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[quote user="Sandeky1989"] <a href="http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=Set&offset=25&ID=20016106"></a>Is it hard to install a DCC decoder into a loco that doesint have a DCC plug in it?  [/quote]I am only going to comment on this part because I am not familiar with Bachmann E/Z command.  [That being said, from my limited viewpoint, I would rather choose a Digitrax Zephyr which is a basic, but sophisticated and rather inexpensive controller from Digitrax.  It does not come, however, as part of any starter set.  I believe you are not going to get a lot of bang for your buck with a controller from a starter set, but I stand to be corrected.]Re: installing simple motor and light decoders in locomotives without a NMRA plug (locomotives that do not say DCC ready, for example) is called hardwiring.  There is nothing particularly hard about it, but there is a learning curve if you have not done much soldering or have a limited understanding of electronics.  However, I was completely green 18 months ago, and today I have hardwired over two dozen locomotives and converted an equal number of DCC ready models.Hardwiring is the "funnest" thing I do.However, if you want to get up and running quickly with a starter set that needs locomotives hardwired, you are heading for a few longish detours while you learn to solder, learn how a decoder works, and how to do some rather intricate work with LEDS (if you wish to change light bulbs to LEDS) resistors, shrink tubing, kapton tape.   You wll also need to access a range of basic supplies like these and some basic tools for work, and lubrication etc.I did.  I love it. I say go for it!  Learning to hardwire locomotives puts a lot of good bargain locomotives within your grasp so that you don't break the bank looking for things ready to run, in the local hobby shop.  Just take your time.[2c]And oh yeah, let me edit this now that I see Mr. J-W posted above me.  You cannot have any more selfless and detailed help in what ever route you take, than sticking around in this forum and getting guys like Jeffrey-Wimberley to come to your assistance.  Mr. J-W walked me through my first hard wiring of an old P2K BL2 while I kept asking questions which now seem really silly for me to have asked.  It doesn't take long to learn with gentlemen like him on your side.
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