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US $107.17
How difficult is it to set up a DCC Train Set?
I want to start a HO scale train set and I want to eventually get to DCC control. How difficult is it to set up DCC? Also, does this train set look like a good one? (http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/Bachmann-Digital-Command-Control-Trainset-Santa-Fe/item160-00501.html)
On a system like you have listed, the DCC decoder is already installed in the locomotive and an included DCC controller. It is literally Plug-and-Play !!
DCC is SIMPLE to set up... the wiring is minimal (far less than an the older transformer based systems). I did the wiring for my 10' x 12' N-scale layout in a morning and was running 5 locomotives by LUNCH.
ALL DCC systems in the US are standardized by the NMRA (National Model Railroaders Association: http://www.nmra.org/ ), so you can run different manufacturers locos on any system. Personally, I like MRC for the DCC system, and a mix of Atlas and Athearn locomotives (I had to retro-fit 20 locomotives with DCC decoders... a CHORE the first 4... a breeze the last 4).
I would REALLY recommend getting a subscription to Model Railroader magazine: http://www.trains.com/mrr/
EDIT: and to make a link work... make sure you have a SPACE between the URL and any parentheses !!
DCC sound Bachmann class 37 (Fitted with Bass reflex speaker)