Soundtraxx sells the PTB-100 programming booster. With it you can read and program all of your Soundtraxx decoders.

I  have one (I have a lot of Taunami decoders). & it works great. well worth the money!!

Unless you have a perticular loco in mind that you cannot get in DCC, or DCC w/sound, I would recommend purchasing one already set up.

On some locos it is a matter of simply removing the shell and plopping in a decoder. On others not so easy.

If I can get it in DCC or DCC w/sound I will spend the money. I have purchased several that were just "DCC ready" because they were not available with the DCC decoder or sound.
Invariably they have cost me more in the end to get them to the state I wanted.

I have 2 of the 2-6-6-6s & they both are good runners.

I think you will also like the 2-8-0 & the 2-6-0. (especially the 2-8-0)

There are some other Brands out there also that are very good.

Ditto.
Fine little runner.

I am relatively new to the hobby. (Approx. 3 three years)

When I decided to get started I researched both systems.

I certainly understand a person who has been running DC (and accumulating DC locos) not wanting to spend the money to convert all of their stock to DCC.
That would take a lot of time and money.
Approx. $30.00 & 15 minutes per loco.

I don't however, understand a newbie starting with DC.
This is an expensive hobby regardless of  the operating system we use.
I think most new modelers understand this and will spend the small amount of extra money necessary to go with the latest technology.

With the limited locos available in N scale most of us who get into this hobby can afford to purchase what we need. $30.00 more for DCC probably won't deter anyone from buying a loco.

I personally hope manufacturers continue to provide DC for a long time. I would hate to see some longtime modelers get left out out in the cold.
We get much of our good  information from "oldtimers".

I do however believe that the future of model railroading lies in DCC. (assuming something better doesn't come along)

Just my 2 cents.

Thanx so much for your help.
I will order it today!

Can someone tell me if the couplers on it are compatable with Micro Trains & Atlas Accumate couplers?
I know some of the couplers they use are not.
The information M.B. Kliens has on it says it has "knuckle couplers", but I'm not sure if that means they are compatable or not.
I would like to have one, but not if I have to change out the couplers.
Also I would like to know what brand decoder is in it, & if the CV values can be read by a Digitrax Super Chief System.
Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

I have an FT A/B set. I just installed digitrax decoders in both. The B unit runs much faster than the A.
(much more so in reverse) What effect,harm, will this have on the two when coupled together?
Does anyone know how to speed match them so they will run at the same approximate speed. I fear damaging my A unit by having the B unit "pull" it.

Thanks for any help.

Roget

I am trying to determine the pro's & con's of using flex track almost exclusively for my layout.
I am planning on using Atlas code 55.
I like the idea of not being tied to the sectional radius & not having so many joints, but wonder if I will encounter problems I have not anticipated.
Any help will be appreciated.

This question may be so elementary, I am almost embarrassed to ask it. But I must.
Is there a "right or wrong" direction which a train should run on a layout? (Clockwise vs. counterclockwise)
I believe I have seen them running both ways.

I will have an island. Probably 44" X 84" is the max I can consider. A little more if absolutly necessary. That should gve me enough width for a 18" radius loop on the outside and a smaller (maybe 16") radius loop inside that, shouldn't it? I am considering using foam layers for the base.
I appreciate any advice you have for me.

I am in the planning stages of my first layout. (N scale) & would appreciate some advice.
It will be a rural scene. I hope to have some grades, tunnels, ravines, bridges, etc.
How big would you suggest I go? I want it to be big enough to include the above (& feel a sense of accomplishment when I finish it) but not so large that I get  discouraged before I finish it.
I will be running a 4-6-6-2 & a 2-8-8-2.
Thanx in advance for any advice you can offer.

Lots of good info!
Thanks to all.
I am looking at the Walthers 2-8-8-2 & the athearn 4-6-6-4. Both pretty big, but supposedly terrific pullers. Pretty expensive also. I believe both also have traction tires.
My biggest concern with these is the larger turns required.

Andy,
Being a novice, I am unfamiliar with "bullfrog snot". Please explain, & thanks for your help

To the "Bach Man" (or anyone with the answer)
Now that I have retired, I am hoping to find the time to build my first layout. I want to have a mountain scene (with as much grade as possible) & pull as many cars as possible.
Which of the Spectrum N scale steam locomotives will give me the most pulling power and be the most suited to my needs?
Also which are the most dependable?
Thanks in advance for any input anyone can give me.