Tempted to Convert to DCC/Sound?

[RobertInOntario]

Might be doing the big step from DC to sound makes it more complicated than necessary.
How about to go to DCC with a limited set of engines first? After that is setup and you installed a DCC decoder in some engines you might want to do sound installation in some other engines.
The reason why is the complexity of sound decoder installation due to the extra space required by the speaker and baffle. A pure DCC decoder is a good test case to get used to the requirements e.g. isolation of both motor sides, adequate lamp/LED wiring etc. The programming of sound decoders is also more complex than plain DCC decoders.
The "conversion" of the layout can be very simple for a small layout. Remove all DC engines than swap the DC pack with the DCC controller and you are set. In any case is a good starting point for testing. You will learn later if additional wiring, boosters etc. are required.

When I did the conversion my very friendly local hobby shop lent me a DCC controller, power pack and two DCC equipped engines for a weekend (he did good business on Monday with me:-). May be you have a local dealer or good friend with an easy to remove DCC controller for a test session?

Good luck

Thanks, this sounds realistic and is similar to some of the advice I received at a train show today -- that is, to convert gradually. It especially makes sense to start off with just a few DCC locos and then move into sound.

Rob