When I converted to DCC a few years ago I did some research on the various systems. There was an article in MR that reviewed most of the major systems - and if someone remembers the exact magazine that would be helpful. I decided on Digitrax and bought the Super Chief system - it's been great. It may be more than what you are planning, but it is a step up from the Zephyr. I went that route because I knew I was going to expand and waned a system that would handle everything I had on the drawing board.
If you can find places that use the Bachmann, MRC, Digitrax or any of the other systems, you might be able to go to ask questions and maybe even operate one of them. Most of the current all have the same operating characteristics, but you might find that you prefer one over the other after trying them out.
There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.....
IGN,
I Started with the EZ Command. I like it. Simple, inexpensive. I also purchased the additional Walk around Companion, and 4 connector panels. I had no less than 3 sound engines on the sidings, and operated two sound engines on the railroad. Very Happy.
Good points........Inexpensive, super easy to use, fast set up (with EZ track), dependable. Has the basic features that most of us need (bell, horn, lights etc...) It is a well known system. Because it is very well known, if you ever decide to get one of the fancier systems, EZ is very easy to sell on the secondary market (eBay) as long as you keep all original packaging, paper work etc...
Bad points........uh, it did everything I wanted so the only thing I could think of is that you needed two hands most of the time to operate it.
Hope this helps.
David