Joe & Jerry, thank you for the info.  I have 3 extra feeder/rerailers I was going to incorporate into the layout anyway so it's good news to know all I'd need to do is feed power to them.  I've spent about 3 weeks since I bought the Dynamis set, tinkering with Anyrail at various designs on a 4x8 layout.  I had it fairly complex at one time and decided simpler is better and scaled it way down.  Besides, I'm certain I'll expand in the future and didn't want to make another significant investment in a lot more track at this time.  I've actually tried to post earlier and attached the file plan but evidently it was too large and the whole post was washed. 

I've been looking at other posts on here regarding layouts and designs.  I'll build the table tomorrow.  It's a bonus that I'm a self-employed cabinet maker and carpenter of 30 years plus.  From  the previous Lionel layout, I learned to simply take the EZ track and set it up on the floor before I cut one board.  Anyrail is pretty much dead on with the dimensions.  I'm using the free trial which limits to 50 pieces, which is ok.  Long straights I use the 36" piece in the model, knowing what I have and what I actually need.

I had won a new set of 56" x 38" EZ track with a LH DCC turnout on ebay at the same time I was going to buy the whole set.  I rounded up a couple of remote turnouts and a few more straights and am good to go.  I'm looking forward to this venture and if I can figure out how to downsize a file, I'll certainly post progress on here.  Thanks again for the answers.  This is a forum that I"m glad to have found

Lonnie

Hello everyone.  I've had several good answers to questions I've posted since joining and appreciate all of your help.  I did purchase the Dynamis set with the C&O 2880 locomotive and tender.  I put together the 56"x38" oval of track that comes with it and gave it a test run.  I love the system as well as EZ track.  It is a far cry from my old Lionel 027 layout that I currently have.

Anyway, I've decided to expand the layout in a traditional 4x8 format and in using the Anyrail software, I've created a over/under loop with a passing siding and one parking siding.   I will have two DCC turnouts and two remote turnouts.  The total track length is about 44'.  My question is:  will the power supply be sufficient to run this layout with two DCC decoded engines?   

I'm building this initial layout with an option to expand on one end in the future and surely realize I'll have to purchase a booster of some sort that I've seen mentioned here and there on the site.

Thanks again for the help

I did buy the Dymamis set with the C&O 2880 steam locomotive.  It is a really nice set and I love the digital/wireless control.  The realism of the sound is pretty amazing.  My 28 month old grandson went nuts over it.  I saw earlier post regarding 'thefavoritespot'.  His store is both on ebay and Amazon.  Great prices and very helpful with advise/purchases. 

I bought the blue/yellow Santa Fe DCC diesel from him as well.  Does anyone here know if Bachmann has the blue/yellow Santa Fe diesel with sound onboard?

I appreciate the advice and input from all of you.  I was thinking that it might be a bit of a task to install sound. 

Hello everyone!

I'm just getting into the DCC world with HO scale.  I like my ancient (but small) Lionel 027 layout, but just like me, it is slowing with age and showing wear and tear.

Anyway on my first post I got some wonderful input/advice comparing EZ Command vs Dynamis.  In the end I'm going with the Dynamis set from 'thefavoritespot'  From emailing with him, he recommended the Dynamis as well.  My question is this:  Is it possible (or worthwhile) to install sound on a DCC diesel engine.  The Dynamis set comes with a Baldwin 2-8-0 but I'm going to want to add a Santa Fe blue/yellow diesel in the near future.  I'm watching a Bachmann DCC equipped GP40 on his site on eBay and was curious if it's possible to add sound later on

Thanks ahead of time

First of all I'd like to thank everyone for your input, and secondly, I'm glad that I found this forum.  I've always had a love for trains but am just now really getting into the hobby.  I had set up a few sets for my sons when they were kids but never had the time or space to set up a really good layout.  As I indicated from my first post, I'm going to set up a small layout (thank goodness for EZ track!), get a good feel for DCC, then expand to a larger layout.

I have been doing some research on EZ Command as well as Dynamis and it seems to be a 50/50 from what I've found.  The one thing about EZ Command I've discovered is that the entry level controller won't utilize all of the functions that many locomotives are equipped with.  I've also considered building an 'ala carte' set as well, but that can in itself be a pricey initial investment.  I think I'm going to give the Dymanis set a try.  I believe Donaldon mentioned the total cost of $265 via 'thefavoritespot'   I already had that set on my watch list on eBay.  I compared the Bachmann Digital Commander that has 2 diesels (which I"ll eventually go with - especially the blue/yellow Santa Fe), Walther's set (didn't like the sound coming from the controller) and finally the Dynamis.  Even though it's priced a bit higher, it seems well worth it to me.  The Baldwin steam loco is sound equipped, the turn-out is dcc coded, and even though the rolling stock might not be top quality, it is a beginning point.  I figure the 56"x38" layout with the turn-out and the sound equipped dcc engine is well worth the $265. 

I have a small area in my home office that I can set this up to learn how to use it.  With the space I have for the time being, I'll be able to expand to 65", add a passing siding down one side, and purchase a diesel locomotive to give two trains at one time a whirl.  I know it's a modest layout but it's a start. 

Once again, I thank each and everyone of you for your advice/input.  The beauty of model railroading is there are many ways to build it and learn as you go.  Unfortunately some of the learning gets into the pocketbook but I don't think I'd go wrong with either the EZ Command or the Dynamis.   I just feel that for just a few more dollars, the Dynamis has more bang for the buck on the initial investment.  My long term goal is to convert an 8x12 store room in the backyard to the 'train room'  I'll insulate, drywall, and put in a heat/air window unit for me and my little grandson to escape to.  At best I'd run no more than 3-4 trains on that.

I'll be around often, probably with more questions.  This is a great site to find for sure!

Thanks again to all of you

Hello everyone.  I'm hoping for some advice.  I'm looking at a few HO-dcc entry level train sets to delve into the digital world.  Bachmann has the 501? two diesel set, Walther's has a dcc with sound, and then there is a Dymamis set with a steam loco.  Any takes on any of these?

Thanks ahead of time