I have an old Lionel RS3 that I have been considering as a candidate for the conversion @Ron045 @Norton It is currently destined to become a dummy unit and I was thinking I could try what you describe along the way. Much like letting go of a gas stove or gasoline car, it feels weird to unplug the transformer haha but I can see numerous benefits if this system can give you the power to program your own sounds and features.
@Darrell that is an interesting idea. I wouldn't mind having the ability to tinker with DCC at the flip of a switch.