The potential problem when running DCC decoders in analog mode (DC) isn't so much with running on DC, it has to do with potential loss of control (runaways) when running in DCC mode with the analog mode enabled. The decoder can accidentally shift to DC mode during a momentary short or power surge, which causes the decoder to continue running the loco because it sees the power on the track, but no control signal. Most of the time, this can be avoided by keeping analog mode disabled, and enabling it only for those times when you need to run on a DC. The down side to this is that most of the time, changing this setting requires programming the decoder, which requires a DCC system to accomplish. You'll either need to bring your system along or just remember to do the programming/re-programming before you travel to the DC layout.
Bill in FtL
