I am thinking about converting one of my locomotives to battery power so I can easily run a train in the winter.
I have tried looking at a few websites, and some of the postings on here to get some ideas and all I got was more confused.
I would like to get some suggestions for a complete, easy to install and operate system.
From the remote control, receiver, speed control and batteries…
What should I look at?
Cost is a non issue, I will buy whatever is needed as long as it is simple and works well.
Most likely this will be going into a LGB mogul.
Thanks!
If it’s a one off , have a look at the r/c for a Big Rig .
It will comprise a Transmitter , Receiver , speed controller . Buy rechargeable AA type batteries for the loco (unless you can get a cheap 7.2v battery special to r/c stuff) and the same for the Transmitter .
You may find the setup so much more convenient that you will get further receivers (and crystals) and speed controllers to add to your r/c fleet .
If you are the convinced that all of your stuff should be battery powered , talk to Tony Walsham , his setup for multiple locos is cheaper the more locos you fit as opposed to the straight r/c .
Best of luck , the r/c chaps in the shop will be happy to help and may even help fit it as it may be unusual for them and broaden their expertise .
We have loads of r/c stuff , so we already have a load of backup stuff to go with it , and we tend to make things so that we can swap receivers around and save buying new ones .
Mike Brit
Be careful Vincent… Battery - R/C is a very slippery slope. Once you start down the path of the dark side there is little hope of return 
Tony’s RCS system has been mentioned, and is one good choice. Very similar are the Rail Boss systems from Del Taparo (G-Scale Graphics). Plus a bunch of others. I run Del’s Enhanced Rail Boss with a 2.4 Ghz radio system from Spektrum and LiIon batteries. I have several self-contained locos and two trail cars for unconverted locos.
Jon Radder said:
Be careful Vincent… Battery - R/C is a very slippery slope. Once you start down the path of the dark side there is little hope of return
Tony’s RCS system has been mentioned, and is one good choice. Very similar are the Rail Boss systems from Del Taparo (G-Scale Graphics). Plus a bunch of others. I run Del’s Enhanced Rail Boss with a 2.4 Ghz radio system from Spektrum and LiIon batteries. I have several self-contained locos and two trail cars for unconverted locos.
I am only looking to do one… maybe two locomotives, just so I can do some running in the winter months when I feel the need.
I like the looks of Tony’s RCS systems, but from looking at his website I get to confused on what I would really need.
Maybe it just looks more complicated then it is?
My knowledge of R/C is limited to racing 1/10 scale carpet oval and 1/4 scale gas cars, so I do understand how stuff is supposed to work.
But I get stumped with the adding of light & sound circuits… plus, I am more of the “I need to see it” to understand what is going on.
If you like Tony’s RCS (and that is what I have most of my stuff running with) shoot him a note and he’ll get right back with what would suit you best…I can vouch for the same with Del T as well!
either one are fine systems!
Another fellow you can talk to is Don Sweet of RCS of New England. He’s in New Hampshire, so he’s not all that far away from you.
I think that given Vincent’s experience of r/c , and the small number of locos (2?) , straight radio control (r/c) is the best way to go . The bells , lights and all that , can be controlled from a multi channel system , which is what we use----have you ever seen a full working r/c Big Rig wherein you can control lights , direction indicators , air horns , trailer uncouplers , sound , gear change and so on ?
There are more functions on a r/c Big Rig than on the average loco .
Using an r/c system intended for driving a Rig throws up redundant channels for steering which can then be used to switch other devices .
As I stated before , if you are going to convert a lot , you may be better off going for the other alternatives mentioned above , but if you run r/c cars , you already have the basis for use of pure radio control , including batteries , chargers handset etc…
Mike Brit
Ken Brunt said:
Another fellow you can talk to is Don Sweet of RCS of New England. He’s in New Hampshire, so he’s not all that far away from you.
Don is a good egg!
Give him a holler!
Thanks for the replies so far!
When I am on vacation next week I will have more time to look some of these systems up and see if I can get a better idea on what I want.
Should I just avoid even considering the Crest train engineer? or is it ok?
I used this version of the Revolution TE @ Bob’s Train Op 2014
(http://elmassian.com/images/stories/electronics/aristo/updated_TE_pic.jpg)
It worked like it was suppose too.
Maybe more will respond.
The Aristo REVO is fine, and the more recent ones include generic sound, steam or diesel.
…and for those that would rather have a knob to play with:
Or, you may like the New RailLinx 900 Control System from RCS America?
Sean McGillicuddy said:
I used this version of the Revolution TE @ Bob’s Train Op 2014
(http://elmassian.com/images/stories/electronics/aristo/updated_TE_pic.jpg)It worked like it was suppose too.
Maybe more will respond.
That’s the one I was looking at.
Tony Walsham said:
…and for those that would rather have a knob to play with:
Sent you a message for some info!
Rick Isard said:
Or, you may like the New RailLinx 900 Control System from RCS America?
That looks good too, this is why I get so confused!
Vincent D’Agostino said:
I am thinking about converting one of my locomotives to battery power so I can easily run a train in the winter. I have tried looking at a few websites, and some of the postings on here to get some ideas and all I got was more confused. I would like to get some suggestions for a complete, easy to install and operate system. From the remote control, receiver, speed control and batteries… What should I look at? Cost is a non issue, I will buy whatever is needed as long as it is simple and works well. Most likely this will be going into a LGB mogul. Thanks!
Vincent - if you are looking for a very inexpensive option, and you are not afraid of a soldering iron, have a look at this 8amp unit:
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Articles/RadioControl-LED-8Amp/index.htm
I have used this very successfully - the range is OK for many outdoor layouts and it supplies enough power to run most engines.
dave
