Start out with DCC?

[patriciabrardy]

My son (almost 5) has been obsessed with trains since he learned to walk. We bought him a cheap ($30) HO-scale train set this summer; just a circle track with a diesel and 3 cars. My son has played with this train every day and to his credit (since the set is a piece of junk) hasn't broken any of the cars and lovingly fixes the track when it gets mis-aligned.

So, we want to get him a "nice" train set for Christmas--something better quality, that does more than go around in a circle, and that we can add on to and start building a full layout in the basement as a family project. My son loves trains enough that I know we'll be building layouts for years--this isn't a passing phase or something the adults pushed him into!

I'm interested in Bachmann's EZ-Command DCC system; it's included in some sets like "Bachmann Digital Commander Deluxe Set". However, I'm wondering if we're getting a DCC system too soon--especially because the DCC locomotives seem two or three times the price of non-DCC locomotives! So, should we buy my son a regular (non-digital) train set for this Christmas and then "upgrade" to DCC later? Or should we just buy DCC now?

Also, if you have other suggestions for buying a first train set, please share... I've read a lot, but since I haven't actually built a layout yet I'm still very interested in advice.

[japasha]

Hmmmm. I think I would go to a more expensive DC set for now. When you son is a few years older, then do the DCC stuff if he is still interesed. While there are a lot of people who whink it  is a simple system, DCC is not. Have you son learn about normal DC wiring before going on. Get him a book on the basics of model train DC, like the one ATLAs has, and sit down and read it with him so he gets an understanding of the basic of electricity on model trains. As he becomes more familiar, the DCC system will be much easier. If the train is too complex and doesn't run, he will abandon it.

[mikec069]

Well since I don't have kids,I'm not sure I should be responding.  That said,I'd wait 1 or two years tops before upgrading to DCC.  My first layout when I got back into trains was analog.  I had always wanted, even 30 years ago with my first set, to run multiple trains at the same time going in different directions.  So make sure youson has something in mind before shelling out dollars for a DCC loco.  Even without DCC there is a lot of experimenting that can be done wiht layouts and analog setups.

Again this is my opinion.  An opinion form a non parent.  Unless you want to count the cat as a kid.

Enjoy

[Guilford Guy]

You may want to get a locomotive for him now that Does have DCC so if he still is interested, which he probably will be, he will have a couple locomotive to run individually on DCC. I was the same way back when I was 5, wow, almost 10 years ago. Time flies when you are playing with trains!

[SteamGene]

You learn basics by working with basics. 
I would not buy another train set.  I'd buy the kind of things your son is interested in, as long as it fits the space limitations you have.  That's to say 85' modern cars don't perform well on a 4x8.  I'd buy decent stuff, but not super accurate, super fragile models.  They can wait.  You may even want to find a "shake and bake" easy assemble model - an old Athearn blue box or MDC or Accurail kit to start teaching him how to use tools. 
I would not get the EZ-Command if you go DCC.  It appears to be far too limiting.
I totally agree that DCC is more complex than DC, except for the wiring, and that is becoming more complex as the hype turns out to be just that - hype. 
I would get a DCC locomotive with a decoder that allows it to run either DC or DCC.  You may want to splurge for sound. 
Gene

[The Old Man]

I just got the Bachmann Digital Commander Deluxe Set today.  I am really looking forward to getting into playing with trains.  Note I said playing as opposed to modeling.  I just want to run trains.  I think this set will be ideal for me and my 9 year old daughter.  Now my concern, when I heard of your son's age, is that HO might be to delicate for him.  But after reading that he can get things back running after accidents I think he might be OK.

I don't agree that he needs to be learning about wiring and DC.  I think by the time he's a teenager the majority of younger people will be using DCC.  The Bachmann set is every well thought out and comes with a DVD explaining DCC and other concepts.  Of course EZ track is a lot easier than the track he probably got with his first set.

I see the set through many internet dealers around $167.  I picked mine up, new, on Ebay from nationalrailroad at a great price.  He's appears not to have them in stock, but you can check.  (BTW I'm not related to him, I live across country.  )

[Jim Banner]

I feel the time to get into DCC is when you want to run two or more trains on the same track at the same time.  If you feel that day will come, but not for a while, you can still prepare for it by buying locomotives that already have DCC on board.  They will cost slightly more now but will be cheaper over all.

As far as brand of DCC is concerned, and based on what is available today, I would pick Bachmann E-Z Command because it is the easiest of all systems to use when it comes to switching a single throttle between  several locomotives.  Expect to outgrow it.  You will know you have outgrown it when your son tells you so.  That will probably happen at about the same age that your son is much in demand for programming VCRs, DVD players, etc. around the neighbourhood.  Usually in the 8 to 10 year old age bracket.  But for the present, neither you nor your son need frustrations in the control department when there are so many other things to learn.     

[ripvanwnkl]

As a dad and grandpa who runs trains with his son and grandsons, I highly recommend EZ Command DCC and EZ track with 2 or 3 non-sound and/or sound HO DCC engines and assorted cars.  We find it's a hoot running more than one train at a time with one simple wire connection to the track.  EZ Command has no problem running several non-sound engines on a lot! of track, but soon reaches its limit with multiple sound engines (max of 3 we found).
Great way to start DCC at "reasonable" cost.  Kids today expect and do well with computer based technology.    Good luck!   

Dave
USAF (Retired)

[sour rails]

      I'm only 20 right now, but I've been fascinated by trains for years.  About five or six years ago, my interst in trains sort of dwindled because all I had was a basic oval with NO switches to expand with.  Now, I'm back into trains when I found out about DCC.
     Here's what I say, get a few DCC locomotives but confine them to your DC layout.  Also, plan ahead.  It is useless to upgrade your system to DCC if you do not have the extra track for the other locomotives to run, say enough track and switches for a basic bouble oval and a few sidings.  Now, your son would be eager to run more than one loco at a time, and he'll have fun switching back and forth off the sidings.  As for the EZ Command, I would recommend it as a beginner.  It is quite simple and offers enough variety to wet a youngster's appetite.  Believe me, It did the same for me, and I don't consider myself a youngster anymore.

Have fun and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[hobo]

My 5 year old (daughter) and I love to run trains together.   And we love to take the old steam engine excurions as well.

But I know from pratical experience that kids just want to play and have fun running trains.  And the analog sets are great for that.  Remember to keep it simple. 

Based on your desires, you are going to start with a small layout.  And you want to expand as your son gets older.  And you are looking into purchasing one train at this time.  This does not sound like a good candidate for DCC.  Not that you need lots of track or multiple trains to use DCC but you definitely don't need DCC to run one train at a time on a single track layout.

My daughter loves the buildings, cars, people etc that go with the trains.  So much so that I find them all over the house.   This christmas she will be getting some of her own people so I may keep mine on the layout.

She also has no trouble working the control for the DC trains.  She can start, stop and change directions with ease.  I'm not sure she would be able to do this with a DCC control. DCC requires her to select a train and then select a function. 

Start small and simple and work your way up as your son grows in age and ability.  If the trains become hard to use or beyond his capabilities then he will opt for something else.

And most importantly with a 5 year old.  They need adult supervision.  Although trains are pretty safe, they still require electricity and have small parts and are difficult to handle. 

Enjoy Christmas! And spend the holidays and the rest of the year playing trains with your son.

Russell

[Atlantic Central]

This question assumes facts not in evidence as a lawyer would say.

DCC can be a very good control system. Does a 5 year need it? - I doubt it.

Does every adult modeler need on want it? NO - As has been discussed on here before, your five year old may be real good with his/her trains, but generally, five year olds and HO trains are not a good mix without a lot of supervision.

Not questioning anyones parenting style here, but when I was 5 my parents encouraged independent play as opposed to closely supervising something like an electric train. I will ad that by the time I was 10, I had taken over the HO layout my father built for me and I have been building trains ever since, that was 1967.

The answer to a 5 year old and DCC should be the same as the answer to the following - does he/she have a computer, I-pod, cell phone?

And, as pointed out by some others, I do personally believe there is value in learning basics first - I often wonder in this computer age, is there anyone left who actually understands how a computer works at its basic level - could we start from scratch if we had to? I do fear this a failing of our schools and our culture that basics have become unimportant.

So sure give the 5 year old who has not yet learned to read a mircoprocessor based control system to run his electric train - have we lost our collective minds?

Or,

Is it like I posted in another thread - common sense has been outlawed by the Socialists.

Sheldon

P.S. I'm the parent of six - now all grown and grandparent of 5, not buying any 5 year olds DCC for Christmas.

[patriciabrardy]

Thank you everyone for your opinions. I appreciate having a lot to think about as there aren't many days before Christmas. I'm sure that Santa will come through again this year and he'll obviously make the right choice in control system.