I did not note all the details in the original post. So I was thinking only of loco control and what system to build. I am 2 rail and since DCC is open source it works with anything I buy, not just one brand. When I asked the mfg where to get engine decoders to use for DCS, I was told you have to buy a DCS equipped engine to get one. I never looked at DCS again! That just does not make sense. I have quite a few very nice Brass steamers, and want to use them with what ever electronics, not buy new locos that are not even as good models.
As for switches and what not, all that is also easily controlable with stationary decoders from various DCC mfgs. You just don't have buy everything from the same brand. And you can get decoders from at least 1/2 dozen different makers that are all good and do the job, It just depends on which you like. All the basic control functions for all the decoders, if they are DCC compliant (not alway true of compatible) will work with any throttle/command system. You can't mix throttles from one system with another, but you can mix and match decoders.
