I'm jumping back into the hobby after many years. My previous layout was DC. I've read a bit about DCC and its advantages over DC. Now I'm hearing about WiFi controls. Any opinions here regarding the Bachmann EZ App locomotives and control system vs. DCC?
BlueRail Trains is the source of the Bachmann E-Z App. The Bachmann E-Z App has preset some of the features currently available.
The train control system being developed by BlueRail Trains using Bluetooth Smart technology is less than a year old and in its infancy. DCC is well over a decade old and many more train control features have been developed.
Encourage you to visit BlueRail Trains website and take advantage of all the information contained in it and the links.
http://bluerailtrains.com/
SO these are goign to be the new "Which DCC System SHould I Buy" threads? Two threads in the same day, DCC vs Bluerail and DCC vs Railpro, both the first post of new users?
So once these run their course, I expect a week will go by and then another pair of threads...
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
History repeats itself here at times with a new reader. He will learn to scan some of the forums.
A Google search will bring up a lot of sites, opnions and even You Tube videos with reviews of all the different systems that control model trains.
Some cable control through the track like DCC, DCS and some wireless. At three different wireless digital systems out that are not DCC. DCC is only the NMRA version for the OP.
Opinons are good but eventually you have to do a lot of research make the leap and decide for yourself.
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.
Welcome to the Forum Theo. The people who responded to your post are all good guys but we have come through a period where newbie's seemingly are self promotional for their system or outright trolling against those using DC or DCC a couple times a month, at least.
Normally we are much more helpful to newbies, but you have touched a raw nerve. There is a search function on this page, 1/2 way down on the right. Some people find google a better search tool, adding the words Model Railroader. Wireless, EZ App and Bluerail have been discussed weekly.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I re-entered the hobby about a year ago, and like you came from a DC background. Initially, the idea of BT control was very tantalizing, but a bunch of research later it's clear that it simply has a long way to go to rival the plethora of mature, compatible DCC equipment there is out there.
With DCC, you can buy sound-equipped decoders from any of about 1/2 dozen companies, and pair them with any of about the same number of DCC control systems, and everything works. There are basic systems, high-power systems, walk around systems, wireless systems, computer-control systems... you get the idea.
I continue to watch the development of EZ App/BlueRail with interest, but if you make me pick a system today I have to use for the next 10 years, it's going to be (some flavor of) DCC.
I looked at EZ as well and I think it has its place if I were just starting out I would consider it but as others have said DCC is a much more mature technology and that is the way I went and so far I am happy.
Joe Staten Island West
Blue Rail hits its stride for the battery powered guys at this time and since Crest is gone, it is making inroads as a replacement for their radio control by interfacing with the track (at a much cheaper price than the Train Engineer by Crest did).
Again if I were starting out I think I might consider the bluetooth under the following scenario
Buy a strip of flex track and a cheap wall wart off ebay that outputs 16 vdc cut the plug off the end and solder the wires to the track or use allegator clips.
This gives me a test track which I can then incorporate into a future layout if I like the Bluetooth.
Buy a Bachmann loco test it if I don't like it return it.
this would cost very little and I could reuse the parts for other projects down the road.