Batteries in MTH diesels

[sir james I]

My Lionels run fine without batteries. Yes the sound drops in conv., but I just don't pay attention to it. The MTH no battery rumor has been around for several years so we shall wait and see. I like their engines, if they do away with the battery, oh boy I'll need a loan.

[nblum]

 "As to Lionel trains not needing a battery for the sounds to work...that depends on what level of sound quality you are willing to put up with."

Not true in command mode.  Only in conventional mode.  In command mode, the battery is unnecessary for sounds as long as there is adequate power on the track to run the loco; the battery isn't even in the circuit.  I have no batteries in any of my TMCC locos and the only effect is that if you shut off the track power, the shutdown sounds are interrupted. 

 

In general, with a dead (not uncharged) battery, PS-2 locos do not function properly.  Hence, the advice to let locos long in storage but having a BCR replacement for the battery charge for a minute prior to use.   PS-1 locos also require a battery, but the danger in some of these locos is that you'll need to reprogram the electronics using an MTH device if you try to start up with an uncharged or dead battery.  MTH has stated they plan to replace the circuitry that requires a battery in later versions of PS-2.  Their HO locos no longer require a battery with PS-3.
 

[Deputy]

Factory batteries in MTH locos are NiCad batteries. I haven't had any "issues" with any of mine. I have a couple of old S2 turbines made by MTH that sit a year between use. Not sure which battery is in them, but they fire right up when I use them. In my experience, if a Nicad is shot or there is no charge in it, Protosound 2 will still operate. But when you shut off the trains for the evening, the next day you will have to reprogram the loco into the system. I plan on eventually replacing all my Nicad locos with the BCR. It's a one time install and you never have to futz around with dead batteries or battery chargers. One minute of track voltage and they are charged right up. If you have any Protosound 1 locos then a BCR should be mandatory. Even then, you still have to wait one minute for a full charge before operating it or you will risk lockups and problems.

As to Lionel trains not needing a battery for the sounds to work...that depends on what level of sound quality you are willing to put up with. I have the Mikado NYC breakdown train, and without a battery, the voices from the train crew are unintelligible gibberish. With the battery you can hear what they are saying. Personally, the only time I use alkaline batteries is in smoke detectors. Alkaline batteries LEAK. And these modern trains are way too expensive to expose them to possible leakage and corrosion. I use NiMh batteries anywhere in Lionel trains where a battery is needed.

Don: You might try using NiMh batteries in you DCS remote. I have two sets and keep one charged up while using the other. Do an online search and look for 2700 Mah AA batteries. Those seem to work the best and last the longest.
Here's one source:
http://www.zbattery.com/Lenmar-AA-NiMH-2700mAh-Rechargeable-Batteries-4-Card;jsessionid=0a01074e1f4365e433c3d961480697d8c74d6d09a8c3.e3eTaxeKbh0Te34Pa38Ta38Mc350?sc=2&category=1938

Dep

[overall]

I have a MTH  GM&O  GP38-2  # 754  that sometimes takes a spell where the E-unit will not sequence. It just stays stuck in neutral no matter how many times a interupt the power to the track. Last night I ran it and sequenced the E-unit several times without any problems. Is this a battery issue?

George

[Roger Bielen]

TMCC (Lionel) engines only require a battery if you are fumming conventionally (transformer control) and want the sounds to continue at low voltages and/or go through the shutdown sequence.  Running TMCC they are not required.  For MTH the batteries are a must.

[dbaker48]

 I've been very apprehensive about this issue.  I have about 7 MTH engines.  Ranging from 2 years for the newest and the oldest is about 7 years old.  I have had to replace the original battery out of the 7 year old one, and it cost me $14.  That is the only one.  I had determined that I would put the BCR in if I need or battery replacement was an issue.  But financially hasn't been an issue.  Also, the Lionel or TMCC engines require a 9 volt battery also.  The biggest battery issue for me has been the DCS handheld.  It has 4 AA batteries.  And I end up replacing them about every 4-6 weeks.  I don't think the battery issue, is significant enough to be a consideration in what to purchase. 

[sir james I]

Not some of them almost all of them. I have some of their engines but stopped buying them because of the battery. They have two types both are rechareable you would have to check inside to see which one you have. Most hobby shops carry them the 9 volt type can be found at radio shack. There is also a battery replacement called a BCR. check  ebay for details. its an easy place to find them. if all else fails order from MTH.

[overall]

I have heard that some MTH diesels have a battery in them that must be replaced every so often. Can someone expound on this a little more? How often should you replace them? Where do you get replacements? etc.

 

George