I'm looking to upgrade to DCC and would like to know if the Digitrax Zephyr DCS52 system is compatible with EZ Track and if anyone can provide detail on hooking it up to the track. Do I need to splice the wires as it has a different connector type? Here's the product pg: https://www.digitrax.com/media/apps/products/command-stations-boosters/dcs52/documents/Zephyr_Express_Manual_rev.0.pdf

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks

Agreed and it can do white, red, green and blue but you can also add a yellow tone w/ gels. Ultimately, that is what makes it really work. This short video highlights the undermount light: https://youtu.be/CMuYXPzu4YU

Again, it's all possible and there are many options. I also think there are ways to use mirrors to emulate reflections and other water effects. All the while, having full control over how it works - from water speed, direction and light.

Yes and you can also control the colors of the light, but it really comes down to the light gels which are colored sheets that are placed above the light (about 6" clearance). Like most testing projects, there's quite a bit of trial and error to get it right, but I have found it really comes down to the value in the motion effect of the light. Speaking of which, this was the light I used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X1QCYJW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Much more affordable option than doing it from scratch. Not to mention, there is real motion. However, it still requires tweaking, esp. brightness and motion control to get it right.

Good point and there are ways to dim and reduce the brightness so that it's more of a simple ripple effect. I could also see this work for a waterfall drop as well, especially with a nicely textured rock backdrop-needs to be blended in.

Again, just playing around with it and that's the fun part.

In an effort to create moving water effect for my HO scale track, I've been experimenting with a filtered gel box light for my mini pond. The light is projected from underneath the table with two gel filters. I can also control both color and speed of the light. Here's some videos of it in action: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMdhTpZJrQ2/?igshid=235dkesez83z

Has anyone tried this for water effects?

More for illustrative purposes, here's an early shot of the table while it was being built. https://www.instagram.com/p/CKjJ4Z1p7uj/?igshid=j4w9uhn4a47v

Thank you for replying and the track is completely level on a basic floating box table with no inclines. I did add an additional 3' of track but that was it and i checked the voltage throughout the track and all is good. I also keep the track clean on a regular basis with very light lubrication for maintenance.

With all of that, I was just trying to get a sense of the landscape of locomotives in the HO scale and upgrade options for the controller. The provided controller is fine but does not have a power switch, so I have to turn it off from the surge protector. To my last post, I do NOT want to do anything that will damage the motor and I agree with you on keeping it true to form. I also can appreciate the value in building it over time as it takes shape-it's constantly evolving.

Thank you for good feedback - you guys are the pros.

Question / advice: I'm new to model trains and love it. I recently got an HO starter set (GP40 Rail Chief set) and it's a great starting point. However, like most train enthusiasts, I have a passion for upgrading and going to the next level w/ the set. The train runs fine, but I feel like it's underpowered. In addition to the speed factor, I would like to upgrade the power controller, so that has the essentials, like a power switch. However, with the current set, it's limited to a 16v DC controller and I don't want to do anything that will burn out the motor.

If I wanted to upgrade to a faster one with a more robust motor, could anyone recommend a locomotive that is a notch above the  GP40 loco? Thanks