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Battery Powered Trains
Bill shares his thoughts with readers:
“For some years now I have been wondering why we don’t convert to battery powered trains powered by lithium rechargeable batteries. The loco could be controlled by a transmitter as is used for RC planes. The loco could simply be parked on a battery recharging section of track when the battery runs down. Imagine the headaches removed when track no longer needs to be wired. Are any manufacturers considering this?”
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Actually, there are several battery-powered train and control systems on the market. (I don’t have personal experience with any of them so I cannot make recommendations.) S-Cab has a DCC compatible control system, for example. I would suggest that you check out the Dead Rail Society’s website.
A memeber of our RMIG in Cape Town uses radio contyrol and battery power in his SAR diesels. I think he has to have two coupled together for the necessary terchnology to be fitted in. Very useful when Eskom is loadshedding! He models in HO. Probably too big for N, I would think.
Battery power and radio controlled (BPRC) is the only way to go for many reasons which have been reported on and discussed in many articles. DCC years ago became the next step up in technology over DC and now BPRC is the next step up in technology over DCC in the model railroad hobby.
Does anyone know where the largest battery operated / remote control model train layout is located–can be in any scale. Do you have any info or suggestions? PS The Deadrail society in San Diego has much info on this subject. Thank you Glenn Mueller