Hi folks, I have an old 4'x8' layout that I constructed with my dad as a youngster over 40 years ago. This setup is a pretty well established -- run by a DC powerpack with tons of wiring.  My dad passed away this past summer and am trying to get the railroad up and running again.
I've never had a steam locomotive and was thinking of purchasing a Bachmann Baldwin 2-8-0 in Nickel Plate Road markings in honor of my grandfather, who worked for that company many years ago.
I think I've figured out the basics of a DCC system, and with all my old equipment, at this point a conversion/modification just wouldn't be practical.
My questions are about the basics of operating a DCC/DC train on a DC only system.  Are there any gotchas I need to be aware of?  Are there any drawbacks?  How do all the "Bells and Whistles" (sound effects) etc. work on the DC only system? Thanks in advance... Jack