Albeit this is the 534th topic asking about a seemingly-nice DCC system, MRC's Command 2000. I would like to know why availability has decreased and prices have been slashed 3 times over. Is there something wrong with the system? I am planning on running a very basic layout with no more than 5 locomotives and Command 2000 seems to be right up my alley. What's up with it?
Atlas is an overall better system in the same price range. When the Atlas system came out MRC knew they just got screwed and they have really cut back the amount of units produced. MRC is not even listed as available in the entire Province of British Columbia! There is only one left in Vancouver! Happy Railroading! Dane N.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PocketFuzz: Albeit this is the 534th topic asking about a seemingly-nice DCC system, MRC's Command 2000. I would like to know why availability has decreased and prices have been slashed 3 times over. Is there something wrong with the system? I am planning on running a very basic layout with no more than 5 locomotives and Command 2000 seems to be right up my alley. What's up with it?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Nothing is up with it. If you really want one I'll sell you mine. If you want to run a really basic layout with no more than five locomotives the MRC 2000 is fine. Some considerations though: If you want sound the MRC 2000 is not the way to go. You can only access one additional function other than lights so bells whistles etc. are limited. You only have the ability to program a few basic CV's address, start voltage, acceleration and deceleration. It is simple to hook up. Programming the above mentioned CV's is simple and straight forward. It will program most other decoders - not just MRC decoders. Operating it is simple. I even have a walkaround unit that would make it possible for two operators to comfortably operate the system. One would be fixed to the command station. The throttle bus uses a four wire phone cord connection. Tom
UP Fan, email me your price. (squint@uwbmt.org) I've watched this topic over the last 3-4 months and was leaning toward Atlas - until I saw the price of their walk around throttles compared to MRC. Here's what I want to do with my DCC, and before someone talks about expandability, I know that is not in the future. 1) the layout is a 1 to 2 foot wide shelf 11 feet by 7 feet. 2) I will operate by myself, perhaps 1 other person. 3) My roster will consist of 4-7 engine max. 4) trains will rarely be mu'ed but I will do it on occasion. 5) Typical operation will consist of one train running continuously while I'll run another doing swithing. Three trains (meaning three engines) running at once max. Will MRC pull this off? I hope so. If I had to spend over $100 for a system and then over $100 for a walk around... forget it I'll stay with DC. If those of you with experience RUNNING an MRC system can tell me if the system can do this I would appreciate it. Scot
With regards to layout mentioned in my above post, you can get further info on it - including a track plan, by doing into the N scale forum, and reading the thread "UP layout pictures"
MRC will allow you to do one thing very well: get you into a DCC system cheaply. I would say for those with a very limited budget, a smaller layout (read - running only 3 - 5 engines at one time) then it might very well fit your bill. I can say this with certainity. Given the choice of MRC in this situation or running blocks, there is no contest, MRC is vastly superior. What I would recommend is that when purchasing decoder's, you stick with the main brands, even though you won't be able to access all the functions with the MRC unit. The reason I recommend this is that eventually you will move up, whether 4 to 8 years down the line is mute, you will move up. The decoder installation cost is actually what holds many older guys back from making the big switch. If you've got 100 engines, then decoder installation is the greater cost, not purchasing the base system. So if you put only quality decoders in your engine, when you do make the switch you won't have any regrets or have to spend more money replacing inferior decoders with reduced functions. I bought a 386 laptop just as 486's were making their initial rush to glory. I got a great price on the 386 since no one was buying them anymore. My purpose was to use it for word processing at university. It served this purpose admirably, but I had no bragging rights around the cooler as to how great my laptop was. The professor's didn't know the term papers I presented were done on a 386 versus a 486 or latter a pentium. Get a hand held for the MRC. Although there are three throttles on the unit, it isn't any fun sharing, so with a second operator, you can have more elbow room - one on the main unit and one on the handheld.
HEY myUP! HE WAS TALKING TO ME! HE'S SELLING TO ME! IT'S MINE! ALL MINE! HAHAHAHAH...you get the idea I'll let you take this one unless you don't agree with his price which is $---.-- (too many digit spaces eh).
Hey Fuzz, The MRC unit is perfect for what you will be doing. I run one of these systems too , and it works for me....Mike PS hope you got a good deal, mine was about 150 bucks a couple summers ago.
