What would be the best DCC system for my 5x9 Layout? ------------------ CSX and HO Scale The Newark Branch RR Ship it the good 'ole way, BY RAIL <marquee>Merry Christmas</marquee> [This message has been edited by nbrr2000 (edited 22 December 2000).]
Well, kind of depends on what you'd like to do. 5x9 HO scale might work good with the Atlas system or maybe the lowest level Digitrax system, the Genesis. Both of these are a little less expensive, but still give the benefits of DCC. The Digitrax system can also be upgraded later. I also hear Atlas will be coming out with upgrades as well. ------------------ Corey Lynch Pres - Rensselaer Model RR Society, NEB&W RR http://www.rpi.edu/~lynchc/Railfanning/railfanning.htm - My Site http://www.union.rpi.edu/railroad/ - NEB&W
I have not yet done so, but have decided to go for DCC, and have chosen Digitrax, as it seems to be a good system, and as has been said, can be easily upgraded in the future, should circumstances (and layouts) change. ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
I have a small N-Scale layout and am very happy with the MRC Command 2000. There aren't too many features, you aren't going to upgrade this to something more sophisticated, but I am happy with it. I have a small layout, operate alone, and won't be having more than two consists moving at the same time. Right now, I dare anyone to convince me that I need something bigger (read MORE expensive). When you model on a shoestring budget (less than $25 available for the railroad a month), you spend only what you have to. Maybe when I get a larger layout (not likely), I might be interested in expanding. By then, my investment into the MRC unit will have been worth it. If not for MRC, I would not be into DCC at all. Having used it, I wouldn't want to go back to analog. Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois)
I think the key in this string is that all the DCC sytems available work! So your choice is really what features you'd like. I think getting into DCC is the most important thing because it lets you drive your trains like a "real" engineer -- controlling an individual cab -- not just power on the tracks. Therefore, you should consider how much money you have to spend and how important the various features are to you. If money is the major problem, go with one of the inexpensive systems (MRC or Atlas) and spend your money on decoders. You can always sell your used system and upgrade. If you have more money, then you can get into the more feature heavy and upgradable systems like Digitrax and NCE. I have an NCE system (for about a year) and am very happy with it -- it doesn't require looking into a manual for every "unusual" command, due to the extensive display and keypad. I understand that Digitrax now has a more "user friendly" controller, so that would now be a consideration for me. If you have lots of money and would really like extensive help and manuals, try the Wangrow version of NCE -- Wangrow has extensive service and a great manual. Between, and sometimes within a maunfacturers lines, there are variations in how you control the speed, thumbwheels, buttons, knobs, etc. -- more options to consider. My NCE with a digital encoded knob and buttons that work at the same time is great for me -- I use both at different times, but some operators like a knob that stops at the "end" (variable resistor) [I think my kids would like that...] Look over the functions and determine what level you'd like and can afford and GO FOR IT!
I'm glad I came in here and read this one .. I was not aware that the size of my layout would dictate what DCC I should invest in. My pike takes up a 30 X 20 basement. Any suggestions for what model Digitrex I should look at? ------------------ Bill (#16) "Get Goosed on the Yreka Western"
Hey Ironhorseman: my layout occupies about the same amount of basement space as you listed, using three decks and helixes. I can't speak for Digitrax, but use the NCE Powerpro, with the railroad divided into four blocks, each with its own booster. The throttle bus has auxilliary power between each four plug in stations. Works super in our operating sessions. So I guess you will probably want to go for the "big gun" in Digitrax. Bob
Thanks for all the help, guys, Ill probabbbly go for the atlas DCC. O, how do you find out what member # you are? ------------------ CSX and HO Scale The Newark Branch RR Ship it the good 'ole way, BY RAIL [This message has been edited by nbrr2000 (edited 22 December 2000).]
Hi nbrr2000 and welcome to Trainboard. To get your membership number just click on the "Contact Us" at the bottom of this page and ask Charlie. He will give you your membership number ------------------ Robin member #35 Maberly and Tayside
