mechanic wrote:If I were to ask the advantages/disadvantages (and differences) of Prodigy express and NCE power cab starter systems,which of these 2 systems would be better?
If I were to ask the advantages/disadvantages (and differences) of Prodigy express and NCE power cab starter systems,which of these 2 systems would be better?
To my mind NCE wins that hands down. For one thing, Prodigy (that I know of..) doesnt have a computer interface. Not important to you now, maybe, but it is something that will be important later.
The NCE is used by a lot of folks or clubs that you may visit with the full NCE system for operating.. you can bring your power cab and use it as a spare throttle.
The big thing to me, though, is that NCE, like digitrax and lenz, make top end stuff. You will find their equipment on clubs and modular layouts. You will find it on the layouts of some of the more serious modelers in the hobby. Their design and upgrade path is motivated by a need to appeal to very discriminating modelers. MRC I think is motivated by more of a mass market approach. Just my humble opinion.
Myself, I have a digitrax set. Its been great for me so far. I got a nice throttle and have been able to use it at one operating session I attended but I know several other people who are building layouts in my area that were happy to know a potential operator in their area will be able to bring a throttle.
If I was buying a starter system today (rather then 7 years ago..) I would be leaning toward the NCE procab most likely since I feel strongly walk around control is the way to go and zephyr does not offer that unless you purchase a throttle which drives up the cost. Of course, then you can have two people running trains..
Chris
on my 4x8 I have the NCE power cab.
If you want 2 operators right off the bat go with the zypher, But if you want to expand
R n R digital makes a computer control with CTC.
R n R is at rnrdigital.com