Homebrew DCC and Microcontrollers

Hi guys,

 I'm in the planning stages of a layout (information and images here) and I am considering adding another aspect. I'm also learning how to design and build electronics, so I'd like to make my own microcontroller-driven power pack.

This would be a really neat challenge, it would basically be a robot that drives the layout. It would have control of the switches and layout accessories as well.

I'm thinking of building an analog DC version first, but I'd like to have a DCC option as well. Are there commercial DCC encoder chips that can be driven easily by external circuitry?

Do any of you have experience with DIY power systems for trains? Any useful URLs? Where can I find, for example, electrical specifications for N scale locomotives?

Thanks in advance!