Quick question…do any Lionel systems have the capability to recharge the battery off track power? Just wondered if the newer ones might be equipped that way.
Dep
I have heard of capacitors that would substitute for batteries - they advertise in CTT - what is it called BCR BRC, something like that. But I know the Lionel version requires changes in the wiring or connecting harness.
This is a good reminder to check the 9 v. I have in my Railsounds tender. I don’t think I’ve checked it since I put it in.
I was curious about this too, Doug. Why not just use one of those BCR thingies instead of a battery? Installing one in a Lionel requires wiring changes?!
I just don’t install the batteries. I’m too forgetful, and the benefits just aren’t worth it for me. I mean, I can live without the sound when the power is cut off. It doesn’t bother me at all.
Jim
DOH!!! I forgot about the battery replacement system!!! [:I]
http://www.jandwelectronics.com/
And yes, Lionel conversions require a wiring change. I suspect to allow the capacitor to charge up off the pickup if the item is so equipped. Thanks for that reminder Doug!!! [tup]
Dep
It seems to me that it’s a very good idea to behave as if any battery will leak under certain circumstances. For that reason alone, the BCR’s sound appealing. (Does anyone know for certain that there is nothing in a BCR that could possibly leak and do damage?)
I wouldn’t expect alkaline batteries to leak much acid however. [:)] This is not just being picky – it makes a difference when it’s necessary to clean up.
Even relatively new batteries can leak. My kids got some game this past Christmas and the batteries were leaking all over the place.
Jim
From the Ray-O-Vac site:
Preventing Battery Leakage
- Promptly remove dead or weak batteries from devices.
- Never mix old and new batteries in a device. Battery leakage may occur.
- Replace all batteries in a device at the same time.
- Never mix battery types in a device. Battery leakage may occur.
Examples of battery types are alkaline, heavy duty, rechargeable, NiMH. - Remove batteries from any device that will be stored for long periods of time.
- Do not leave battery powered devices switched “on” after the batteries are exhausted;
battery leakage may occur.
The main culprit in Alkaline leakage seems to be Potassium Hydroxide. This is a corrosive base, much like lye. On EVERY battery maker website they tell you to REMOVE the batteries if you plan on storing the item for MONTHS. Gotta be a reason for that. [;)]
Dep
Sound advice. The only thing I leave batteries in is my flashlight.
I wonder where I put it . . .
Jim
Did my remark about ALKALINE batteries whiz past everybody except Deputy?
They leak, but they don’t leak acid. They leak an ALKALINE substance, which is equally nasty, but it’s not ACID. You have to treat it differently than you would treat an acid. Keep it in mind when you call 911 or the Poison Control Center.
Sheesh!
These are capacitors that do not store power for very long, and they only require a short time to charge up…
“They leak an ALKALINE substance, which is equally nasty, but it’s not ACID.”
That’s exactly why they’re called alkaline 
For that reason, the best thing to use to clean up leaked electrolyte is distilled white vinegar. Reacting vinegar with potassium hyrdroxide gives you water and potassium acetate, both relatively harmless.
Putting baking soda on spilled electrolyte from an alkaline battery, as I’ve seen sugested on here before, would be pointless and do absolutely nothing.
Now I know why I didn’t put any batteries in my engines including the G Scale Bachmans. The LGB Chicken Dance Car must have a battery to work. Any suggestions ? Remember G scale is DC.
Ben, you sure know all the chemistry that I have thankfully forgotten. [:D] I hated organic chemistry, but loved physics, dynamics, statics, strength and thermo.
Buckeye- I’ve never heard of an LGB Chicken Dance Car Before. Must be the version where a Figure of Col. Sander’s Chases a Chicken around a Gondola with a Pitchfork in his hands![;)][;)][:P][:o)] At least I’ve never seen a review by Bob Keller of such a Car in CTT![;)][:o)] If you buy Metal Wheelsets for the Chicken Car you should be able to get DC Current to operate the Col.Sander’s/ Chicken Car & you will not need a Battery. Take Care.
Hello,
This is my first post, and I thought I would quickly address this persons question:
The answere is yes you can…BUT…if you do assign all engines to TR-5, then you cannot assign them to another “Train”. A single engine can only be asigned to one “Train” at a time. In this case, as long as you run ALL engines separatly or ALL lashed together as TR-5, the system will work perfectly.
As far as loosing other sound functions, you will not miss anything because you can still address the locomotives indvidualy and have access all their normal features. You can even do this while they are lashed together & running. Just make sure you don’t mess with the direction, speed, etc…
I have two TMCC locos lashed as TR-1, and love that they shut-down simultaniously when AUX-5 is pressed…
Sean.
Thanks. [tup] And [#welcome] to the CTT Forum.