Hello. New to the forum but not to the hobby. I’m interested in finding out if anyone out there with a layout already constructed has attempted to mix DCC with existing conventional wiring and with what results. Better to switch over altogether and mothball the old engines that can’t be converted or can the two systems be made to co-exist harmoniously? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Converting the layout over is easy as flipping all of the block switches to one power pak and then installing the DCC system. If you have several loops that do not connect with others then each could run DC or DCC depending which is hooked up tothat loop. But is you have the ability to cross over from one loop to another then there is a chance to have a short, at the very least as an engine tries to move from one system to another and worst case is blown command station and burned out Decoder.
Remember that DCC has the ability to operate one DC engine along with DCC engines so at least some of your engines could be run with out a decoder!
BOB H Clarion, PA