There have been a lot of good posts for you to consider. The thing is that many of us are unique in how we are going to run our railroad so you really have to try to translate all of the advice into how you plan to do it.
When you first start out you often don't really know how you are going to eventually want to do things. So, getting a good quality, expandable starter system will allow future changes in direction. The lowest priced set may not be what will best serve you in the long run.
A few additional items to consider are:
1. Will you operate from a fixed location or would it be better for you to have a tethered throttle that will allow you to walk 6 or 7 feet in any direction, or maybe even have plug-in stations at various points so you can walk all around your layout and operate turnouts, couple and uncouple cars, etc. The answer to this question might determine which starter system would be a good one to start with.
2. Maybe you will later decide that a wireless throttle is what really works for you. That's what happened to me. When I started in DCC I never even thought about wireless but now I've grown to love it. To get it I had spend a lot more because my system (as good as it is) doesn't offer an economical upgrate path to wireless. Some systems have great upgrade paths with little or no cost penalty.
3. And of course your budget will play a big part in what you can do initially.
You're going to love DCC. Just take your time and don't hesitate to keep asking questions. Many on this forum are highly qualified to help you.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
David,
In addition to going to some of the websites that others are already posted to look at the comparisons and descriptions of each systems go to each manufacturers' website and read through the manuals for the systems you're considering. The other comments about trying out various systems is good, but don't let that limit your choice. I purchased my system, approx $500, without ever seeing it in person or trying it out and I've never regretted the purchase.
When reading through the manuals consider how easy it is to read and understand, even without having the system in front of you. That's how I decided.
Also consider the user interface - handheld throttle, table top unit etc.- because this is how you use the system. If its difficult to use or understand, you won't enjoy it. Remember that for the most any system will be able to run the layout you've described, the difference between them will be how you interact with it and how easy you perceive it is to use.
jktrains
Go wireless. You will love it.
Ralph
Amargosa Railroad
Use the Digitrax Zephyr. It is a nice little system but you might want to try out different systems availible first before committing.
If you happen to come across my other postings ignore my huge system and BIG power supply.. there is no need for such monsters on your railroad. In fact Im wondering what I am doing with such a monster feeding a 7 foot shelf at this moment. But am glad I have it because I buy systems once every 30 years and dont want to ever have to upgrade into the space I know I will be building at some point in the future.
The last time I ran trains was when I was a kid. Last summer, I took my son to the state fair where the local club had a huge layout running. I noticed multiple engines running on the same line which didn't compute from My days running trains. I then noticed signs saying they use "Digitrax DCC" - so I went home and discovered the world of DCC.
Needless to say we now have a DCC layout and are working on expanding it. I reviewed several DCC options - but for me personally it pretty much came down to "if its good enough for the local club, it should work for me". We have a Digitrax Zephyr (their entry system) and we love it. But from everything I've read - you really can't go wrong with any system. Look for the kind of controls you want, and then have fun!
Probably no one is going to tell you which one is Best as they will probably be blamed if it does not work out for you. The best is what works for you. You will have to look around and make the Final decision. It may be a little dificult if there are no LHSs near you.
I use the NCE Power Cab, $140 plus shipping (online store) and it does everything I want it to on my own HO layout which is about 10 feet by 22 feet. and three engines at most, I Try to run at one time. I also run sound.
Yahoo groups has a good NCE DCC group.
I understand Digitrax has a starter system. Yahoo also has a good Digitrax DCC group. Both groups have a lot of information.
Tony's Trains has a lot of good information. http://www.tonystrains.com/
Trains.com is ok but do not limit yourself to just this group. You will miss a lot of information concerning DCC.
The below link is slanted toward NCE and Soundtraxx decoders but there is a lot of general DCC info.
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm
What ever system you get, Read the manual First, at least three times.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
And another voice supporting Simon's opinion. The systems available today are all pretty good, with the possible exceptions of the real bottom-of-the-barrel systems which have only limited capabilities. All of the ones listed above are fine, though.
Yes, the hand-held throttle should be a big factor in what you buy. It's how you will deal with your layout. Unfortunately, throttles are not interchangeable between systems, so if you like the Lenz throttle, you'd better buy a Lenz system, because you can't plug it into a Digitrax control bus.
The good news is that you're almost certain to be happy with whatever you get. DCC is just that much fun. When I ran my first DCC train, suddenly I was 12 years old again. The last time that happened, the guy in the White House was named Eisenhower. Since then, I've gotten an even bigger kick out of adding sound to my locomotive fleet. Back in the 1500's, an explorer name Ponce de Leon searched Florida for the Fountain of Youth. He never found it, but if you're interested, check out your LHS.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Ditto to what you wrote Simon, this is exactly how I feel about every DCC systems out there.
Jack W.
Hi David, the hobby press does not really rank anything so DCC is no different in that respect. Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, MRC, CVP and others make systems that will meet the needs of your layout and do it well. They all make great systems and you would not be going wrong with any of them. What you will get in response to a question like this is lots of personal preference. I happen to use and like Digitrax, others use and prefer NCE etc. etc.
Most all the starter systems like the Digitrax Zephyr, the NCE PowerCab, the MRC Prodigy express will run the 4 locos that you plan. What will differentiate one system from another is the look and feel of the user interface. You might have a predisposition to one style over another.
I would suggest if possible you try and run a system locally, either at an LHS or a club, just to get the feel. Also think about futures. Do you want to be able to hook up a PC for programming decoders or perhaps controlling switch machines etc.
At the end of the day, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices.
There have been regular threads on this subject like this one for example
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1150146/ShowPost.aspx
If you are looking for one brand or model that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest, there really is not one. Each system has its own quirks and nuances, each manufacturer has its fans.
Tony's is a good site with lots of information but be aware that a lot of it is a little dated. The DCC comparison here http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/offthecuff.htm is about 2 years old and does not include the new NCE Power Cab or the latest MRC offerings, both of which are worthy of your consideration.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
http://www.tonystrains.com/
You should check out this site. It has comparisons, FAQ's and just about all you'll need to make an informed choice.
Well after many months of thinking dreaming and planning, I'm now building. I want to go with a DCC system but after reading all the literature I'm as confused as ever about which brand is the best value. It seems that the magazines and their respective publishing companies are hedging their bets by not rank ordering the various systems out there for fear of losing ad revenue - understandable. But, that leaves me a bit in the dark.
I am building a smallish N Scale system with less than 150 feet of track. I don't expect to run more than four trains at a time, plus accessories and switch machines.
Now for a little poll. Would you please let me know what your favorite system is and if, in your view it will serve my needs. Any and all inputs will be greatly parachuted
Thanks,
David