I will be building a small shelf layout soon and plan on making the layout both DC and DCC. You may ask why, I have quite a few locos that can't be DCC equiped due to extra weight that has been added to them to increase the tractive effort. I do have newer locos that I will install decoders in and skip out on the extra weight bit. I am wanting a system that is cost efficent to invest in. I have looked at Digitrax and have considered them but am wanting to know if there are other brands that are more cost efficent as I do not need or want all the "bells and whistles" that go with DCC. As this is will be a small layout and all the high-end stuff is not needed. But I would like to expand one day and be able to do so with ease.
I'm in about the same situation, building a small shelf layout, and I would like to operate with DCC later on. So far I guess Digitrax's Zephyr system would be perfect for the job, and it seems easy to expand.
I will second the Digitrax suggestion. I have the Zephyr and it will "plug and play" with all other Digitrax components so you can expand as the need arises. I don't know if the same can be said for the really basic systems like Bachmann EZDCC and the Atlas/Lenz starter system. Andrew
Yep, I'm where you guys are. I will do some temporary DC wiring so the kids can run trains (otherwise they will lose interest), but I have decided to go with a Digitrax SuperChief system. Raymond, you might check the other thread here: Why DCC, it really helped me John
OK, I'll ask why If you are having a small shelf layout the trains can't be that big, so why do you need extra traction?
Most of my locos are at my dads layout and he has about a 1.5% grade and we like to run 2-3 locos and long trains. That is why the extra weight has been added to most of my locos. As it helps enhance the tractive effort. As for that on the shelf layout, it is not needed.
I read that topic last night. I have Digitrax as my first choice. I dont mind shelling out the $$ for a system that is time tested and proven it self. I have even operated with it at a friends house. I just dont like having to shell out about $80 or more for an extra throttle. But that can always be added into the budget after time permits.
I know, its a bit steep but I guess I changed my priorities once I understood what DCC could do for my layout John
There seems to be a Digitraxx bias within Trainboard. The question to ask yourself is what do the local people around me have? There are a number of equal if not superior choices with Lenz and NCE to name two. I am a very satisfied Lenz owner and find it to be extremely easy to operate. As I said on the other thread John started, I have a Digitrax Super Chief in the cupboard and have never even powered it up. I'd compare the discussion to Ford - Chevy and if you are talking trucks, Dodge is the way to go, acccording to some. By the way, the Atlas system is also manufactured by Lenz and it is extremely inexpensive and the path to powerful upgrades with Lenz is there too. Lenz has the technology to use wireless phones as throttles and KAM as well as others have software that allow you to use your PC, laptop, tablet or PDA as a throttle as well. Look at all of them. Digitraxx is not the only choice. Might ask the experienced guys like PowerSteamGuy1790 and Pete Nolan what they use. Joe Daddy
RE: $80 for another throttle. At the risk of slanting the discussion even more towards Digitrax, I would add that the Zephyr has two "jump" throttle ports. While not walk-around per se, they do allow the use of up to 2 smooth (non-pulse) DC power pack as throttles. This works really well, and is a great way to avoid increasing the cost of start-up. If you are making the transition to DCC from DC, chances are you have a power pack or two sitting around. BTW, Joe's advice on choosing a system that others in your area are experienced with and use on a regular basis is a good one. That's why I chose Digitrax - many of my friends and the local modular club all use Digitrax. Andrew
The Bachmann DCC system is the cheapest. also the most limited. about $60 - 1 amp Then the MRC Prodigy Express [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]$94.99 - 1.6 amps[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200428899[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] - [/FONT]can be expanded, added to and full features of the Prodigy Advance just by adding/buying a Prodigy advance throttle for only [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]$57.99.[/FONT] http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200407082 Next is the NCE PowerCab $139.99 - 2 amps [FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif]http://www.fiferhobby.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?product= NCE-Powercab [/FONT][FONT=Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif,sans-serif][SIZE=-1][/SIZE][/FONT]- a very highly rated DCC system. Then comes the MRC Prodigy Advance [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]$178.95 - 3.5 amps[/FONT] http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200407081
