DCC is definitely the way to go. My BRVRR was built as a DCC layout, but a smaller predecessor was converted to DCC by just plugging in the control console. I am not familiar with the NCE systems, but have heard good things about them. Most local users of DCC use Lenz. Again, I'm not familiar with them, except in a limited way.
I would stay away from the beginner sets particularly MRC. Expansion down the road is inevitable and most of the beginner sets don't expand well. I have a Digitrax Zephyr. It has operated flawlessly for almost four years now. With a couple of power packs on the jump ports you instantly have three independent throttles to operate trains. I added a DT400 throttle for portability and versatility. I never regretted it.
I recently added a LocoBuffer-USB to my system. I can now program decoders with a mouse click. Great stuff and almost fool proof.
Back to the point. I use a mix of Digitrax, TCS, MRC sound, Soundtraxx, Broadway Limited (Quantum) and Lenz decoders and can program all of them without trouble. To get the most out of your sound locos, DCC is the way to go.
I'm obviously a Digitrax fan, but don't write off the Zephyr system. It is fully functional, expandable, well supported and economical. Don't be concerned with its 2.5 amp rating. I have run as many as 8 locos at the same time. Four-5 with sound and never had an overload. My basic system, the Zephyr and Digitrax decoders for my then smaller loco fleet (10-12) cost less than your target budget.
I have pictures posted of my DCC system set-up on my website. Just push the Layout button and scroll down the page.
Whatever system you choose, you will never regret the change to DCC. Run your trains and not the layout.
Good luck!
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
Yes and No
How's that for a wishey washey answer ?
I bought a Digitrac Zephyr for $150 plus an additional UT-4 hand throttle plus some cable and an additional plug in panel
So at just over $200 I can now run DCC
But I have the layout wired for both because there are some locos I want to run that I will never convert because of cost and poor skills
The catch is While some of the newer locos will run either way
Some of the older converted locos won't
The Zephyr can run either way but when running DC you get a Buzzing sound from the loco
So i set up a seperate power pack with a double throw center off switch
So i guess in my case since the cost was low it was worth it
Who knows what the future will bring
TerryinTexas
See my Web Site Here
http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/
DCC is without a doubt the way to go these days. Do yourself a favor DONT but a "Beginner" or "starter" set. Within the first week you figure it out you will just be kicking yourself in the butt on the money you just wasted. I must admit I am a NCE fan so I would say save up a little more and get a full featured Pro Cab. The diference is worth the wait,
Just my thoughts.
Good Luck
Well, I like switching and have some sidings that I would like to have truley independant control on the switchers and the loco's on the main line. I think it would be a fairly easy (and maybe safer) to rewire everything to accompany DCC because my wiring is about 20+ years old and is probably a pretty high electrical fire risk, and my 2 year old niece is really excited about 'choo choos' and I don't want her getting shocked by any bare or frayed wires. A 23' by 5' layout might be better off with DCC. I'll just have to wait and see what I can sell and how much money I can come up with. Thanks for the reply.
-beegle55
For a new layout there is no doubt in my mind that DCC is the way to go. Now, if you have a really well functioning DC layout that is easy to run and a joy to operate then maybe not. If you don't think that you will benefit from the DCC advantages then again maybe not. For me, I love the advantages of DCC, I can never imagine going back to a DC control system. I really enjoy the PC applications for tweaking and playing with the loco drive and lighting functions (not to mention the sound). My layout was designed to be DCC from the get-go. I have never once regretted the purchase. $300 is the price of 1 higher-end loco. That $300 spent on your DCC system will IMO significantly increase your overall enjoyment.
BUT, that is my opinion and it may not be for you.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
I am on the edge of buying a DCC system and all the goodies to go with it including decoders, sound decoders, turnout and accesories control... you get the point. At a bare minimun for two locos and the basic system that will do me good, I am looking at around $300. I now have three locos that I at least want decoders in, maybe one with sound, so thats adding it on. I like NCE powercabs and I have always liked the MRC products, and the prodigy express looks good as well. I am wondering after having big regrets before the buy that will, as always, comes with a good case of buyers remorse. So my question on this post is a simple one, what systems have you purchased, the price range, and is it truely worth the expense and trouble of replacing and already established DC system?? Thanks in advance for the replys and advice.