I recently purchased 2 new in the box Bachmann GG-1's for $20 each.  Good deal I thought but now having second thoughts.

The box states, "compatible with DC powered layouts."  My 1 track layout is conventional DC power but according the instructions, I will need to purchase a non-analog transformer.  My old mrc works fine for my needs.

I know nothing about DCC except what I read this morning, but I am not about to make major changes my layout and prefer not to buy a digital transformer, whatever that is.  Nor do I want to spend hundreds on decoders, etc.

My questions are:
 1. Can I just put them on the track, power up and run them one at a time, albeit maybe without sounds using my analog computer?  If not what additional equipment do I need to buy and will I still be able to run my DC only locos with it?
2.  If they do run with conventional transformer, will the suffer performance issues.  I don't need to wow anyone, I just want them and my original equipment to run smoothly.
3. I often hear negative comments about Bachmann in general but these seem to be of very good quality.  What say you?

Thanks for any info.

By the way, thte box stat: dcc sound value on board and DCC sound locomotive