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Mr Pid & Jacon12, I'm in a similar boat as you, building a layout and eventually planning on going to DCC. I've been snooping around and looking for some time now. Here's what I've pickup up on from other users and my own experience: You can safely estimate Athearn locomotives to draw 3/4 amps per locomotive (HO). Better can motors draw less. That's with it running under a fairly heavy load. DCC systems operate at a higher track voltage. If you have lighted cars, you'll have to add a dropping resistor to the light to keep from burning it out. DC systems often run at 10 volts for normal operations, and putting your lighted car on a 14 or 15 volt DCC track will cook the bulbs. The throttle IS the DCC system for all intents and purposes, assuming that the system is capable of doing what you want it to do. I've heard of several people junking a very good DCC system simply because the other brand had a throttle that they preferred. I'd definately check out the throttle for friendliness for you before you buy it. Hope this helps Mark in Utah (Still drooling over DCC systems)
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