LGB Mogul Conversion to Crest Train Engineer Battery Power

[John Webb]

I have an LGB Mogul (LGB 25192) that I am considering converting from track power to battery power using the Crest Train Engineer radio controller (hand-held transmitter and locomotive mounted receiver). 

 

I have just completed building a motor car using two Hartland Locomotive Works power trucks and it is battery powered with Crest Train Engineer Control. I am very happy with how this turned out.

 

I will need to purchase a Train Engineer receiver and battery.

 

I would also like to use the LGB Mogul sound and have it triggered by the Train Engineer transmitter. (in my motor car I am using a MyLocoSound card. Since the LGB Mogul has very nice sounds I want to use those.)

 

Can anyone give my any advice on this project?

 

[kstrong]

It's possible. You'll want to use the output of the Revolution to power the mogul via the track pick-ups (which you'll have to disconnect from the wheels). If I recall, the bell and whistle triggers on the mogul are magnetic reed switches, which you can instead tie into the auxilliary outputs of the Revo controller. 

 

The one thing you'll want to keep in mind, however, is that the output of the Revolution is a pulse-width-modulation signal, and there are stories of LGB sound systems not particularly liking such things. I've not experienced this firsthand, and the tales I've heard are all 2nd or 3rd-hand stories of "I know a guy who..." with few concrete details to go on. 

 

Later,

 

K

[emdmike]

I believe the OP is using the "mylocosound" card and not the factory LGB sound. Either way, I believe there are add on circuits to filter the pulse power for boards that do not play well with it.  I just did a battery RC conversion on my Aristo Alco FA, along with adding sound.  I used a Tenergy lith-ion, 6600mah, 14.8vt battery and smart charger from silver state trains, then added my old Keithco Locolinc radio gear.  Took me about a year to get everything purchased, either new or second hand.  My hobby survives on a shoe string or less than a string budget.  So cheap to free is the rule of the day.  My friend is using the Crest TE system.  I am getting ready to do an onboard battery RC conversion on his Aristo SD45.  use the largest battery you can fit to gain the longest run time possible.  Mike

[dsweet]

Hi John, Kevin got it 50% correct. I have been doing converisons for for the past 20 years and you need to wire directly to the motors or you will run extremly slow. The first 8 volts of power goes into the LGB electronics for lights and sound. So if you use a 14.8v battery you will be running very slow and putting a heavier load on your Revolution. If you want more info, please contact me off line at [e-mail]  www.rcsofne.com.

Don Sweet

RCS of New England