WOW - thanks for all the replies. After reading the thread I think I will go ahead and try to install DCC on at least one of the locos. If it works, then I'll go ahead and do the others.

If not, I'll leave them as regular DC and just have them run on their own track.

Getting back into the hobby, I've decided to make a Christmas style layout in my garage, open the garage door and let the neighborhood view the layout. Maybe I could have the DC trains available to kids to control from a pre-determined spot. And I'll modify the power pack to limit how fast the kids can make the train go.

I bet steam would rock on such a layout and kids would love it.
Steam with DCC sound... hmmm I like the idea.

Thanks for the feedback - you guys rock!

Thanks! I'll take a look online. But while I'm an IT Manager working with computers and internet access, I still prefer the old brick and mortar hobby stores - thought I'm no fan of full retail prices.

I have found a couple of stores that sell at slightly higher than internet prices - I'll try those guys first.

Thanks for the feedback!

That's what I was afraid of.      I went to WGH Train Show in Tampa today and you're right. I did see Bachmann non-Spectrum DCC locos there for $40-45 - I purchased one to try it out - works good.

Well, maybe I'll start looking at DCC with Sound.

Thanks for the reply!

Hello - I'm trying to get back into the hobby. I have 5 Bachmann HO pre-DCC Spectrum GE Dash 8-40CW locomotives, never used, still in the boxes - one of them is Item 86030, another is item 86022. I was wondering if someone could tell me if it's worth the effort and cost to add DCC to these locomotives?

I call these pre-DCC because they are not even DCC ready.

Not sure if the motor is connected to chassis. I think item 86030 is not connected to chassis, while item 86022 appears to be connected to the chassis. (Based on parts illustration that came in box.)

I guess I'm asking if it would be difficult to add DCC? I know I would need a wire harness version of DCC and soldering skills. Could someone recommend a web page with how-to instructions?