Converting To Battery Power for a newbie.

[Tony Walsham]

I have been making battery R/C speed controllers since 1988.

There are many ways you can go about it. LGB locos are quite easyt to convert to battery but having the option of track power as well does complicate the installation for the older three wire track pick up locos.

I have done many installations, some of which are available to see by going http://www.beltrol-rc.com/p1171-How To.html < Link To HERE

 

[rjstott]

There is another option called Hybrid Drive. In this solution when track DCC is available power comes from the track and charges a local engine mounted battery. When DCC power is not there then the battery takes over for the short period required. Have a look here http://www.tttrains.com/dcc/hybridd...pabilities rather than R/C ones! Richard

 

[dunnyrail]

I can thoroughly recommend the Aristocraft CRE-57000 system. The control on this 2.4ghz system is second to none in my view. I have tried a few in my time.

Depending on the loco, I would suggest putting the system in each locomotive. Having just 1 battery car is just too restrictive. Plus what will you do if you want to run round a train? Or do you just want trains to run and round in circles? You should only need 1 radio transmitter if running on your own, then each loco will then need a receiver and batteries. This is pretty cost effective in comparison to the cost of DCC (MTS) these days. Plus no track to clean.

JonD