Thank you everyone for your comments and sharing your experience with it.
A bit more info for context. I am a new modeler (but had a layout as a kid), the layout is a small 9ft long (~3 Meters) HO switching shelf that really doesn't need a lot to run. I only expect to have maybe 3 loco's with only 1 operating at a time (maybe 2 in a consist). Turnouts will be manually switched, and being a short shelf i dont see any need for block detection etc etc, or computer control. Unless im missing something here..
Nigelcliffe, Can you provide more info on what features I would be giving up by using a LNWI? Based on my needs I'm not sure if I would really need any of them, and the LNWI does seem simpler then relying on another computer.
The thought of a run away train is concerning as with the size of my layout it would mean either running into the backdrop/building or off the layout! lol.
I'm really leaning strongly to the zephyr, it would still give me the option to use jmri for decoder programming. The other option is to use a NCE powercab which is likely more then enough for my layout (and a lot cheaper then also buying a uwt-100) but it really seems like out dated tech that it bothers me spending money on. I would need to buy the USB adapter to run jmri. Also it seems strange to still be needing a cord in the year 2021.. I know some people will disagree with that..