This full kit contains everything you need to get started:
1x DCS-AT689A Soldering Station
1x Solder Stand and Sponge
1x DCS-S179 Sapphire Solder
1x DCS-SFNC-I Sapphire Solder Flux
1x DCS-T2C Spare Tip
The DCS-AT689A is a very good choice for those doing almost anything on the workbench, from tiny soldering jobs on DCC decoders to general circuit work, re-wiring of locomotives or building brass kits.
With a reasonable footprint that does not take up too much bench space and a silicon lead on the iron to make it light in the hand, it also has more than enough power to keep your solder joints quick and cool. The DCS-AT689A also has simple to use controls with very stable temperature control.
Our testing showed it has fast turn-on heating and very good heat recovery for larger things too.
Out of the box it has a standard small conical tip for finer wiring on PCBs and we have chosen to add a very versatile T18-C2 tip which has an excellent profile for track use, wiring and all general hobby soldering (we prefer this tip type for many soldering jobs).