Jim,
What I did was go to my local PC guy and told him I wanted the cheapest
one available to connected to my trains. He went to his old parts and put
one together for $150, Win98, 128M, 233M mem, Intel chip, CD, extra ports,
etc. With some states charging disposal fees for tubes it might be possible
to get one of those free for the taking.
The only problem with this idea is, of course, room!
Jon Miller
AT&SF
For me time has stopped in 1941
Digitrax DCC owner, Chief system
NMRA Life member #2623
Member SFRH&MS