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If you're just starting out fresh and buying all new stuff, I'd really go with DCC. The basic starter system from Digitrax is only $150 right now at Tony's in Vermont (very nice people at Tony's btw). It comes with everything you need to control and power your layout. With new or recent locomotives, the decoder (a circuit board) is already there, or its a cheap plugNplay swap out if there is no decoder in it. With older/cheaper engines, its still cheap to convert to DCC, but more time consuming. The programming involved is simple and straightfoward, as are the manuals. My layout is similar to yours, but I usually have a boy or two with me, so DCC is an easy choice for me. If you are sure that you will be *always* alone operating the layout, then DC could be an option. I don't look at it as a black box. You can really have some fun programming different variables into things, and operating everything on your layout from your transformer console or hand held throttle. I really love the old muscle cars from the 60's, but I have to admit to myself that today's cars with their electonics produce more hp and torque from smaller, lighter, cleaner burning, fuel efficient engines. Transmissions and braking systems too. DCC is modern. My 2 cents, anyway. Jim
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