Do Ihave to have DCC inorde to go to batter power?
No. Unless you want to use DCC decoders for sound, etc.
A local modeler uses Deltang wireless dead rail system on a Gn15 layout (HO gauge, 1/24th scale). Minimumally all he uses is a reciever, a voltage regulator and a LiPo battery. He can fit all of that in an tiny industrial engine based on one truck of a Bachmann 44 tonner.
One of the objections I've had to battery power is the size of the components. After seeing his stuff I think I could easily fit all of the parts in a "old time" HO steam engine. The battery is still the barrier, namely that there has to be an easy way to charge or swap out batteries.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
BlueRail Trains has a battery powered circuit board for dead rail that does not use DCC.
Board configurations info http://bluerailtrains.com/2016/03/03/battery-powered-trains/
RR Baron
I used to take my portable N scale layout, which was DC, to Cub Scout day camp. I set up by my car, and connected the car's battery through a fused cable to the layout. I just had to make sure that I didn't drain the car battery too far. For a better solution, you could use a separate battery, such as a deep discharge marine battery.
So no, you don't need DCC.
Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority, run through Amtrak and CSX Intermodal
CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield