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
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