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step-by-step battery conversion; Help? Anyone?

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  • Member since
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step-by-step battery conversion; Help? Anyone?
Posted by runawaytrain726 on Thursday, May 10, 2007 4:14 PM

 Hello to all,

 My Railroad is turning out to be a great succses. But me and my father(mostly my father)

 would like to covert his Aristo-Craft 0-4-0 electric loco. to a battery powered on-off switch

 we(he) is wondering to do it!

  if there is anyone that could help us, we will really apperciate it.

Thank You!

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Posted by Rastun on Thursday, May 10, 2007 11:46 PM

For the basics,

Disconnect the track power pick ups, hook the wires from the motor to one side of the switch. hook the wires from the batteries to the other side. 

Specific questions will probably get better answers. There's a couple different ways out there to get basic control that aren't real expensive.

Jack 

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Posted by calenelson on Friday, May 11, 2007 8:27 AM

 

For step by step installs check out the RCS page www.rcs-rc.com and look into the RC Modules Tab...good Knowledge there! 

 

I had (have) an 0-4-0 in pieces....I am assuming you will place batteries in tender?

some thoughts:

1. put batteries in Tender.(what kind of batteries are u using?)

2. Wire charging jack on rear of tender (Easy Way = BIK (batt install kit)from RCS)

3. Make quick disconect between Engine and Tender. (I use 8 pin jack from NWRCS)

4. If you plan on simple fwd no speed control then a simple on/off switch will work.  for Fwd/Rev you would want a Double Pole, Double Throw switch.  For back and forth/speed control w/o RC you could look into  G-Scale Graphics Crtitter Control...or for a little more cashola and RC control the RCS Evo....

This is not a hard project, but you need to have a plan going into it...a little more info on what you plan to do would help us help you!

 

good luck!

cale 

 

the Z... your Positive Alternative.
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Posted by altterrain on Friday, May 11, 2007 1:44 PM

The mentioned critter control is definitely the way to go - http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/DelTapparo/Electronics.htm. I'm sure Del could walk you through the installation. Batteries could be installed in the tender and recharged through a jack or put into a trailer car (like a boxcar) for removable batteries or battery pack. The 0-4-0 is a little speed demon and will run very well on 12v or even 9.6 volts.

 -Brian

President of
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Posted by runawaytrain726 on Friday, May 11, 2007 3:11 PM

Thank you to allwho have been a graet help in solving my(my fathers)little dillema

Thanks again for everything!,

Steven

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Posted by FJ and G on Friday, May 11, 2007 5:47 PM
http://www.7-8ths.info/78yackety/index.php?topic=358.0
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Posted by zakowitz on Saturday, May 12, 2007 4:16 AM

FJ and G,

     Those are great videos!  I have been looking for a way to put RC in my beginner Locos and I don't want to spend bokoo bucks to do it....maybe bokoo bucks someday....but not yet....thanks for the post!....I am stoked to try your method on my little Hartland Switcher, and will let you know how it turns out!

                                  Zak

Keep On Railroad'n..............

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Posted by calenelson on Saturday, May 12, 2007 6:49 AM

 

you know, for about another $20 or so, you could purchase a system made with Large Scale Trains in mind (vs. boating)..

I'd encourage you to visit www.rsc-rc.com ...there is a HLW Mack install posted there that may help guide you with whatever you install! 

I began my RC Train expierence with the RCS "EVO" set up and for around $105 + batteries, and I was running Trains (Futaba Pistol Control, EVO B2, Stock Car, Drill Battery, BMann Switcher).....I receive No compensation from any enity involved with the sale or distribution of RCS, I'm just a really happy customer.....

 

The RCS Product is Great, and again I must compliment the Dealer Network here in the States; simply 2nd to NONE!

 

Cale 

 

Here is a link of some install shots:

install

the Z... your Positive Alternative.
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Posted by Rastun on Saturday, May 12, 2007 10:09 AM

The RCS-Evo system also allows you to get the train moving at a speed you want and then turn the transmitter off. This conserves transmitter batteries and also ensure that the engine doesn't suddenly stop (possibly damaging itself) if your transmitter batteries go dead or if the engine gets out of range.

Jack 

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  • From: Virginia Beach
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Posted by tangerine-jack on Sunday, May 13, 2007 6:18 PM
Stand by, I am finishing a how to with photos on converting my Annie to RC/Batt.  I'll have it up in about 2 days.

The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"

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Posted by FJ and G on Monday, May 14, 2007 11:29 AM

I don't think it's right to diss the system I use; esp. if you never tried it.

cost is significantly low; easy to install; and I measured receiver range at 300+ feet, antenna uncoiled

of course there are pros and cons to each system and to each his own

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Posted by calenelson on Monday, May 14, 2007 11:38 AM
 FJ and G wrote:

I don't think it's right to diss the system I use; esp. if you never tried it.

cost is significantly low; easy to install; and I measured receiver range at 300+ feet, antenna uncoiled

of course there are pros and cons to each system and to each his own

David....Sorry if I offended, not the case, just informing of another "way" to do things...  no diss implied, just as someone prob pointed you to the many choices avail, I was doing the same...

 

hey if it works for you and you're happy, what more can one hope for?  Thats one of the great thing about this hobby, many cures for the same problems-keeps it interesting!

 

Cale 

the Z... your Positive Alternative.
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  • From: Northwest Montana
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Posted by Rastun on Monday, May 14, 2007 12:28 PM
 FJ and G wrote:

I don't think it's right to diss the system I use; esp. if you never tried it.

cost is significantly low; easy to install; and I measured receiver range at 300+ feet, antenna uncoiled

of course there are pros and cons to each system and to each his own

 

David, I wasn't meaning to diss your system either. All I was stating was how the other system worked. If the system you are using allows you to operate trains in the way you want to, that's great, use it.  I can see where it would be a very viable system for small trains. Some of the larger models out there can easily weigh in at 15 lbs and above. My SD-45 with onboard batteries and remote weighs in at 15.5 lbs with nothing attached to it. If one of these comes to a sudden stop no matter what the cause there can be some significant damage to the drive train due to the enertia of the model.

Jack 

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Posted by FJ and G on Monday, May 14, 2007 1:32 PM

sometimes hard to get points across (communicate) in cyberspace. no offense taken. while I listed some good points about my system, it does have cons in not being compatible with digital things like sound effects. RCS is a good system; while mine is good for the simple things I do.

 

cheers 

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:51 AM

I recently installed Dave's system in my Bachmann 4-6-0 and it's performance has been flawless! See my write up of the project at:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1097965/ShowPost.aspx

Junnie

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Posted by runawaytrain726 on Thursday, May 17, 2007 8:54 AM

hello Junie,

i read your story and i was really imprest by it too. For i may consider all the ideas everbody gives me. i thank you(and all the people) for responding to my little dillema or my fathers.

thank you,

 Steven

 

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