Thanks for all the info. I'm not ready to attempt a decoder installation at this point so the company has agreed to take back the loco and refund my purchase. They're also going to correct the description on their website which they claim came from Bachmann.

Guess I'll have to contact them because this is how they advertised the item:

          This is the HO Scale New England Central GP38-2 Diesel
                      Locomotive (#3848) by Bachmann®.
                        Suitable for Ages 14 & Older.

FEATURES: 8-wheel drive
          E-Z Mate Mark II couplers

INCLUDES: One DCC New England Central GP38-2 Diesel Locomotive (#3848)

SPECS: Scale: HO 1/87

                                                                   tlc 12/19/11


– If you need more information, use these Bachmann resources – Web Site: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/
Phone: 215-533-1600
   Postal Address:
Bachmann
1400 EAST ERIE AVENUE
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19124 

I just purchased and received a Bachmann GP38-2 New England Central locomotive, stock number 61711, from an online retailer. The locomotive was advertised as DCC but I see nothing on the box or the inside literature to indicate anything about DCC. I am just beginning to build a layout so I don't have a means of testing the unit. Can anyone tell me if I just bought an analog unit that was incorrectly described as DCC?