I have just gotten back into this hobby last year. I have also inherited my father's collection of 62 engines; Tyco, Athearn, AHM and rolling stock too numerous to count. DCC would be a major investment for me, would the MRC Command 2000 be a wise choice? I am building a portable 4x8 using cab control. Could the DCC be run over cab control track with all blocks open? Any suggestions on good starter material about the DCC basics?
I am going to make some assumptions which probably aren't true. If you "inherited" your engines from your dad, then I am assuming he has passed away, which puts you in your 40's or 50's. If this scenario is true, then the next assumption could be very easily true. If you get into the hobby seriously, which happens at an "older" age, then your 4x8 will be your first, not your last layout. Secondly, you have many engines, but some of them will be "junk" so go to your local train shop and ask which ones are quality and which ones are junk. Start decoding the quality ones. Next, if all my assumptions are correct (unlikely) then I would move up one step from basic to an intermediate unit which will have the capicity to grow with you. So look at the Atlas system which is new, or the Digitrax Genesis. The only difference in the Digitrax Genesis and the next system up is the throttle. So if you buy a second throttle (you will have to at some point - if some one other than your self is to help run the layout) you can buy the throttle for the next model up in the Digitrax line and now you no longer have the "base" system.
Hi Steve. I'm not familiar with the MRC products. As to DCC, yes it is an investment. But I'm sure an investment You won't regret. Considering that You already have plenty of rolling stock, track etc should free some money up for DCC. Besides, You will probably not run 62 engines on a 4x8 layout all at once. So You can convert Your engines in stages. As to a good DCC starter set, don't just look at price alone. Make sure the system You choose will be able to grow with Your layout and has the features You wan't. And I know from my own experience that once You own a DCC system You are going to look for those features You may not have. Nothing worse than making the same investment twice. Get informed! Here is one site You could start: www.mrsonline.net Art
Hey Steve, welcome to the site . Here're a few more sites that might help. loystoys.com, ttx-dcc.com, lenz.com. There're are lots more out there. Go back and look through our archives. We've got a ton of info on DCC and some pros and cons of various systems. We've got hundreds of posts on DCC alone, have a ball .
Also, seriously consider how be using your system -- will you be using any Soundtraxx sound decoders? If so, then easy access to function keys is a must (unlike Digitrax, which requires a "shift key" to access functions, ie two button presses for one action). I believe the new Atlas has easy access to Functions 0-4 which includes horn and headlight. I got the NCE system because I wanted easy access to all functions -- a key for each! I also use the Roco Crane car which uses functions and throttle to move the hook, arm and overall rotation, so ease of operation is a major consideration for me. Remember, the major commitment in DCC is time (for installation (especially decoders) and then playing with it..) The difference between control systems seems major right now and can be a bit of $, but not having to sell your "old" unit to upgrade may be worth the additional investment now.
Hi Steve and welcome. Everyone has brought up some real good thoughts here so far, let me add one more. If you are seriously considering DCC I would recomend that you start off by getting a good book on the subject. I believe Kalmbach publishes a book called DCC for beginners. It will answer a lot of those questions that you come up with. and probbably a few you havent thought about yet .....Mike
Thanks everyone, I appreciate your replies. My father hasn't passed away, just moved on to other hobbies. I am still in my twenties and have invested very heavily in my own Southern equipment roster. I will look for the Kalmbach book, I am pleased with two other books of that company.
