Well the benchwork is done i will start laying track this weekend after i get back from GATS in Illinois. Is DCC the best way to go i have limited funds here can't spend three or five hundred on a system. My layout is HO and 5x9 in size it will not get bigger "lack of space". So are there good low cost systems out there? What all is needed? Are there complete systems? Are the decoders another expense? Thanks for your help.
Check out MRC and Atlas. If you are in true poverty, get the early MRC DCC which you will only find on ebay probably, but it will be good for a layout your size. I can't remember the name of the early MRC one, but they are still around. Atlas makes a good system, start with them.
If you are not in a hurry, you may like to wait till fall when Digitrax should release the Zepher. Don't know the price, should be in the area of the Atlas and such. Sounds like a good system. Elsewhere on this forum there is a thread about one of the MRC systems which would give me pause about buying it. Gary
The old MRC system would work well for you on this layout. I use it on my 12x13 foor layout and it does everything I need at this time. The New MRC DCC system is the one that is getting complaints right now, seems they have some compatibility issues .....Mike
I, too, have a small HO layout -- and now that I have DCC, I can't imagine doing trains without it. I have 7 "blocks" , the longest about 10' long and 3 that are less than 3' long. Running one train on DC was, of course, no problem; but the block switching required to operate more than one involved way more concentration than what I consider fun, especially since half of my track is out-of-sight, within a hill. Now, I almost always run at least two and up to four trains at once, easily! And then there's sound....it's worth the cost of DCC to have even one engine that makes all the right noises and you control it. Not cheap, but rumors abound that competition is coming and, hopefully, that will help make it more affordable. Another reason for me is the Roco crane -- they have a DCC controlled crane car and stationary crane. My son got to play with them as part of the Junior College at the National NMRA Convention a few years back, and he hooked me. It is very smart to start with DCC, so you won't later be intimadated by the number of locos you need to convert [I'd also start with Kaydee couplers and metal wheels, but that's for another forum]. The conversion itself is really not too big a problem if you have any skills with a soldering iron, and in some cases. it's just a board or jumper change. Besides, there are many people you can hire to do the work for you if that's not your "bag". I have also heard good things about the upcoming Digitrax low end system, but I'd do a lot of research before I bought anything. Visit dealers that handle multiple manufacturers, so you can experience the differences, especially with the controls. If you can't go there, visit online. Most of the systems have user groups (check Yahoo groups) where you can learn a lot about each of the systems. Generally thay all work well for simple operation, sometimes things like programming aren't quite so intuitive - but there are different styles because there are different users -- there is no one best system for everyone. For me, this was a few years back now, but I wanted easy access to functions (to blow the whistle, and turn the crane) and I like dedicated buttons and an easily understood display, so I saved up for an NCE system and haven't regretted it an instant.
You can go to the digitrax site now and look at the new system. For a beginner it looks good. I don't have a link for it yet.
The question to ask is: What do you want your system to do? Atlas appears to have a decent low cost system. As for MRC, I have heard that even with their new system, there are still some limitations. Some of the posts on this board have indicated as such. Now, do you want sound, extra light functions, accessories controlled by DCC? You may want to go with another system, like Lenz, System One or NCE or Digitrax that will give you greater capabilities. In all honesty though 5x9 is not that big of a layout. I am not knocking it because any layout is better than no layout. You may want to consider just block control, unless you are going to have a lot of switching involved, and have more than two operators. In any event, you can prepare your layout for future up grading to DCC. First do not use common rail wiring. Instead have two separate power bus lines of 16AWG or 14AWG. Run power to the track from the bus lines by using 18AWG or 20AWG drop lines. Insulate any blocks you want by blocking both rails and running the drops to a double pole single throw switch. Then connect the bus lines to your power supply/throttle. This way if you decide to go DCC you can just hook up the DCC in place of the old DC power supply/throttle. Good Luck
