Large Scale Central

Needed info LGB 90202 battery Xmas train controller

General Discussion
#1

These are starting to crop up on ebay for not ridiculous prices. I have need for a reliable battery powered loco for the pizza. I have reservations thou, mostly about the infrared control.

I have had the Lionel version of this and it was problematic. When going around layout it would slow and then stall inside the tunnels because the infrared control system couldn’t reach the receiver. My question is will this version of the control have the same issues. So I’m asking those who have purchased one of these sets there experience does LGB have the same issue with obstacles blocking the signal?

#2

VIC, if it stalls, just break out the “Red Rocket Towing Service” to get the job done.

#3

Thanks Dave,

Dam I was hoping someone would have some exerience with one of these little stinkers. The main reason I dumped the Lionels was that one the old Wedding Cake layout, the only way to get the stupid thing all the way around one loop was to follow it and make sure it constantly had signal, also I couldnt really just set it and let it go you had to hold the throttle open CONSTANTLY in order for it to move, the moment you let go of it or set the controller down the train would immediatly slow and stop. I know they did that so kids wouldnt just leave the dam thing running and wear the batteries down quickly but sheesh! not even an option to just let it run?

I really need a loco I can just run on batteries as I may not always be able to connect to a power supply. thats the main reason I’m interested in one of these.

#4

I wonder how long run time you would get from a 12V marine trolling battery powering the tracks thru a simple rheostat? They even come with a handle and screw terminals.

#5

Little pricey option if you add in the charger, but not so much for the battery alone. Hmmm…

#6

Or Del’s new track side type controller?

#7

Right now I’m wondering if it might be better to just try adding a battery pack inside the cab of a HLW Mack.

#8

Vic,

I googled that item in the German version. Very peculiar, there are no comments/reviews other than in English. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-undecided.gif)

#9

Vic-

I think you are on-target with batteries running a Mack. From seeing your display, varying the speed is not the apparent concern. I suggest using rechargeable high-quality AAs.

Wendell

#10

Since making the comment above, are there small current controllers (rheostat?) that would modify the battery installation to accommodate speed changes? Obviously, one way is to run the loco with two AAs and then add an AA or more to visually determine the speed desired. The Mack four-wheel gondolas would easily accommodate batteries.

Wendell