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Running DC locomotives in a DCC environment

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[quote user="GKMDB"]Money is not really an obstacle so I would rather invest in new equipment and buy what I feel is the best.  [/quote]Wow, that is a nice idea.  Wish I were you. (I would say absolutely get your track, track accessories and scenery new rather than take on someone else's vision of a layout).Glad you will go for DCC.  I started the hobby 16 months ago.  I soon found that I was going to get a lot more bang for my buck if I didn't buy new equipment from the hobby shop.  DCC sound -equipped locos of medium quality run from $129 to $299+ in the hobby shop.  I bought less than half a dozen this way and "plunked" them down on the layout rtr.  Even DC locos that are DCC ready or not can be $70 to $200 depending on the road name availabilityHowever, in my first month of the hobby I wanted a SW9 switcher.  The LHS price was $99.  I found one new in the box on eBay for $29 and never went back.For the price of 25 locos from the hobby shop I have made a nice collection of 75 locos of mostly new to very good condition.  Maybe I am just rationalizing, but I also feel adding my own decoders is more fun than "plunking" down the rtr beauties from the LHS.Of course this type of shopping has drawbacks....about 60% of my locos are not under warranty.  And I have had to make a few minor repairs....like the old axels on some P2K.  But that in itself is good to learn.  Without taking things apart, how would I understand them?As for rolling stock....I have picked up some used, but I would recommend getting new product in the road names you want.  The quality is much better than old models, and you won't have to spend time converting horn and hook couplers to knuckle type.Here is a sample range of purchases:Low End....... Ebay $14 new P2K switcher (no other bidders one Sunday morning)[img]http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/T004.jpg[/img]High End..... Ebay $109 new P2K DCC with QSI sound powered E8/9A  & dummy B[img]http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/T029.jpg[/img]Most are of this average: Ebay $56 as new Kato DCC ready SD38-2[img]http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/dcrane_2007/T014.jpg[/img]With careful shopping some very good quality merchandise can be obtained for good prices.  Of course, shipping adds a bit....but if ordering new equipment from an out-of-town hobby shop there would be some shipping cost too.
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