Thank you Fred!

I am wanting to purchase a couple of DCC ready engines and didn't know if they would run on the DC layout I currently have, so when I get the DCC layout , I will have already have a couple of engines.So many aspects of the DCC future yard that could be done.

The DC set up is up and running and the grandboys should be able to enjoy it when they come over. I relive the family history centered around the BIG Four maintenance yard of Brightwood , Indianapolis and sharing family history with both my kids and the grandkids. Dad had a Tavern  ( the Big Four Tavern) directly across the street from the roundhouse which my layout incorporates.

Now, I am interested in bringing the era specific locomotives to the layout and since it was a rather large maintenance yard, thus thinking the DCC would open more options.

Yes, I am beginning to glean the DCC is proprietary system ( for all the right reasons it seems)

and that "I" as a beginner, the DC trains and yard layout currently started for my first introduction somewhat limits me  when it comes to purchasing new engines overtime and using them until such time as I have a modern rail layout. Kinda reminds me as the old bird hunter I am, overtime with years of training several dogs, "you just have to hunt with the one you brought" and with the each dog training session , one gets better and better at either making more mistakes or learning from those mistakes one makes. I best embark on the traditional DC platform until that day a I seek a new "puppy". Yeh?

Thanks to all for helping this old bird hunter withthe empty game bag and the "Big Four Training" I am enjoying!. 

J Ward:

If you would please reply, what do you mean when you said:  Many of us turn this feature off in our locomotives, so you may not be able to run a secondhand DCC locomotive on DC.
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Thank you

Thank you both for your replies.

I am a 76 year old newbie who is getting enthused with this hobby. Currently Have a prototype layout and some older locomotives many of which do not work but nevertheless have helped me in future planning and layout possibilities. I believe the yard I am replicating ( its a legacy layout)  would be better if I went the DCC route in lieu of using and wiring for (2 cabinets).

Point of clarification: I am planning on maintaining and using the prototype while constructing the new layout and acquiring new locomotives. This will allow me and the grand kids something to run while I get a better understanding (education) of what is needed in the new layout.

 I ultimately can see the possibility of running 3 or maybe 4 engines around this yard with a turntable.  I am Currently working with (2) cabinets to run the 2 engines individually. This approach seems to work well but with limitations in switching and utilizing the track and yard layout along with future accessories.(your thoughts?)

I am full of ideas but definitely a neophyte needing a  lot of mentoring. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks again!

Can I operate a dcc locomotive on a conventional dc track layout until such time I can upgrade to dcc controller power pak. Currently do not have any dcc and want to operate some new dcc ready locomotives while I am building a dcc layout.

Thank you