[full maxx]

what is the best ho starter set as far as steam engine , durability and sound/smoke

 

[glgraphix]

I would think most would say that the new Bachmann sets are pretty well rounded kits. The Spectrum ones, have very nice engines and good rolling stock, plus if you get the right ones, you get a DCC system to boot.

Kevin

 

[full maxx]

could you link me to some esp. with the dcc or a possible price and thanks for the reply

 

[full maxx]

Ok I have looked at some and aren't Bachmann and Spectrum made by Bachmann cause I typed in spectrum model train and the first result was Bachmanntrains.com...next , the dcc that comes with their sets , is it the same as I would buy separately , will it operate several trains at the same time or is this an entry level dcc system that will only work the one it comes with...sorry for all the questions but I am a total newb and know nothing about trains except I want to built one with my little protege

 

[tankist]

DCC kinda means multiple trains
otherwise DC would do just fine for fraction of the price.

personally i don't like the way Bachmann DCC system looks, bit cheep and toyish to my tase. but i'm sure its working just fine.

 

[full maxx]

tankist what starter set would you recommend with dcc or should I just get it separately cause I want it to begin with now that I understand it a little better and keep in mind that I have a four year old train lover but I want a good size set in the end with lots of cars and several engines ... there is a thread on here about a guy that is hetting back into it after a lon time because he wants his kids to enjoy trains and my starter would be a 4x8 layout with future expansion but I would like to start with a couple of ovals and a couple switches

 

[modeltrainhead]

Dcc??

 

[full maxx]

digital command control...allows to operate several trains,sounds,switches at the same time on bigger layouts at least from what I understand

 

[modeltrainhead]

oh i run dc i know what that is but how much is this dcc

 

[tankist]

ez dcc is definitely an affordable system (~70$) but besides the physical construction (IMO looks like controls of cheep Chinese space interceptor craft) it seems like dead end. meaning that expansion is not possible beyond the 8 locos. which actually maybe more then you need. and i may be misinformed about that as well...

i got mrc prodigy express. wasn't my choice but a part of bundle i got.but i really like the tethered walk around cab, perhaps if only for the looks but then its more or less looks like serious cab with serious cab functionality. it also can be swapped with prodigy advance or wireless which will be very nice.over all the system is more flexible. is more expencive thoguh, ~120$ so its definitely a cost consideration.

and from there really expensive options start

oh i run dc i know what that is but how much is this dcc

that question is incorrect. can you answer "how much is a car" question? there is a car and there is a car. same with DCC systems.

 

[full maxx]

well I really want to go dcc from the start so a Bachmann/Spectrum sounds good to me unless there are more starter kits with a better set up around the same price , and if it will run up to eight locos then that will be more than enough for now, if it gets to be more than that I can always do different later however I am sure I will need to read and ask questions as we go along to get things working right...if I am correct in my understanding I will need a decoder to add more engines later but that will be for later ...right now I want to start simple with a lot of track ... more than the starter kit has ,. enough to fill up a 4x8 table top maybe a hill with an underpass ...I am not real sure at this point

 

[tankist]

as far as i know EZ comand is very popular and i don't know of better priced starter kit. so if you like the functionality, go for it.

you will need decoder in each engine. if you don't get the DCC factory equipped bachmanns you will need a decoder purchased and installed. which depending on your loco to be converted, can be simple plug n play (dcc ready engines) or complete rework, isolation of motor and soldering the decoder in (on older bachman spectrums for example).

 

[full maxx]

so as long as future engines are ddc ready, they just need a decoded installed and programed ...if each dcc will run up to eight engines then I don't see needing more for a long time but that will like everything else...depend on cash flo and thanks for the help

 

[Reckers]

tankist, is it possible to convert an old S scale ac system to run with DCC? Just curious; my stuff is about 60 years old and I was mulling over the possibility of that versus a blocking arrangement.

 

[tankist]

tankist, is it possible to convert an old S scale ac system to run with DCC? Just curious; my stuff is about 60 years old and I was mulling over the possibility of that versus a blocking arrangement.

for this question i really like the answer i read on some other forum.
"can any engine be converted to DCC? yes? will it be easy every time? no"
many details to consider here. perhaps you will need to re-motor that AC engine with DC part before before installing the decoder (i'm not sure if there is a rectifier in AC engines). and there might be a chance they don't make direct motor replacement and you will need to tinker what you can use instead.

 

[Reckers]

I guess I'll go with the blocking idea; to my knowledge, there is no rectifier and I hate to remodel something that old. Not so much the "it's worth less if I change it" idea. More an appreciation for the quality of workmanship that could make a child's toy that would still work well after 60 years. Thanks for your input.