This has probably been asked before so please accepy my apologies for that. I just returned from an opearting session (DCC) with my brother and brother in law. They both claim that there is no real harm done if one operates an analog loco (Digitrax allows this) on a DCC layout. I am under the impression that this is not good for the analog locomotive under even the best of circumstances. Am I mistaken on this? Thanks. Old Fat Robert
I don't like mixing AC power with DC locomotives. When running DCC you have AC power on the tracks. This can't be good for a DC locomotive. The sine wave is different causing the motor to alternate forwards and backwards at a high rate of speed. You can hear this happening as the locomotive will start to hum. I know hear come the jokes. Here is how I prefer to wire in and run my Analog DC and DCC locomotives. DPDT, 22 Gauge Wire, Cab A, Cab B - TrainBoard.com
It really depends on the locomotive and you. I have good hearing so every DC locomotive running on my Digitrax DCC sounds like a cat being tortured regardless of how quiet it is on DC alone. If you can't hear the sound some locomotive like the heavy old designs don't mind being jerked around by the sharp signal, while others like coreless European or fancy new steam might melt down. It's also not very kind to many types of bulbs unless they have some kind of circuit protection beyond a simple diode.
It is simple, do not run DC locomotives on a DCC layout for very long. Bad things like overheating can and will happen.
