Hi,I just bought a DCC equipped locomotive (item #83409) and was wondering if I need to get a DCC controller for it to run. I would probably want to get one anyway, so what is a relatively inexpensive model?Thanks for your help.
You do not need a DCC controller to run most newer DCC locos, occasionally there are some locos that are single mode and not dual mode. All Bachmann decoders are dual mode, but some of the original sound decoders in some Bachmann locos were single mode. A good, cheap basic system is the Bachmann E-Z Command.
Considering the fact that you can buy an EZ Command control unit for about the same price as buying a DCC equipped locomotive it is a great way to learn the basics of DCC control. at about a third of the cost of a full function DCC system. It is a great way to get your feet wet in DCC by learning the basics on an easy to use system.