Preferred DCC system

[Anonymous]

Converting from DC I chose the Zephyr - "winner for beginner".

[Anonymous]

if you want to use 4 digits DO NOT use MRC or atlas. i have digitrax but i like it becuase that is what my club uses and i find it is very easy

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by deschane

Liquidcross, The layout you show has some shortcomings. There is only one passing siding/runaround. This makes it difficult for running two trains at the same time on the main. Also, there is no drill track for the main yard. This would mean the switcher would need to clear the main for any train out on the main as it is attempting to switch cars in the yard. John Armstrongs book on Track design is a great book for ideas on how to design a layout.

The layout you show could certainly work and has possibilities for future add ons.

Yeah, I'd keep secondary trains in the yard, and switch them off as necessary. I know the single main line design is rather limiting, but it oughta look cool due to the up-and-over layout. That's what I'm hoping, anyway. [;)]

My other idea was this one:



The dual-lines concept is cool, but it seems like it might be a bit boring and generic.

[Anonymous]

I have used the EASY DCC system for a few years and find it to be one of the simpler
systems to use. It also is easily upgraded (Remove one chip and plug in another). It
also programs flawlessly and has excellent documentation. It initially cost more, but
it has many more features then many of the "starter systems".

Jack Bogus

[Anonymous]

Liquidcross, The layout you show has some shortcomings. There is only one passing siding/runaround. This makes it difficult for running two trains at the same time on the main. Also, there is no drill track for the main yard. This would mean the switcher would need to clear the main for any train out on the main as it is attempting to switch cars in the yard. John Armstrongs book on Track design is a great book for ideas on how to design a layout.

The layout you show could certainly work and has possibilities for future add ons.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

[:)]Digitrax, Lens, NCE are very good systems, each with positive and negative traits.
(The Digitrax Zephyr has been reputed to be a big winner for beginners. Even I can understand it, and I'm electronically "challenged!")

Comparing these three is like comparing Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

MRC and Atlas (and I may draw some irritated responses here) offer less as far as expandibilty and are less popular than the above mentioned three.

The Atlas system is made by LENZ, as is the forth coming Bachmann system. They can be upgraded with LENZ accessories.

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by clinchvalley
What exactly are you looking for a system to do?

I'd like to run two trains on a layout like this:



I'm leaning towards the Atlas system at the moment, since my track will be all Atlas products as well, with possibly one or two Atlas locos.

[lupo]

Because I got it offered second hand at a fair price I chose LENZ digital plus ( I am European ) once I had questions like yours, LENZ - DIGITRAX both are good, so I let my wallet decide

for DCC info:
check:
http://www.dcctrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm

[ClinchValleySD40]

You've got to be kidding. Fastest way to start a flame war is to ask which DCC system do you like. I think if you search the archive you'll find a few discussions on this.
They are all good, all do as they advertise. Which one is best for you only you can decide. Best advice is to shop around, compare features and if possible, try them (test drive on someone else layout). What exactly are you looking for a system to do?

[liquidcross]

I've been told by many that DCC is the way to go. I know that DCC is standardized, so any decoder will work with any system, but what setups do you guys prefer? I've heard good things about the Digitrax and Atlas systems, personally, but I'd rather get some professional opinions before I make any sort of decision.