hobby! That is great...! [:D] As for some answers for you, here goes... Some DCC systems can run one "non-decoder equipped" loco, but the performance of said loco my not be great. There are relatively inexpensive decoders to be had, but whether they are compatible with the cheapest locos is another question (sorry). Tony's Train Exchange is one highly recommended source of info and supplies for DCC - www.ttx-dcc.com Don't underestimate the ability of the "younger generation" to master seemingly complicated controls. I have seen pictures of friends' children or grandchildren as young as 2 1/2 running "Thomas" with DCC! On-line resources for the DSP&P - can't help there other than to direct you to the old standby - www.google.com I do not know about the Bachmann HOn30 set, but anything with the "Spectrum" designation is much better than the standard Bachmann or Bachmann "Silver Series". As people get into the hobby more, they tend to avoid "sets" and buy what they want. You also tend to get lower end stuff in a set, as opposed to buying individually. Power pack - yes the same power pack will run both HO and HOn30 locos. It is really only when you change scales that this become a problem - e.g. power pack rated for HO will not run Gscale stuff. However, if you go to DCC, you do not need a conventional power pack. If you stick with conventional (DC), you will need one power pack for each loco you want to operate on the layout at the same time. This will also increase the complexity of your wiring. But! (There is always a but!). Just in case you were not aware, HO and HOn30, while both the same scale (HO = 1:87), the locos and rolling stock do not use the same track. HO uses standard gauge track - that is 4'8.5" between the rails (in HO scale of course). HOn30 means HO scale, but n = narrow, and 30 means 30" between the rails. Model Railroader sometimes calls this HOn2 1/2 for 2.5 feet (or 30 inches). This is roughly equivalent to running HO scale equipment on N scale (standard gauge) track. Anyway, I hope that helps. If you have more questions, don't be afraid to post! Andrew
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