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[vato loco]

To answer your very first question (shame on you guys that know, and didn't answer), DCC ready means it has a spot to install a decoder. it does not have a decoder installed. Either a plug, or a milled spot in the frame.
Also, Rio Grande Hobbies is now defunct, but I can add Tex N Rails to the list of places to buy from.

ES&BM LOL's I remember when you came up with that one!

 

[bnsf971]

It's been a long time since I saw an N scale locomotive advertised as "DCC ready" that didn't have a spot for a decoder, plus having the motor isolated. There are however, some "DCC ready" locomotives that there are no decoders built for them. The N scale Bachmann Dash 8-40C and SD45, and the Life Like GP38-2 come to mind. A really nice spot for a decoder has been built into the frame. Too bad there are no decoders made for them.
If you are just starting out, you can put in a double-pole, double-throw switch, and have one switch position being straight DC, the other being DCC. This is how my own layout is wired, and allows me to run trains that are not DCC-equipped without worrying about the issues normally associated with running analog (non-DCC) engines on a DCC layout.

 

[bnsf971]

ES&BM LOL's I remember when you came up with that one!

"Route of the barking dog"

 

[vato loco]

"Route of the barking dog"

And, Crap eating!

 

[UP2CSX]

Can you have DCC and non-DCC trains running on the same track? I would never put them in the same consist but can one operator have a DCC train and one a non DCC train in the same block?
Nick

Nick, in your case, the Digitrax Zephyr would be an ideal choice. You can run one DC engine (although only one) along with your DCC engines. You can even run a DCC and DC engine in the same consist if the gearing is close. The DCC engines and DC engine can run anywhere on the same tracks together. The only issue with DC engines is that you not leave them standing on a powered track for an extended period of time, since you risk burning up the motor. An electrically isolated siding makes an ideal place to park your DC engines when not in use.

 

[TrainMaster1]

Thank you, Jim. I have heard others say that this is an excellent system. So I'll be extra good (that is my family laughing) and maybe Santa will bring me my very own Digitrax. My next question, why only one DC engine? I have a lot of track to patrol and was hoping to gradually change to DCC. One of the N Scale clubs near me redid their layout into a DC and DCC track arrangement with separate cabs and territories. I am not sure how they get a train from DC land to DCC land though. If that happens at all. Consists are always pure DC or DCC units (no mixing). I am thinking of possibly redoing our set-up to look like two railroads who happen to interchange with each other at a yard. Can that facility be wired to allow DC RR to come in set off, pick up and leave and then DCC RR comes in to do their work at another time? Or should I just wait until the men with nice white coats come for me?

Nick

 

[UP2CSX]

Nick, you can only run one DC locomotive from the Zephyr controller because the DC engine will always have the address of "00". You can indeed run a DC and DCC layout together. To run multiple DC trains, you'll need to divide the tracks up into power districts and have multiple power packs, one for each train. You'll also need to build a control panel to turn power on and off in each district so you have trains stop and wait for other trains to pass or have one train on the main and, say, another engine switching the yard. You can even run your DCC engines as long as they have dual mode decoders, so they recognize and will run on DC current. To run in just DCC, you turn all the power districts on and then run your engines from the Zephyr. Your only issue would be if you happen to buy a decoder or engine that isn't dual mode, so it only runs in DCC. Most are dual mode, though, but it will be something to check as you purchase decoders and engines.