Sure. After you troubleshoot the system, and  working in good order, you can always fill the gondola with foam rocks and hide the non-period hardware.

Just had a brain dump. How about converting a gondola car into a DCC system carrier and running a three vehicle train as the motive power section ?  the gondola would be part of the tender assuming you have a long enough wire harness.

I have a few favorite locomotives to convert. I bought a decoder that came with detailed instructions including a step by step conversion. You are going to have to get the proper connectors ( wire harness, maybe a can motor, a ohm meter, headlight and taillight lamps of proper specs, good set of eyes, soldering iron,  patience, a DCC system you are going to build on.

probably worth smokin' one to find out. Try it with d-cell batteries first, about 6 V worth. One thing you have to worry about is common ground between the two. I am guessing a diode is required to prevent higher voltage feedback to the ratck. I don't think the answer is a simple yes or no.

Something turned Bachmann " on " , for they are suddenly coming out with a great variety of good looking full of detail DCC locomotives. I am totally sold on DCC, albeit still a total rookie. I tend to leave my locomotives stock and any kitbashing only happens after I " accidentally " stage a crash scene at a crossing 

Quote from: the Bach-man on September 01, 2007, 11:49:10 PM
Dear Manny,
The sound versions are available, and non-sound locos will return.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

Good looking machines. And I know beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and the new Russia Iron & Pinstripe 4-4-0 w/ DCC, without that dumb looking huge stack, are very nice. As a matter of fact, I just might buy one right now, after I do my checkbook. Is Bachmann taking over the model RR business ?

I'm sorry, you totally lost me. What, exactly, is a full house decoder?

Dick
Texas Chief
[/quote]

decoder with sound installed. The standard Bachmann decoder installed on the 4-8-4   only runs the locomotive and lights. there is also a smoke option that on a plastic locomotive body is not feasible.

Here is what I am going to do. I also bought a DCC ready 2-10-0 Decapod that will house the 4-8-4 factory decoder as there is limited room in the decapod tender. Then install a full house decoder with sound in the 4-8-4 tender and thusly end up with two stunning DCC installed steam locomotives. in summary, buy another DCC ready locomotive, buy a full house decoder. It doesn't answer verbatin the original question but you do end up with two DCC equipped locomotives. Pass the ice cold one 

I have the same exact project. Got the beast programmed and ordered a MRC sound decoder to be installed at a later date either on my 4-8-4 or my Decapod. I have the same anxiety how to add the sound decoder to the installed Bachmann decoder without resorting to totally dismantling the existing system.