Digitrax Zephyr Express DCC System for Model Railroads

The Digitrax Zephyr Express is a compact yet powerful Digital Command Control (DCC) system designed for model railroaders who want dependable train control today with a clear, scalable upgrade path for the future. Unlike basic entry-level systems, the Zephyr Express functions as a true DCC command station—making it an excellent foundation for layouts that plan to grow.

Designed as a Complete DCC Control System

The Zephyr Express combines command station, throttle, and booster functionality into a single, space-saving unit. It delivers reliable digital control for multiple locomotives while supporting expansion through additional throttles, power districts, and layout accessories.

This makes the Zephyr Express ideal for home layouts, modular setups, and operators who want to start simple without locking themselves into a limited system.

Key Advantages of the Zephyr Express

• True DCC command station with integrated throttle and booster
• Expandable via LocoNet for additional throttles and accessories
• Supports multiple locomotives on the same track
• Ideal for HO and N scale layouts
• Compact footprint perfect for small to mid-size layouts

Expandable as Your Layout Grows

One of the Zephyr Express’s biggest strengths is its ability to grow with your railroad. As your layout expands, you can add:

• Additional Digitrax throttles for multi-operator sessions
• Boosters to create separate power districts
• LocoNet accessories for advanced layout control
• Detection and signaling components for prototypical operation

This scalability makes the Zephyr Express a popular choice for modelers who want long-term flexibility rather than a temporary solution.

Ideal Use Cases

• Modelers upgrading from DC to DCC
• Small to medium home layouts
• Switching layouts and shelf railroads
• Layouts that expect to add operators or accessories later

What You’ll Need to Get Started

To operate with the Zephyr Express, you’ll need:

• DCC-equipped locomotives (factory-installed or decoder-equipped)
• Compatible power supply (if not included)
• Basic track wiring appropriate for DCC operation

Once installed, the Zephyr Express allows independent control of multiple locomotives—speed, direction, and functions—on the same section of track.

Part of the Digitrax DCC Ecosystem

The Zephyr Express is part of the larger Digitrax DCC ecosystem, which includes throttles, boosters, LocoNet expansion modules, and layout control accessories. This system-based approach allows you to build a railroad that matches your operating style today while leaving room for future expansion.

Explore more options: Shop all Digitrax DCC systems, throttles, boosters, and LocoNet accessories

Manufacturer Information & Specifications

Zephyr Express gives you simple to use Digitrax Complete Train Control for a great price. 

It offers simplified advanced train operation for any size layout and is fully expandable. 

You won’t have to start over when you want to do more with your railroad.

Zephyr Express Set Includes:

• DCS52 All-In-One Throttle/Command Station/Booster to run your layout
• PS314 Power supply to provide power to run your DCS52
• Zephyr Express Quickstart Guide
• Zephyr Express Manual

Zephyr Express Offers:

• Cost effective entry level LocoNet Compatible system
• Color 2.4” LCD Screen.
• Large Backlit Keypad.
• Speed control knob and direction switch with brake.
• Integrated USB Computer Interface
• Easy 2 and 4 digit addressing.
• Smooth speed control.

Run multiple trains at once without blocking!

• Run up to 20 addresses at the same time on your system.
• Run up to 20 throttles at the same time on your system.

Jump Ports for using DC power packs as additional throttles

• Use one or two smooth DC power packs as throttles to control DCC equipped locomotives.
• Simple, cost effective way to add more throttles to your Zephyr Express set.
• Makes it easy to share the fun of DCC with layout visitors and young operators.
• Functions on locos controlled by Jump throttles remain active.

Over 9000 Locomotive Addresses

• Use Address 00 to run one or more locos without DCC decoders
• Two Digit Addressing is easy to use. (Address 01-127)
• Four Digit Addressing-use the number painted on your engines as its address.

3.0 Amps of Power to run multiple trains.

• Booster outputs 13V DC for safe operation in N and HO scales.

Function Control

• Control lights and sound with 29 functions (F0-F28)
• Function 2 is a special non-latching key that can be used to sound the horn for as long as the key is held down.
• Constant brightness lighting. Headlights can be directional or independently controlled (depending on decoder).

Stationary Decoders, Turnout Control & Turnout Position Reporting

• Access to stationary decoder control for turnouts and other devices.
• Control 2000+ stationary decoder addresses.

Consisting

• Universal consisting, Digitrax preferred method. ALL locos can be consisted, even analog locos.
• Advanced consisting, allows only advanced consist capable mobile decoders.
• Basic consisting, program decoders to run on same address.

Decoder Programming

• Built in read/write programmer that can read and write all CVs.
• Supports Direct programming (Digitrax preferred method). Also supports paged & register mode programming.
• Operations mode programming can be used to program decoders on the layout.

Expandability with Digitrax LocoNet

• Use Zephyr Express as a starting point for your Digitrax LocoNet System, then add components.
• Use Zephyr Express as an expansion set with Digitrax equipment you already have installed.
• Add Radio or IR via LocoNet. Just plug-in a UR90, or UR92 receiver and add IR and/or Radio throttles.
  

Comes Complete with DCS52 Command Station, PS314 Power Supply, and System Reference Manual.