Back in 1982 I bought a F3 or 7 freight set for my tiny Christmas tree. I dabbled a little through the years with my kids, but being the Military I was often deployed. I'm now retired and wanting to get back into the hobby with my grandchildren. I know that my set won't run worth a hoot, so my question is: Do I stick with DC or spend the money piecemealing a DCC set together?

Quote from: modelbuilder on November 24, 2010, 03:16:18 PM
Back in 1982 I bought a F3 or 7 freight set for my tiny Christmas tree. I dabbled a little through the years with my kids, but being the Military I was often deployed. I'm now retired and wanting to get back into the hobby with my grandchildren. I know that my set won't run worth a hoot, so my question is: Do I stick with DC or spend the money piecemealing a DCC set together?

You'll get many opinions on this one.  Personally if I were to start out again I'd go with DCC simply because it allows for more realistic operation and simpler wiring.  Assuming that you want to run more than one train at a time you'll spend as much money piecemealing and wiring a multiple cab control layout as would on a DCC setup.  Just my humble opinion....

Model Builder

I agree with Joe323 DCC allows you to really run your train more like the real thing. I just recently converted a DC layout to DCC and am very impressed with the results.

From an expense perspective the Bachmann locomotives, especially the non sound diesels, are not too expensive.  The EZ command controller is not too expensive especially to get your feet wet, it is limited on many capabilities though.

I think they actually sell a sell a set that has two DCC locomotives and the EZ command controller for not much more than a DC set.  To get a good deal you might look around on line.  Some of the other posts mention the one on line certified Bachmann dealer, I can't remember the name off the top of my head.

Best of luck and welcome back!

I avoided Dcc for a while, I wanted to see where it was headed, remember beta vs. VHS it's all pretty standard now  so I bought a EZ COMMAND and that was all it took, the EZ command is very limited, it's just basic controls and only and address programming but it was enough to hook me, besides running the trains you can use decoders to control other things, I have one shack on my layout with a decoder in it, with just two wires coming from the track I can control the inside lights the porch lights a smoke generator in the chimney and a flickering LED in the potbelly stove, all from the controller. Without Dcc this would take a tangle of wires and a bunch of switches.

Just my 7.5 cents

NM

Thefavoritespot is a great online dealer on ebay, they have good prices and are reliable. The set is $145, the shipping is $15. It includes 2 DCC locomotives, a DCC E-Z Command Controller, a boxcar, a hopper, a caboose, one turnout with uncoupling magnet and a complete oval of track.  Here is the link...http://cgi.ebay.com/BACHMANN-DIGITAL-COMMANDER-SANTA-FE-HO-TRAIN-SET-00501-/180587757743?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2a0bde80af

$160 is a pretty good price considering, the controller is worth $80 and each locomotive is worth about $50 each, everything else is just extra... The set is Product Code 00501 and the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is $300, so you are getting it for half off even after shipping costs.
Here is a photo:

How old are the grandkids? They might not be able to run DCC as easy as DC.
I would start with a Dc train on the floor first to see how much damage they can do. If things go well then upgrade to DCc and a table.
In addition i would try to go with 22 inch radius track. In the long run you will need it for larger engines.

Bob

Hello modelbuilder and welcome back to the hobby.  It took me 50+ years to return, but here I am, enjoying every minute of it again.  Good luck.

Regards,

GTBob

Quote from: bobwrgt on November 25, 2010, 06:35:13 AM
How old are the grandkids? They might not be able to run DCC as easy as DC.
I would start with a Dc train on the floor first to see how much damage they can do.

Bob

I have a 3 and 6 yr old they run the EZcommand better then me with remembering which buttons control what.  And crash damage is the same DC or dcc

Also remember they are plug in electric "toys" and you should not leave very young unsupervised, even low voltage can bite especially if your grounded.

NM

Either go to the library or hobby shop and see if they have any books on beginning model railroading.  Then start small and learn as you go.