Excellent info Yampa Bob.

Regarding the DC unit, I must admit I still have a liking for it. So to resolve that dilemma I run a separate track inside of my DCC layout and run a locomotive and my switches off of that transformer (Bachmann Magnum). It seems like the DC unit has a smoother operation to it. I have not tried hooking the DC transformer to the DCC EZ Command system yet. The directions say it should work. I am hopeful the transformer operates in the same manner after its hooked up and I give it a whirl.

Krongo

Hello Beatthe9ers,

This is my fist time on the board and first post. I am excited about the information on the boards as well.

I'll chime in on the DCC. I have a Bachmann DCC EZ Command and have been very pleased with DCC operation thus far. I have no recommendations on other brands as I am recently re-acquainted with the train hobby and have not explored anything beyond what's readily available at some local hobby stores. I would personally say DCC offers much more flexibility in your railroad operation. From what I've found thus far, you can't beat Bachmann's prices on DCC equipment.

I am curious about any responses to your inquiry about wiring locos for DCC. I just purchased a Bachmann GP38-2 that is "DCC Ready". I have a Bachmann DCC 8 plug unit I've previously purchased ready to hook up. However, after dismantling the loco, I've found nowhere to plug it in. I was expecting to see a little plug and away we'd go. No such luck. I know you can solder DCC conversions into DC units as well. I am guessing you need to remove the motor and motor cover to access the wires? If not, I have no clue how it's done. An economical way to get started is with a Bachmann DCC EZ Command and loco kit. I purchased my set up for around $100.00. The dealer sold me the DCC EZ Command (about $80.00) and a DCC loco for half price (around $21.00). I've been hooked ever since. The ability to run multiple locos in different directions is a hoot. I'm now obsessed with converting as many locos to DCC as possible. This has run around $50.00 at a local train store. Basically, $25.00 for the decoder and $25.00 for the install.

Sound can work without a decoder/DCC unit, just check the manufacturer's specs before purchase. I've found it depends on the company.

Something you may want to get your hands on is the 2008 Walthers Model Railroad HO Reference Book. You can garner a bunch of information in that book on pretty much anythong to do with HO trains and products. I'm sure there are other good sources of info but this seems to be pretty decent.

Sound units prices vary. My local hobby stores have some nice units in the $60-$90 range. Most of that is Digitrax products I believe. They sound satisfactory but I'm willing to bet the untis you looked may have better quality. I'm not all too familair with sound though.

It does become more difficult if you are looking for a specific railroad and locomotive type with the features you want. Usually, I'll find a unit I like but it's not DCC equipped. So then you have to calculate the additional investment of changing things over. Not to mention, I have had no luck in personally converting anything yet.

I hope a I helped a little. Like I said, I just got back into things and I'm not looking to break the bank just yet so most of my investments have been geared towards having fun but being economical. Model railroading has come a long way since my junky little Tyco "Silver Streak" days.

I look forward to hearing your feedback

Krongo