Running a DCC On Board on a DC Layout

[DRFan]

Hi All,

I have been a DC modeler for over 20 years.  I have never tried DCC and right now do not plan to.  I would like to know if I can run either a Bachmann "DCC On Board" GP7 or GP9 or even possibly a Bachmann RS3 on standard DC layout.

[Len]

Yes, but you'll probably notice it takes a bit more throttle to get them moving. This is due to voltage loss through the electronics on the DCC board.

Len

[DRFan]

Hi Len,

Thank you for the information!  I was concerned I might accidentally damage the locomotive.

[jward]

when I bought my Bachmann dcc gp7, there was a dummy plug in the box. it looks  like a small circuit board. if you unplug the decoder and replace it with the dummy plug, your locomotive will operate normally on dc.

[DRFan]

Thank you for the help.  I will keep an eye out for the dummy plug when I buy my model (sounds like the best solution to running the engine on a dc layout).

[Jerrys HO]

If it is the board style decoder I have even seen/heard of other's removing the board and hard wiring the loco and saving the board in case they go DCC.