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Converting Bachmann 4-6-0 "Annie" to Radio/battery power

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  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Spartanburg SC
  • 86 posts
Posted by calenelson on Monday, December 31, 2007 4:11 PM

I've done an Annie with RCS ELite and Sierra Sound...buy all my Stuff from Dave Goodson(TOC) and with his help have converted a few engines...the Annie was a pretty simple install, due to the large tender...Email me off list if there is anything I can help you with.  You will be well pleased with the RCS and the ease of control.

I use and buy "Used" track..>Aristo, USA and LGB....may consider Al one day, but for now it's working fine for me and the Kids!

 

Happy New Year!

cale 

the Z... your Positive Alternative.
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 6 posts
Posted by careys on Sunday, December 30, 2007 9:31 PM

Thanks Jack for all your help... I'm looking forward to seeing Annie rool down the track...

Jamie

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Northwest Montana
  • 409 posts
Posted by Rastun on Sunday, December 30, 2007 5:52 PM

Jamie,

I have a loop down that's Aristo 332 brass track as a place to be able to run so I don't get to down about not having the planned "layout" ready. Since I've switched to battery/ R/C though I will be using code 250 aluminum for the main layout. You can get adapter clamps that will hook various different rails and rail sizes together to make tham work with each other. 

Jack 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: silver spring, md
  • 1,232 posts
Posted by altterrain on Sunday, December 30, 2007 11:22 AM

I have a bettery/rc trailer car with a RCS basic2 system (I think its the basic30 now) and have been happy with it. Look at Tony Walsham site (http://www.rcs-rc.com/) under How-To's for some sample installs If I was starting out fresh with only battery RC I would use aluminum track and a train-li dual rail track bender. You can get aluminum rail/switches from places like llagas creek, sierra valley and switch crafters. I heard even Aristo may be coming out with aluminum track in the future.

I run mostly track power power with Aristo stainless steel and I think stainless is the best way to go outdoors with powered rail.

-Brian 

President of
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 6 posts
Posted by careys on Sunday, December 30, 2007 8:39 AM

Thanks for all the info Jack. I've sent Curmudgen an e-mail via his web site.

I'm looking forward to seeing a train running in our garden.

One question, can you tell me what type of track you use in your layout ??? I have about 48' of LGB track which was purchased when we thought that we would energize the track. I realize that I can know run a less expensive track with the battery power, but can I use a different type of track with the LGB.

Thanks again.

 

Jamie

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Northwest Montana
  • 409 posts
Posted by Rastun on Sunday, December 30, 2007 12:47 AM

Jamie,

Get a hold of Curmudgen on this board he is one of the experts on RCS and can easily walk you through it along with letting you know what parts you'll need to complete the installation. His website is  Northwest Remote Control Systems

 

Jack 

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 6 posts
Converting Bachmann 4-6-0 "Annie" to Radio/battery power
Posted by careys on Saturday, December 29, 2007 2:27 PM

Hi

I'm new to the model train world.

I've recieved a Bachmann 4-6-0 g-scale train for my birthday and wish to convert it to battery and radio control. We live on 5 acres and plan to add to the layout each year as time and money permits.

After much research it appears the RCS elite-3 system may be the ticket.... Has anyone had experiece converting these trains, I find it a little overwhelming but I'm up to the challenge.

 

Thanks

Jamie 

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