Wha about this: what DCC system should I buy? For a 17x9' layout modular,a nd operated my mostly 2 people, and the occasional max of 4, running mainline trains, yard work, branchline trains, and industry work, what system would be best? Radio would be cool, but it is pricey. I am leaning toward the Digitrax Empire Builder 2, or the up-and-coming Zephyr. It HAS to be easy to wire, easy to program, and easy to use. It also has to be under 300 dollars or so. I have to convert all my locos to DCC, and haven't gotten decoders yet. Who's are best, and other than Tony's, where can I get decoders cheaply for the 15+ loco fleet? Also, are infrared throttles reliable? Or is radio better for the price? Bang for buck, who makes the best system for my needs? I eventually will have more than 100 locos, so I need lots of address capacity, and MU/consisting. Programming from the throttle without plugging in, and true wireless ops. I also may do routing, and DCC turnouts, so I need capability built in, or easily upgradeable.
Hemi, Digitrax with infra-red. I don't have it but am planning to go this route. Those that have it seem happy with it. All the throttles except the basic UT ones (actually cabs) come IR ready, and the IR receiver is modestly priced, at most you might need two. This gives you wireless control without the expense of radio. I noticed a couple of posts up Robin is running IR and is happy with it.
