Since I have several MTH Proto-1 engines,I like to run them every other week to keep the batteries in good shape .I may get some BCRs at some point but I have been fortunate that the electronics are fine How about you?
It's been years since I last ran my MTH or charged the battery.
Rob
All of my MTH PS1-PS2 have BCRs.
As to rotating the engines and rolling stock, every three months or so. Primary trains are turn-of-the-century themed, then I run my postwar stuff, then the modern trains. Then there are the red, white & blue trains for July 4th and patriotic dates. Then black & orange + Halloween equipment during October, and of course red & green + Christmas stock between Thanksgiving and New Year's.
I change engines less and less as I age. I don't have any MTH engines so nothing I have has a battery. Most are post war and modern ( 1970 to late 90s ) to Lionel Chief, Williams and K-Line. I will switch them up when I do run them and I know the grandkids are coming over.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Seems like Fife is a man for all train seasons!
Dont have batteries to worry about but I rotate my trains at least once a week. Sometimes I do all freight, sometimes just passenger. Ill mix postwar with modern what ever the mode I I feel like.
Nothing I own is modern and 'fancy' (read- has complex electronics). I also don't have a proper layout (yet). Generally, when I decide to pull out a train to play with, it's whatever I'm most in the mood to enjoy- every so often I'll remember something hasn't run in a while, and I'll want to take it for a spin- the stuff that tends to come out the most would be my big bad postwar power- the 2353, 2321, 646, and 681. When I want to pull a big/heavy train, or generally flaunt the "muscle" in my roster, one of these four usually does the job. The 2056 has also joined their ranks, but generally the 646 gets more use.
I don't run my Marx stuff nearly enough, one of these days I need to spent some quality time playing with nothing but the Marx trains! Same can be said of my flyer- I find it can be more finicky running on uneven surfaces, so it makes sense I set it up less often.
A lovely question to ask, you're making me remember all the poor, under-appreciated trains in my collection that haven't been run in far too long. Forgive me!
-Ellie
No worries ;when I pul a heavy train ,the Williams NYC Trainmaster fits the bill!
I rotate the trains (freight and passenger) and trolleys (various names) about once a week, and in no particular order just whatever strikes my fancy. Post-wars or Modern Era, it doesn't matter.
If you haven't put BCR's in those engines yet take my advice and do so! They're worth the money and work well!
Yes don't want the three clanks of death!
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month