If a locomotive is equipped for dcc can it run on a dc only layout?
If the decoder installed in the locomotive is a modern 'dual mode' decoder, then yes. These dual mode decoders, if set up properly (the factory does this as a default) will sense which type of powered rails they are sitting on and act accordingly. You can programme them to only be sensitive to DCC rails in which case they will do nothing when offered DC current.
Crandell
Unless it has one of the very old decoders in it yes. All the decoders I've worked with are dual mode, able to operate on DCC or DC. Some people turn off the CV that enables the loco to run on DC but it comes from the factory preset to run on both.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
If it's a 'dual-mode' loco, the answer is yes. However, it takes additional power from the DC pack to start up, and forget about running it in tandem with a straight DC loco. Dual-mode locomotives take from 7 to 10 volts DC to begin running, which often leaves you with only the last quadrant of the throttle to control them. I don't know about 'straight' DCC, though I did buy a used brass loco that had been converted to straight DCC and had to 're-convert' it to DC for it to even move a wheel on the layout.
I"m not anti-DCC, please understand. Not at all, in fact--it allows for individual control of locomotives. It's just that the expense of converting my rather large fleet of DC brass steamers would be pretty prohibitively expensive.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Yes, as has already been stated.
However, it is worth noting that many DC users will actually remove the decoder from a loco so equipped, because they find that the DCC electronics do nothing for the performance on DC and in some cases make the loco run worse.
Obviously, if you are planning to go back and forth between DC and DCC you would leave the decoder in place.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
Tom,
I am with you on this one. I'm not anti-DCC either but as an N scaler with over 60 locos, some rather antiquated and some fine brass machines, I cannot for the life of me justify the cash outlay that would involve, and the time and effort that would be needed to convert legacy DC locos over to DCC. I simply don't have the patience at my age. That is not to say I wouldn't mind tinkering with a sound loco or two for the fun of it. I am beginning to resist new technologies no matter how much more beneficial they are alleged to be; blue ray, smart phones, video on demand, iPads, etc are not on my radar screen.
-Paul
A journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step, Grasshopper.
Let's see...1000 dollars to convert to DCC...1000 hours to convert 60+ locos...and 1000 days out of my life to do all this. No thanks! Although it was fun thinking about it... for about 1000 nanoseconds.