Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

POWER TO THE TRAINS!

842 views
15 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
POWER TO THE TRAINS!
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 12:34 AM
If you chose DCC or Power-packs witch brand works best?
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 665 posts
Posted by darth9x9 on Monday, August 16, 2004 3:16 AM
Here we go again........... DCC would be the wisest choice but as for which is better.....you should probably visit as many DCC controlled layouts as you can and experience for yourself which you like best.

Bill Carl (modeling Chessie and predecessors from 1973-1983)
Member of Four County Society of Model Engineers
NCE DCC Master
Visit the FCSME at www.FCSME.org
Modular railroading at its best!
If it has an X in it, it sucks! And yes, I just had my modeler's license renewed last week!

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
  • 9,633 posts
Posted by AntonioFP45 on Monday, August 16, 2004 6:31 AM
If you use a DCC system, such as Digitrax, you can easily add powerpacks as additional controllers with the "jump-port" receptacle.

As for powerpacks themseleves, you can't go wrong with a Tech series MRC. Make sure you read the info on any powerpack or DCC unit before making any purchases.

Hope this helps!

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


  • Member since
    June 2001
  • From: Holly, MI
  • 1,269 posts
Posted by ClinchValleySD40 on Monday, August 16, 2004 7:42 AM
No question, DCC head and shoulders above everything else. And with the way it is growing and all the new features coming out all the time, it can only get better.

If you haven't tried it, do so. You will be amazed.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 8:40 AM
I think MRC DCC is the best because you can control up the 32 engines at the same time and you can add other peoples controller's to the power pack so they can run there trains on your layout.
P.S. you spelled which wrong just take out the "it" and add a "hi" ok?
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: US
  • 517 posts
Posted by jwmurrayjr on Monday, August 16, 2004 9:35 AM
The best DCC system is the one you like best. [:)]
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 9:49 AM
QUOTE: If you use a DCC system, such as Digitrax, you can easily add powerpacks as additional controllers with the "jump-port" receptacle.

No, you can't, this is only the Digitrax zepher system. Like that RHCP song.

Please lets not get into another NCE vs. Digitrax war. There is another thread for that.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 10:32 AM
DCC all the way!!!!!

ME, I find that North Coast Powerhouse Pro suits me fine.
Your mileage may vary......
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 5:28 PM
OK...
who voted RCC!?!?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 6:20 PM
I personally think DCC is the way to go, but I've yet to convert. I'm still using my MRC Tech 4 220, and it's the best DC power pack out there, IMHO. I'll be getting a Digitrax Zeypher set soon though.
  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
  • 17,574 posts
Posted by BRAKIE on Monday, August 16, 2004 7:12 PM
Trick question.[:D] On my HO industrial switching layout I use DCC..My abuilding N scale industrial switching layout will be DC.I will use my MRC CM20 on the N scale layout and I use DigiTrax Empire Builder II on my HO layout..Needless to say I really don't need DCC on my HO layout since I can only run one unit at a time.However,Since I already had it and invested in sound I thought it better to use it then not use it considering my sound equipped locos...[;)]

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, August 16, 2004 7:20 PM
I voted DCC...But I think CVP Products' system is the best as far as being abe to update and add on to the system easily-it also has enough power to program sound decoders easily. I've considered getting Digitrax's Zephyr, but to me CVP's Easy DCC looks a lot better.
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: North Central Illinois
  • 1,458 posts
Posted by CBQ_Guy on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 2:37 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by cjm89

I voted DCC...But I think CVP Products' system is the best as far as being abe to update and add on to the system easily-it also has enough power to program sound decoders easily. I've considered getting Digitrax's Zephyr, but to me CVP's Easy DCC looks a lot better.

I know Joe Fugate uses this system and is very pleased with it. My LHS owner uses Keith's old command control system with wireless throttles on the basement sized, under the shop layout he's building there. I know he is also very pleased with the product AND the service/support from Keith. However, one concern about CVP Products pointed out to me by a couple people is that Keith is it, it's a one man operation. So if he gets ill, bored or passes away, there goes EVERYTHING and you're all alone.

And for some reason it was also pointed out to me that the majority of CVP customers are located in the Midwest, USA, though no reason or explanation of why this phenomenon exists was offered. Of course Joe F. had to go and put the kabash on that statistic! [:D]
"Paul [Kossart] - The CB&Q Guy" [In Illinois] ~ Modeling the CB&Q and its fictional 'Illiniwek River-Subdivision-Branch Line' in the 1960's. ~
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Crosby, Texas
  • 3,660 posts
Posted by cwclark on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 2:44 PM
i just love my mrc tech 4 260's.....

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 3:55 PM
I can only comment on my own choice...

DC with an AristoCraft "Train Engineer" Remote Control System.

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Carmichael, CA
  • 8,055 posts
Posted by twhite on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 3:56 PM
Voted DC only because I haven't experienced DCC. It intrigues me, but electronics basically scare the Heck out of me--I've only been using a COMPUTER for six months, and I'm older than people who have been DEAD for 3 centuries. What i've got is an MRC walkaround throttle, and I have very good luck with it, even with the BLI's I have that require a higher starting voltage. So for right now, I'm happy. I might look into DCC, but all the DCC articles I read in MR so far, just make my poor old head spin.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!