Confused newcomer needs help

[Anonymous]

My opinion is to go with Digitrax, mainly because I have one. I have an Empire Builder II which is easy to expand over time as your layout changes. My experience is that it is easiest to buy decoder equipped locos. Atlas Master comes well detailed, and DCC ready. I understand it isn't too hard to convert the ones you have already, though, if you have one you really want to run.

[Texas Zepher]

There are some good answers here already but I have to throw in my 2 cents worth.
The Model Railroad Industry has changed sooo much in the past 10 years it is unbelievable. 15 years ago I would have never expected to say LifeLike and Good in the same sentence. (Note LifeLike still makes junky toy stuff, but they also make good stuff designated as Proto 1000 or Proto 2000).

So here I go. For best running there are several contenders including Kato, Athearn Genesis, Stewart, Atlas, and Trix. But I must point out that even the medium grade locomotives of today like the LifeLIke Proto 1000 series are as good as the best RTR locomotives of 21 years ago. Atlas began the new trend with the RS3 in 1984. Even the new Proto 2000 and the new Atlas Classic are superior to their first releases of equivalent series. It seems the only brand to have lost a little quality is Kato. As long as you stay away from the toy train level IHC, Bachmann and LifeLike you will do OK. Best for the price I would say are the Stewarts and Proto 2000.

DCC - There are many fanatics out there that are loyal to one brand. BUT remember that any of the decoders will run on any of the systems, so it isn't like 100% commitment to one or the other. I recommend finding clubs or layouts running the various systems and see if the'll let you try them out. There is no way a store demonstration can compare to using them for yourself.

I currently have:
The MRC 2000. Simple, cheap and runs three (6 using B mode) trains from the one console. The disadvantage is that it is a first generation system. There are only 14 speed steps, so decoders that have 28 steps or 128 steps have to be dumbed down to work with it. I assume this problem has been resolved with their new system they call prodigy. It also has a wired walk around throttle that controls 2 trains. So the limit is 10 but practically 5 trains simultaniously. This unit has now been relegated to my Christmas Tree train service.

Lenz System 100. At first I didn't think I would like the push button throttle but found I adapted easily. The system is easily expandible and has a fairly small learning curve. Once I got it out of German and into English it was easier! :-) I currently use it with the CVP wireless throttles which are superior to any other wireless I've used.

Digitrax Zephyr. I got this because I like the set up panel rather than using a throttle to program with. I also liked the idea of the jumper bus where you can simply add two another normal 0-12 VDC power packs to make additional DCC throttles. It is also easily expandible but, last time I checked, wireless options were limited. I am afraid that Digitrax is going down the road of betamax video recorders. Their bus technology might be superior but unless they lighten up on licensing it, everyone (Atlas, Lenz, CVP, etc.) will stick with the open architecture bus.

I really like the CVP Easy DCC, but didn't purchase it because I got such a good deal on the Lenz at the time.

I purposely did not choose NCE because while operating at a friends house I found the massive hamer head throttle cumbersome. They do have utility throttles but still have to use the beast for programming. I've also not had good luck getting technical support, or even answers to simple questions from them.

Sound - well what can I say. There is no "BEST" in sound. It depends on your ears, your experience, and your expectations. Like stereo loudspeakers it is truely a personal thing. Some people think loud is good. I have one friend who thought his was good. I pointed out it wasn't a sound system but a noise system (exhaust was not even syncronized). Understand that I'm an audiophile person (1972 Marantz Quadraphonic!) and have been spoiled by having PFM and PBL sound systems in my trains. So to me, all this digital stuff sounds tinny and toylike. They have three things working against their quality 1. being digital 2. Frequency Response 3. Speaker size. I had long explainations (too long) of these 3 things but cut them out. Listen to a real train (preferably live), go listen to the models, and choose the one you like.

[cacole]

roraback: Welcome back to HO scale railroading.

There are, at the present time, basically three on-board sound systems available -- Model Rectifier, SoundTraxx, and QSI. MRC offers the cheapest sound option, but it is also very crude compared to the other two. You get what you pay for, as they say. The MRC sound system is being used by Athearn in their new Challenger, and I have read comments here that it is not very good when compared to SoundTraxx or QSI. I have installed MRC sound decoders into a couple of steam engines for a fellow club member, and found them to be seriously lacking in sound quality. One function sounds a short whistle blast, and another sounds a long whistle blast; the sounds are of a set duration and cannot be changed. Other sound systems use only one function key for the whistle or horn, and produce the sound as long as that key is pressed. I haven't heard the newest MRC sound decoders to know if they are getting any better.

SoundTraxx decoders come in different types according to the locomotive that you intend to install them into. You can find a listing of their available types on their Web site, at Tony's Train Exchange, or Loy's Toys. SoundTraxx is a mid-range sound system that is far superior to MRC, but not as good as QSI.

QSI sound systems are used by Broadway Limited Imports, Lionel, and Atlas, and are the best currently on the market. QSI has been around for a long time, but not in HO scale. Previously, they made systems for O scale, but have just recently been able to get their electronics down to a size that can fit into HO. The biggest drawback to QSI is that we, as end users, cannot purchase this system and add it to our existing locomotives. They sell only to manufacturers, so you have to purchase a locomotive that has sound already in it.

SoundTraxx is supposed to be releasing a new sound system dubbed the "Tsunami" some time next year. That's what they've been saying now for nearly a full year. They have sound samples on their Web site of both the older decoders and the newer Tsunami. The Tsunami will supposedly be equivalent to QSI in sound quality, but pricing has not been determined.

Your question about DCC systems, and which one is the "best," has been bantered around on this forum ad nauseam. There really is no best system, because everyone has different needs. Your best bet would be to check Web sites such as Tony's Train Exchange (http://www.tonystrains.com) and read about the different systems, compare prices and features, and then decide which you think might be best for your needs.

As Mark C. also pointed out, stay away from the really cheap rolling stock. Kits are practically disappearing from the modeling scene because it seems that people are too busy to assemble kits nowadays, so the manufacturers are switching over to ready-to-roll items.

Athearn and Model Die Casting are both now owned by Horizon Hobbies, a Walthers competitor, so you will not see any of their product line in the new Walthers catalog. MDC has been moved to California and placed under Athearn management. The latest rumor is that the Athearn brand name will be used only on ready-to-roll models, and the MDC brand name will be used for kits. Hopefully, Athearn will continue to produce the full MDC product line.

[mcouvillion]

Roraback,

Try the DCC systems that your friends have and think seriously of getting the same thing they have, if you like it. You will be able to operate on their layout(s) using your own stuff. You will be comfortable with it and they will thank you for bringing your own equipment. Try not to be a lone wolf with whatever system you choose, since you will have to figure out how it works (or why it doesn't!) all by yourself.

As for sound systems, I have several Soundtraxx decoders and I think they are great. I have heard the QSI system, but have not acquired one yet. Look, listen, ask a bunch of questions, then go with what sounds the best to you, 'cause "Its your railroad!".

As far as engines and rolling stock, stay away from the cheap junk. You'll know what that is. There are very nice models available over a broad price range. If you have fumble-fingers, you probably should stay away from the super detailed models. If you are really into details, then those are for you. How big is your budget? How much rolling stock, engines, track, etc. do you want to acquire? Take your time and get a few pieces to try. You'll soon determine what you like and why. Then you'll know what is right for you. Have fun.

Mark C.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree with the fellows above. Do your research and choose which system works best for you. I started with MRC Command 2000 and now have NCE. I was happy with the MRC until I got my first sound decoder then I upgraded to the system our club uses but many other systems will work well. Choose the system that meets your needs. Try before you buy. Hold the controller in your hand, kick the tires and take it for a spin.

ER

[Fergmiester]

After ten years I'm finally going DCC. This after a fellow Model Railroader showed me the potential. I'm going with Digitrax, others will tell you to go with their brand. Your best bet is do some reading and ask people in your area what they think. Warning it will be expensive but if you're serious it's worth your while. This is one thing worth investigating as it may be a life time investment.

Try Tony's Train Exchange or Loy's trains. Both have good prices and both have good sites to do comparitive research.

Regards
Fergie

By the way.......
[#welcome]
There's a great bunch of people here!

[Anonymous]

Well being new again to model RR, I got the Prodigy DCC system. It was the least expensive system, and it is helping me decide weather to go all out for DCC or not.
Most happy with system.
Ken

[Anonymous]

WELCOME ABOARD!

I will leave those answers up to the professionals but pick up a Wathers reference(catalog) 1,000 + page book.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea which is the best of DCC, sound, or engines, many people have a certain manufacturer that they will swear by that sombody else will just swear at. But I can list some that are considered better than most:

Locomotives:
Life-Like Proto-1000 or-2000 www.lifelikeproducts.com
Athearn Genesis www.athearn.com
Atlas www.atlasrr.com
Kato www.katousa.com
Broadway Limited www.broadway-limited.com
Stewart www.stewarthobbies.com

DCC Systems:
Digitrax www.digitrax.com
CVP EasyDCC
Atlas
MRC Prodigy
NCE

Sound Systems:
Soundtraxx www.soundtraxx.com
QSI

[Anonymous]

Hello everybody, I am thinking of returning to the hobby of HO Model Railroading and I would like to know what your thoughts are as far as which sound and DCC systems are the best. Also I would like to know which manufacturer is considered to be the best running locomotives. I know that ther can be many opinions in answering these questions but I would still appreciate anyones help in getting started again. If you could please include links to web pages I would appreciate that too. Thank you to anyone in advance for helping me out. Bob Roraback