I've been researching DCC controller (systems). From my newbie knowledge level, I sure could use some guidance in choosing a good
starter system. From a past post, I think I more or less know the capabilities of the Bachmann system. The DCC controller with it's own
power pack supports DCC. Link the DCC compatible DC power pack and you can run both with some qualifying factors.

I have 2 more to add to the mix and need expert help and recommendations. Both are from MRC.

Bear in mind too, that, sadly, I'm on a budget. ...Aren't we all... I have a mix of brands of locos - DC & DCC.
And, I plan to convert any newer locos that are capable / good running enough to DCC one day.

First, the MRC Prodigy Express - starter system. It does DCC. Can it do both like the Backmann DCC / DC link up?
Is any better than the Bachmann?

Next is the MRC TECH 6 SOUND CONTROLLER 2.0 w/ optional Tech 6 1203 Walkaround Sound Controller DC.

From reading the instructions from MRC, I THINK this one will run DCC locos in "true" DCC mode.
One site said it was DC only. That baffled me.

Am I correct in my determination that it's DCC?

Where does it fall in the better / worse / recommendation order?

Thanks, Steve

Anybody out there watch the tv show on RFDTV called 'Trains and Locomotives'? (satellite only I think) For those interested, but haven't
discovered it yet, it's on Dish Network channel 231. I found it about 2 years ago by accident. It's mainly responsible for my new found
love of steam locos and the era in general. MAN O MAN! Now, I still love the growling of a diesel hauling down the rails, but....
They do mostly shows on steam locos, with a few here and there on diesel. And I must admit that I'm still a bit new to all the nuances
and variations of steam locos, but I'm learning more and more. And, it sure is interesting & amazing to see the shows like the one a couple
weeks ago about a full restoration of Santa Fe 3415, a 4-6-2 Pacific. Or the ones that told the history of the Nickel Plate Road or of
the Grand Trunk Western... SP Daylight ...on and on, to name just a few. I know that I'm preaching to the choir when it comes to you
folks who have been at this for a while.  ...Or a LONG while, and know your stuff - model RR and the REAL thing to boot. Bear with me.
I am pretty new to the more in depth topics. It's all so FUN, challenging and I like it all. Model RR - BIG ones - ALL ABOARD!!!

Steve Jordan

I did some toubleshooting today and found that I have a problem with a GP 38-2 (Norfolk Southern) loco. Good looking little loco!
At first I thought it was the wheels slipping as it goes up a 3% plus grade. All my other locos can pull at least 4-6 plus cars with only the
usual slowing because of the combo of the grade & cars. I have pretty good transitions and clean track on this layout using the
Woodland Scenics Subterrain system. I'm at the stage of the final smoothing/etc. of the foam risers transitions before laying plaster cloth,
then the track bed and final laying of the track. My first 3D layout... ...other than the single raised bridge w/ piers on a flat layout
many moons ago.

Back to the locomotive problem.
I opened her up and proceeded to clean the wheels and noticed that the back wheels stopped as I put only minor to mid pressure
on them down om my cleaning towel. Turns out that the slippage is occurring at the plastic "U" joint that connects to the metal pin on
the worm gear. Only on the back truck. The front is doing fine. It's just a DC loco, but it's still one of my favorites.

Anyone have a good fix for the problem? As I was writing the first part, a possible fix occurred to me. I was thinking of putting a TINY
dab of liquid electrical tape into the "U" joint hole and let it cure a good bit before I slip it back on the worm gear pin.
Might this work or is there a better fix?

I was looking in the latest Micro-mark catalog. Found a kit with synthetic oil and grease, "Nye" brand, and they say it works much better
than regular petroleum based lubes. Has anyone used this stuff and do you recommend it?
Also... Would any of you recommend using "Bullfrog Snot" on my wheels if I might need a little more traction? Not on all wheels of course,
as it is non-conductive.

Can someone tell me if the speed controller in the "Bachmann Trains Empire Builder Ready - To - Run N Scale Train Set" is the one
that is DCC compatible? I know that all they offer is the one for HO, N, etc. that is DCC compatible, and the one for large scale that
is not DCC compatible. But, I'm just making sure...  After some research, I'm pretty sure that the loco is not DCC ready, even though
I COULD convert it to DCC. And, yes, I know it has E-Z track (not what I want to end up with in the end).  Still, it's a decent starter set
for N scale. And, I'd like to eventually use some part of this on a larger layout with DCC locos.  Thanks, Steve