I use Digitrax. Both systems

I use Digitrax. Both systems are good and very expandable. Later on you can use a computer interface with either system to run your railroad if you wish using JMRI. JMRI is also great for programming decoders.  Joe. 

That was a little harsh there E. G.

It's tough to use "all" truthfully in sentences which pass judgment on "all of us".

My first two layouts were 4x8, the third a shelf 2x16 or something close to it.  It's a good place to start.

My vote is for Digitrax, and for a 4x8, I'd offer the Zephyr version.  But maybe check what other modelers near you are using, as they can prove to be valuable for technical assistance and moral support.

NCE wireless

I use the NCE wireless system.  Very happy and never have any problems with it.

Good luck

Paul

Nothing wrong with a 4 X 8!

As for MRC or NCE, I think both systems are great for the Beginner all the way up to fully advanced modeler.  Nice systems to learn on as both are easy to use and set up.  MRC is kinda the "lone Wolfe" in the respect is doesnt play well with PC programs like JMRI where as NCE is fully intergradable with PC software like JMRI.  (MRC has it's own software program which is quite good for what it is designed for and that is programming decoders).  So flip a coin as you won't go wrong either way.

Drawde, you might find some

DCC

hi drawde.

 i think that EG was a little rough on you as far as having a 4 x 8 layout. i recently converted to Digitrax from MRC for the simple reason of being able to interface with my PC via JMRI & also being able to use my phone as a throttle. check out my last post on here called  "new stuff for my layout"

  i would also suggest you join the Digitrax & JMRI groups on Yahoo .com. you can read of the faults that Digitrax & NCE have. they are both very friendly groups & are willing to help with questions you might have

vinny..aka...bnsf6951

MRC or NCE

From our experiences at the Muskoka Model Railway Club and individuals in this area. I would say the ratings would be 1) NCE, 2) MRC and finally 3) Digitrax.

I used an MRC Prodigy system on my 10x10 N scale layout. It worked great, but did not have alot of power.

Several friends use the NCE system on their room sized HO layouts and have had zero problems.

On the club's 20' x 44' HO layout, we us Digitrax, only because they had a club discount program running when we were looking. we constantly have problems with the wireless hand held units losing signal with the locomotives. Run away locomotives or locomotives that will not move have been common.

 Plus, the guys like the NCE controllers better.

vs  

The LCD display is great.

I'm using a Zephyr

As the title says, I'm using a Digitrax Zephyr.  I chose it over the NCE system because

• It was inexpensive.
• Many of the modular clubs I've seen specified Digitrax standards, and I wanted to be compatible should I ever go modular.
• I liked the ability to use simple DC throttles for switching.
• My local hobby shop stocks Digitrax products.
• I like the Digitrax throttles better (see the photo Will posted - I like the small throttle and big knob).

I've heard many good things about NCE, and I would not be opposed to using an NCE system on my next layout.  As others have said, look at things like computer interface (even if you don't want it now, you very well might in the future - I do now!), throttle design, expandability, local support, etc.

Now, I have to add my two cents' worth on the 4x8 issue.  Many modelers (and I am one) will suggest that if you have a 16'x16' space in which to work, you'll likely get more satisfaction out of a shelf style layout than an island in the middle.  On the other hand, since this is your first layout, you might do well with a 4x8 as an educational tool, but I wouldn't look too hard at expanding it.  Build it, enjoy it, learn on it, and then start over using what you've learned.  The 4x8 style has a lot of pretty significant drawbacks, and only one real advantage - it's small, making it easy to build a finished layout that you can actually run a train on.  I wouldn't go as far as saying that you should avoid a 4x8 altogether, but I think I would be doing you a disservice if I didn't point out that there are other equally inexpensive and more expandable options, some of which are actually easier to build.

Thanks for the feedback

A big THANK YOU to all who replied. I appreciate the insights, opinions, and information offered. I do have much to think on. The 4x8 will basically be a temporary thing until I come up with an overall strategy for a permanent setup. It will be DC so I will have time to consider and hopefully try out the systems before making a choice on DCC. The only danger I see so far is running into Paralysis By Analysis and not getting started at all!

Ed Powell

...

Comparing a ProCab to a UT-4?

This is more like it: DT402R Vs Powercab

They are Very , VERY similar to each other, but with either one you will have to learn programming algorithms.  People who use NCE say it's easy and Digitrax is hard, People who use Digitrax say it's easy and NCE is hard.  The truth is, they're right about the same once you learn the algorithms.

Digitrax has Loconet, which is a common control bus, that can tie into your PC or whatever throttle is able to tie into that bus.

The most important feature at this point is to look at what it costs to hook up to a PC, and the rate of ease it is to do so.  You may not wish to use that feature today, but in five or ten years, you may suddenly find yourself wishing you had that feature, and the truth is, by that point any system without this feature will be worth a bit less than those systems that have it.  You can do it with either Digitrax or NCE - buy a good system once!

Service

Ken, one more thing I have to say for Digitrax, they have a great service department. I have my Super Chief since it first came out and it is awesome.

Digitrax Zephyr

I have been using one for years and now upgraded to the Extra. Very happy and am now operating with Surroundtraxx. Digitrax a must for Surroundtraxx.

Doug

NCE PowerCab

Being a newb in this field too, I also had to make this decision not long ago.

I decide to look at the features of each system I was considering (same as yours).  After looking at them for nearly 4 months (if not more)  I narrowed it down to 2 systems, NCE and MRC.  I'm part of a club that uses Digitrax, and we are having so many problems with it, it is so complicated to use, that I ruled it out pretty early in the competition.  I finally decided on NCE because I didn't like the fact that MRC uses a proprietary software and not JMRI which is more versatile. 

Most people will say go with what's around...  I say go with what you want!  I don't want to learn how to use the Digitrax system because instead of taking me months to learn my NCE PowerCab, it took me a week and I'm still learning in a fun way.  The Digitrax was so frustrating to learn that I'm not even remotely interested in it!  I rather buy a cab if I ever need one for my club than buying a system just for a cab!

The NCE PowerCab is very expandable and they have a good selection of options should you want to upgrade.

As for your comment on Paralysis by Analysis, you don't have to paralyze you know...  just build something...  anything...  a door with foam, some tracks and turnouts...  your power pack or DCC system of choice...  and then once this is done, you can expand it later on...  but you will be able to run some trains and have fun and also, not get entrenched in that paralysis thing!

Just my 2 cents and I hope it helps a bit.

Cheers,

Chris

Mr DCC review