Large Scale Central

Newbie Question: Battery powered loco

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Folks,

I am strongly contemplating running my locos as Battery powered. My question is rather dumb I guess.

I have 2 Bachmann Locos Battery powered “Santa Fe”

Can people recommed any other decent brand of baterry powered locos. I am kind of looking for a cheaper option (less that a hundred bucks).

If there are any such locos I could watch out for them in ebay or my local Craigslist.

My main reason for going battery powered is that I live the Pacific North west and pretty much my garden is always wet with moisture. I am not an electrical wizard so would prefer to walk around my layout controlling the engines.

Thanks much for all your help previously folks, my layout is almost done. Hopefully I will be able to put up photos soon!

Thanks much!
Saul

p.s. I did look at New Bright, Echo, Scientific and even the German Dickie/New Ray. They were very pedestrian in terms of make. Also the Aristo craft was’nt very convincing. I read that their locos might not fit 45 mm track. So any other radio controlled models by Bachmann on any others would be great!

Also how difficult is it to convert a track powered to battery powered loco (are their kits available that come with decent instructions that one can buy off the web)?

Thanks much!

#2

In answer to most of your questions, Aristocraft will run on the same track as yer Bachmann’s and you want the least expensive and easiest way to go battery and r/c go with Aristo engines, and use QSI/G-wire plug n play Easey Peasey installation just take the hood off the engine pull out the dummy plug that’s in there plug in the decoder (QSI) then plug in the G-wire, then the speaker wire, button up the engine, pair it with yer airwire throttle, and or procab, and walla your off and running in less than an hour give or take a few minutes your first one will be the longest as you are venturing into the dark side of things you aren’t sure of yet!!! Hah LOL Come watch our show Noel and I will be happy to try to help you with your questions, as much as we can if not we will get you to someone who CAN!! Regal

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/blueregal/_forumfiles/shelving.jpg)

Have 5 engines equipped that way have 3 of which are pictured here, and sold a couple of others you can pull the system out as easey peasey as put in, and just swap to another engine if you have the programmer too!!

#3

Saul it sounds like you have the 1st generation Bachmann 10 wheelers (RC with 6 D batteries in the loco). You might want to think about upgrading to a 5th generation 10 wheeler, made after 1999 or so. More reliable and better gearing. Though they are all track powered. For RC battery get a hold of Dave Goodson @ Northwest Remote Control Systems, He’s in your area in Kirkland, he can fis you up with a RC system

#4

Hi Saul.

No disrespect, but you are not going to find a credible battery R/C loco for US$100 all up.

#5

Well said Tony, I forgot to mention that. Saul can find a good 4-6-0 for under $100 and then add the R/C Battery system.

#6

Saul you may want to check out www.GScaleGraphics.net for some low cost battery power solutions.

#7

Saul you need to look at Fr. Freds website http://www.ovgrs.org/ IT has ways to convert track to batt power on there. You build a batt power car and it will plug into your locos. that way you only need to build the car and make some simple changes to your locos and your good to go. There is even a way to have your locos batt or track power. Check out the website and you will see. I’m building one right now. I’m using a Aristo TE to controll the power to the Locos. It was the most cost effective for me as I got a good deal on the TE. Sorry Jerry and Tony. Other then the TE I would go with Tonys stuff. I have a Loco with his system in it and love it.

Good luck
Geoff

#8

Or look on eBay for another early battery powered Big Hauler.
Probably your only chance for picking up loco and all for $100.
Maybe even cheaper. I’ve seen the battery BH’s sell for less than $50.
Ralph

#9
Geoff George said:
Saul you need to look at Fr. Freds website http://www.ovgrs.org/ IT has ways to convert track to batt power on there. You build a batt power car and it will plug into your locos. that way you only need to build the car and make some simple changes to your locos and your good to go. There is even a way to have your locos batt or track power. Check out the website and you will see. I'm building one right now. I'm using a Aristo TE to controll the power to the Locos. It was the most cost effective for me as I got a good deal on the TE. Sorry Jerry and Tony. Other then the TE I would go with Tonys stuff. I have a Loco with his system in it and love it.

Good luck
Geoff


Geoff which system are you talking about that you love the beltronic or the RCS sytem??? Regal

#10

The RCS in my B-mann that I got from Dave Goodson

#11

Saul;
You stated that you live in the Pacific Northwest. If you live anywhere near the Seattle area I suggest that you contact Dave Goodson aka TOC of NW RCS and visit one of his operating sessions. Also the National Garden Railway convention is in Tacoma this summer which will provide you an opportunity to see many railroads that operate in the same environment as yours. Everyone has their prefered way of doing things and favorite venders. They are often quite passionate in voicing their opinions online. Sometimes these arguments can become rather heated. We all have our own bias, including me. I know both Dave and Tony personally. I like RCS. It works in our climate. I suggest you look at it, try it and see for yourself.
John

#12

Congratulations! Battery is THE way to go.

#13

Thanks Randy Ralph!

Like many of you mentioned I bought 2 Bachmann used locos for around 120 bucks. I then called in a favor with one my colleagues who flies RC planes. He was a lot more familar with RC equipment. He converted one of my Bachmann locos for a around 75 bucks using some of the remaining parts from a build it youself RC plane kit. The big problem is that the remote is cumbersome (he rewired the remote for the RC plane but it is hilarious to have such a bulky controller!) but as they say beggars cannot be choosers :slight_smile:

I am now tempted to use the technique outlined in http://www.ovgrs.org/ as it seems straightfwd for the box car attached… But it depends on how messy the wires are in the front of the loco. Thanks folks!

But I just wanted to thank all you folks to help me get started in a relatively inexpensive manner without having to pay an arm and a leg.

Thanks again folks,
Saul

#14

Saul, you might consider doing just one Loco and spend a little more to do it correctly. John Lilly is correct as well that we all do it our own way and will defend to the _______ our way! But please note that will not get by for a $ 100 or less, that is why I say do one Loco.

Paul