I see.
So then one would have to go to some sort of RC for speed control with a servo operating a rheostat, to replace the control one has with a transformer to powered rails.
Correct?
I can see where these would need to be high qual locos since you’ve got a bit of weight to pull around in batteries alone.
I have operated two LGB moguls and a Bachmann Shay with a Locolink battery control system since May of 2001 with satisfactory results. Since then I have had other locomotives converted to this sytem, including two Aristocraft Rogers. Considering the relative complex nature of my track system and also its length, the battery-powered system has proven itself as much more preferable to powering the tracks, albeit considerably more expensive initially.
Blackburn49:
OK, Thanx.
Since my priority has always been Steam locos, my track power priorities have also been low to non-existant.
Steam is ALSO an INITIAL $$$ outlay greater than sparkin, (for GOOD quality prototypical locos anyway) but then, no $$$ are spent on transformers, sound systems, computer controls and wiring hassles. THIS has ALWAYS been my rationalization on cost.
Other than that, it’s always been about steam first and modeling second. (Not that prototypical steam locos AREN’T Models,) but then I DO get a twinge to put a loco on the rails and JUST RUN IT.
I’m just not willing to wire up a bunch of track to do so.
Actually if you look at the really large layouts published in GR, almost every one of them is Battery/RC. I think for the reason you stated. I wouldnt want to try wiring up 500 feet of track, siding, spurs etc. Track power only really works up to about two hundred feet then it seem theres a shift over to batteries. Also with a hard wired throttle one is severly limited to what one can do without hardwiring all switches spurs, etc. By then your layout is wired up just light those big ponderosa HO layouts and your dealing with 100’s of feet of wiring only now you have to waterproof it all. RC/battery (or Live Steam/RC) makes loads more sense then, as you can follow the train around and manually throw switches and cut levers to uncouple cars. It also much more realistic.
Wow. I bought one of the Bachmann sets, $69 from the old Daymark catalog. Is that a toy? Ran fine, until a visiting, extremly enthusiastic kid discovered it. Got a New Bright digital Christmas train for Mom, for her birthday. She loves it. I have a third of an acre in the backyard. The yard itself, is a toy. To be filled with “model” trains. (tell the kids they are models, and they act better) Buy a few toy trains, so the kids can play.
By the way, that $69 Bachmann has cost me a bundle. LSOL has most of my vacation money now. That’s the real problem with toy trains.
proz
I don’t know in which class you guys would put a “Tweetsie Big Hauler” but that is what I purchased from an internet store in the US and had it shipped to New Zealand, and I plan to go RC battery power with it. I have already experimented by loading a 14.4 Volt Nicad battery on the flatcar and running a lead to the Loco, this setup astounded me as it ran for about 4 hours without any problems (I had another 3 items of rolling stock hooked up as well) The plan is to put the battery and RC in the tender but I may have to remove or relocate the sound system by extending the height of the tender or scratch building another.
Regards, Rob
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE WHOLE POLL?
Basically, They are saying that some of us would rather go thru the hassle of converting a track powered engine to a high quality battery pack and radio control than deal with these low-end model train equivilents of a Yugo.
If these low-enders are all you can afford or you dont have a layout with track power than I can see why you have an interest in these types of trains. I realize that even Bachmann can be pricey for a lot of people. But for me, my bad experience with the Echo brand train and the cheesy LGB battery op train was enough to shy me away from them forever.
I am going to purchase on of these “Coastal Express” or “Silvarado Express” sets for a set I am planning outside.
I plan to take it as far as it will go and concentrate on the roadbed so that I can run other trains on it at a later date. Frankly, it is the only kind of outdoor set I can afford.
I am concerned that one of you posted that it had trouble going over switch tracks. I figure that, if I can create a roadbed that can accomadate this set, it will be a better line for more expensive ones.
WOOW, been awhile since I saw this thread. Better go recharge…heheheh
Hi
Not having seen any of the trains metioned in the poll cannot coment as to quality or not.
But I think I can safely say the days of quality toys are over if the rubish in todays toy shops is anything to go on.
The only good battery powerd trains I have seen have two scources they are either scratch built or built by English manufacturers.
As yet I have not seen a reputable US company that manufactures a good quality battery powered train for the hobbie market
which is a shame but obviously the US market doesnt want that kind of train
regards John
Wow Marty has it really been that long since this thread started? good to see it back.
Capt C, Were you planning on using only New Bright plastic track or were you going to use brass track? If you were planning on plastic track then the New Bright stuff is all you will be able to run. If you were planning on brass track (brass track is more $$) then you might want to consider that by the time you spend and money spent to build up the roadbed and track to a good level you might as well upgrade to a good Bachmann engine and some cars. I had that “Coastal Express” set, thats the one that pulled like a Yugo with two cylinders missing and would spontaniously derail when ever it felt like it, the engine was very jerky, it basicly two speeds stop and go, with absolutely NOspeed control . The sound was unbeleivebly annoying and there was no volumn control or off switch. I was very dissapointed with it and would never recommend one.
Thanks Vsmith,
I am looking forward to getting started with great impatience. Have any suggestions on Bachmann Locos that are radio controlled?
Capt C your question over on the other thread was…
Vsmith, Thanks for the welcome! I am a big debater in political forums and am glad that I found this one for one of my other hobbies. When you said that you “converted with great difficulty, all the couplers to Bachmann.” What problems are you referring to? I am determined to make this work, albiet it may be a fool’ s erand. My main goal is to produce a trackplan first, I fear I am using this set out of impatience.
I do plan to later get some converted batter power units or even use electrical sets. I have lots of experience in N scale, but have always wanted a garden railway.
A few questions: Is there any way to file down the flanges? Should I try? Would you suggest another inexpensive set I should explore?
Also thanks to Iandor for the imput. I may just buy the set for X-mas if think don’e work out.
Capt C ,
Are you going to use plastic Scientific or New Bright track or were you going to use brass track from LGB or Aristocraft? this is an important question. If its the plastic stuff then your going to be severly limited in what you can operate, with brass track and electric power its has much more opportunites.
The only “radio control” Bachmann sets were the very first “Big Hualers” from 10 years ago, they had D cell battery power and a radio controller similar to the “Coastal Express” set. They still turn up on e-bay from time to time. Otherwise everything is electric and track powered.
One alternative that I highly recommend is Aristocraft’s “Basic Train Engineer” system which has a radio control regulator and a hand held control that fits inbetween the power pack and the track and controls the voltage going to the track. You can follow a train around or you dont have to be right next to the power pack to control the train. Very nice if your lounge chair is away from your powerpack.
As for the couplers, Hoy! were do I begin! I would
I’m going to use brass track from Aristo; but, please pardon my ignorance, but what can be done with that plastic stuff you mention? Just for the sake of my personal knowledge?
Hi
If it is sraights paint it to look something like realistic and load it on flat cars. or line your train shelfs with it.
so you trains sit on track when stored away no idea what to do with the curves paint it rust and use as an abandoned branch maybe.
regards john
The best use for it as display track
Hi there,
As the others said you can use it as display track. That or sell it off on ebay. I have seen the plastic track advertised there. Not worth much but better than throwing it out. Later eh…Brian.
I cannot see the point in this entire area it is all so short term and labour intensive. I have an LGB MTS and it is really the only way. I have earned my living as a battery guru for many years and my advice is don’t get involved with batteries for supplying motive powere unless you have too. While you have two very good conductors of electrocity in the rails your train runs on don’t introduce batteries as a potential problem, unless you are masochist.
Well I’m back from holifays in Bali and I must say i’m glad to be back in good old Oz, I saw the Sari Club Bomb site, what a sad thing and the nearby memorial a sadder thing.
Regards. Ian; Kawana Island Tropical railway.
My last offering didn’t seem to get too far.
Iandor