Today I was brought an old LGB D&RGW Queen Mary series LGB diesel with a PH sound system that had ceased to commence.
As the PH sound had been installed at least 10 years ago the owner was quite prepared to scrap the PH sound and install a suitable Sierra.
As it turns out there was nothing wrong with the PH sound. The 4 x AA NiCd battery holder had corroded terminals that were preventing the battery from charging. Nothing wrong with the batteries either.
After fitting a new battery holder and cleaning up the battery ends, the old PH is once again working very well and charging the battery pack.
One extremely happy owner as Sierra and Phoenix sound are very expensive here in Australia.
The moral of the story.
Nothwithstanding the fact that many other battery R/C fans have had success with battery holders, I do believe that over time they will eventually corrode unless the spring terminals are regularly cleaned. Something that is often quite difficult to do when the holders are buried inside a loco.
I am not saying don’t use battery holders.
Just be prepared for them not to last forever without maintenance.