I want to instale a battery for my Bach big hauler. I am looking at putting a battery into my 10 wheeler but I want to use a basic on off switch. Speed control is not an issure just forward and reverse. My biggest problem is money. I can afford a battery/charger and the switch but not much else. All I want to do is turn it on and let it run. My layout is not large so RC out plus way to expensive for me. Here is my question I have never done this before but how do I know what size battery (rechargable) to use. What does everyone else use for battery for this loco (I dont need it to run fast just a nice speed to enjoy watching it go around? Also how does it get hooked up. Do I take the wires from the power pickups (wheels) and hook the battery to the wires and add a switch somewhere between the battery and motor.?????????????? Like I said I have never done this before and I cant afford to have it done for me plus I have to learn somehow. I figure this is a good way to start. If anyone has pictures of how it is hooked up that would be very helpful. I am visual learner. Thanks for all the help and dealing with a newby on this subject. Also I dont want to by another engine or get an RC on e-bay. I mainly want to learn how to instal a basic battery system.
Hi Snowshoe,
I am sure you will get some good and helpful replies here.
As far as the Bachmann "Annie" locos are concerned, and I am not quite sure that is what you have, I once read an article by Paul Norton of the OttowaVGRS showing how the switch in the loco smokebox could be utilsed for track/battery power. Basicically there is a switch giving polarity for two standards. You decide which you wish to use (if you never run on any other track than your own it does not matter which you choose) and then use the other side of the switch for your battery connection.
Pictures, on the web page, were provided to show you how to do it. I am sure someone will give you the link: if not try a search engine.
Alan, Oliver & North Fork Railroad
https://www.buckfast.org.uk/
If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. Lewis Carroll English author & recreational mathematician (1832 - 1898)
14.4V, 4000 mah battery pack is what I would recommend for your application. If you really just want an on/off switch, you probably only need 12V at most. The trouble is you get stuck with one speed, which is probably either too fast or too slow, depending on the battery charge, grades, etc.
I sell low cost manual speed controls which you may be interested in. And if not, read my operation manuals to get some tips on the battery power conversion. Hope this helps.
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cale
There's a great manufacturer of custom battery-packs for G-Scale Trains called Cordless Renovations. I believe they have a charger that will fit right into your box-car or tender and operate your train. You can go to www.cordlessrenovations.com
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