Can I use a DCC locomotive on my DC layout until I go DCC?

[skooksteve]

I'm still relatively new to model railroading but I'm gaining steam (pun intended). As money and knowledge allow I want to eventually go to a DCC layout but right now I've got my hands full learning the basics and dealing with DC. I'm currently looking at a nice switcher that's DCC which I would like for the future but I don't want to buy it and leave it on a shelf until I learn DCC. Can I still use it on my DC layout for the time being?

[Jim Banner]

Yes.

If it is a Bachmann locomotive, it should operate on dc right out of the box.  You will probably find it runs a bit slower than the same locomotive without a decoder but using it on dc will not harm either the locomotive or the decoder.  It is a smart move to buy DCC locomotives now so you will ready for DCC in the future.

Jim

[skooksteve]

Thanks Jim. That's all I needed to know. It is a Bachmann loco.