Hi Guys: I am looking into dcc for a small layout (Two) 36 X 80 doors. It would be only for train control. double main lines Kato unitrack. I do want to be able to run diesels back to back. When running I will have about two trains with three diesels each for total of 6 what set should I be looking at ?????? Thanks UP Mike [ 09. September 2002, 00:42: Message edited by: up mike ]
Two answers: 1) First, if you feel your layout is going to be quite permanent, then I would go with the cheapest of the two. For a smaller layout, you don't need something razzle dazzle; both will handle your needs adequately. I am guessing the cheaper of the two will be Atlas. My son informed me earlier today that the price of Atlas is dropping in response to the new Digitrax entry level system. If you can get a "deal" on Atlas, go with it. 2) If this is more a temporary layout until the "bigger" one is done, then I would say go Digitrax as you will have better expansion options in the future. [ 09. September 2002, 03:53: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
Sorry, but I don't agree. The price difference is going to be equal to a MT car or two at most. The Digitrax system will offer a world of difference, that will more than make up for the extra cost. It's the old saying, "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish." Digitrax has Atlas beat for consisting, system architecture, learning curve, analog operations, programming... While the Zephyr isn't out yet, it will be in a few weeks, and it will be worth the wait. It is not a NEW system. It was released under the Kato name in Japan and proved itself there. This is simply the UL listed, American version. Long story short, go D I G I T R A X
[shameless Digitrax plug for the day]Digitrax. WELL WORTH the money. Your expansion options, operational abilities, customer care back-up, on and on.. make it more than worth it. PLUS.. it is no accident that Digitrax is so widely used.[/shameless Digitrax plug for the day]
I am in full agreement, as I wait for the Zephyr to arrive at my door - ordered it in June. Yes, the Atlas is less costly today and is a real nice system in itself. But there are two other things equally important to consider: Bang for the buck and the COOL factor. Zephyr wins both.
But the Zephyr doesn't come with an handheld controller -- when you add that -- it's a LOT more expensive. The Atlas (Lenz) controller includes a handheld for that "low" price. Yes, the Digitrax will do many more advanced functions, etc. but if all you want is to run trains easily, the Atlas will work fine. Try the options yourself -- you are the only one who knows what you want.
I think a bit more accuracy is in order tonight. Since you've opened the door to expanding the system: Purchasing a (2 function, single throttle) handheld for the Atlas is a hundred bucks, which, when compared to adding a $115 DT300 (9 functions, dual throttles) handheld to the Zephyr, still makes the Atlas a bit cheaper, but you can only actively run 2 trains with it. The Zephyr will be supporting 3, among other things, which will be returning a bigger bang for the buck. It's not just what you spend, it's what you GET for what you spend that really counts. Value, friends. What is your money worth?
...But to GET a handheld controller with the Zephyr you must purchase it separately -- it comes with the Atlas! I was not actually talking about adding on to the systems -- just that with the D system, you need to add on to just get handheld operation. It may be just my preference -- but I think a handheld controller is a part of the DCC experience -- the Zephyr takes us back to the power pack days (admittedly with a lot more functions). Part of it may be that I just don't agree that whatever Digitrax does is the best. Just because they have the largest installed base (which includes many very vocal supporters) -- does not make their products necessarily better or best. If you're comparing apples to apples you have to take into account the extra charge for handheld control (even if that allows more loco's to be controlled) -- the base systems from both control only one train at a time.
WHO is selling the Atlas with the hand held included? All I've seen packaged together are the base unit and the power, as the Duo-Pack. The handheld is separate and $100 extra at every retailer I've seen.
Whoops, sorry for not checking my facts -- I did admit to not having either Atlas or Digitrax -- I had used the Atlas at a show and thought it came that way (with the handheld) -- but I checked and it does come with only a desk top controller, like the Zephyr. So, I guess if you're contemplating either system you'll have to shell out more for handheld control (and apparently more for the Atlas than a small Digitrax).
If your needs are small and you can pick it up at a really good price, then go for it. But Atlas and Zephyr offer you expansion possibilities that MRC does not.
