Do you put the 9 volt battery on your(lionel,atlas) locomotives? Acid Be Careful !!!!!

[Buckeye Riveter]

Thanks. And to the CTT Forum. 

[Anonymous]

I have a question that falls in line with Roy's last comment. 

Is there a way to use the AUX 5 Key and shut all your engines down at once on the layout so that you can hear the shutdown sequence?   

I was thinking that if you assigned all your engines to say, TR 5, and then did a TR 5, AUX 5, it would shut them all down at the same time, but then I started thinking this would disable the horns, bells, crewtalk (?) on those units not denoted as the lead engine in a lashup.   

Hello,

This is my first post, and I thought I would quickly address this persons question: 

The answere is yes you can....BUT....if you do assign all engines to TR-5, then you cannot assign them to another "Train".  A single engine can only be asigned to one "Train" at a time.  In this case, as long as you run ALL engines separatly or ALL lashed together as TR-5, the system will work perfectly.

As far as loosing other sound functions, you will not miss anything because you can still address the locomotives indvidualy and have access all their normal features.  You can even do this while they are lashed together & running.  Just make sure you don't mess with the direction, speed, etc...

I have two TMCC locos lashed as TR-1, and love that they shut-down simultaniously when AUX-5 is pressed...

Sean. 

[1688torpedo]

 Buckeye-  I've never heard of an LGB Chicken Dance Car Before. Must be the version where a Figure of Col. Sander's Chases a Chicken around a Gondola with a Pitchfork in his hands! At least I've never seen a review by Bob Keller of such a Car in CTT! If you buy Metal Wheelsets for the Chicken Car you should be able to get DC Current to operate the Col.Sander's/ Chicken Car & you will not need a Battery. Take Care.

[Buckeye Riveter]

"They leak an ALKALINE substance, which is equally nasty, but it's not ACID."

That's exactly why they're called alkaline :)

For that reason, the best thing to use to clean up leaked electrolyte is distilled white vinegar. Reacting vinegar with potassium hyrdroxide gives you water and potassium acetate, both relatively harmless.

Putting baking soda on spilled electrolyte from an alkaline battery, as I've seen sugested on here before, would be pointless and do absolutely nothing. 

Now I know why I didn't put any batteries in my engines including the G Scale Bachmans.  The LGB Chicken Dance Car must have a battery to work.  Any suggestions ?  Remember G scale is DC. 

Ben, you sure know all the chemistry that I have thankfully forgotten. I hated organic chemistry, but loved physics, dynamics, statics, strength and thermo.

[ben10ben]

"They leak an ALKALINE substance, which is equally nasty, but it's not ACID."

That's exactly why they're called alkaline :)

For that reason, the best thing to use to clean up leaked electrolyte is distilled white vinegar. Reacting vinegar with potassium hyrdroxide gives you water and potassium acetate, both relatively harmless.

Putting baking soda on spilled electrolyte from an alkaline battery, as I've seen sugested on here before, would be pointless and do absolutely nothing. 

[Anonymous]

I have heard of capacitors that would substitute for batteries - they advertise in CTT - what is it called BCR BRC, something like that. But I know the Lionel version requires changes in the wiring or connecting harness.

This is a good reminder to check the 9 v. I have in my Railsounds tender. I don't think I've checked it since I put it in.

DOH!!! I forgot about the battery replacement system!!!

http://www.jandwelectronics.com/

And yes, Lionel conversions require a wiring change. I suspect to allow the capacitor to charge up off the pickup if the item is so equipped. Thanks for that reminder Doug!!!

Dep

9vBRLT

These are capacitors that do not store power for very long, and they only require a short time to charge up...

[Anonymous]

Did my remark about ALKALINE batteries whiz past everybody except Deputy?

They leak, but they don't leak acid. They leak an ALKALINE substance, which is equally nasty, but it's not ACID. You have to treat it differently than you would treat an acid. Keep it in mind when you call 911 or the Poison Control Center.

Sheesh!

[Jumijo]

Sound advice. The only thing I leave batteries in is my flashlight.

I wonder where I put it . . .

Jim 

[Deputy]

From the Ray-O-Vac site:

Preventing Battery Leakage

• Promptly remove dead or weak batteries from devices.
• Never mix old and new batteries in a device. Battery leakage may occur.
• Replace all batteries in a device at the same time.
• Never mix battery types in a device. Battery leakage may occur.
  Examples of battery types are alkaline, heavy duty, rechargeable, NiMH.
• Remove batteries from any device that will be stored for long periods of time.
• Do not leave battery powered devices switched "on" after the batteries are exhausted;
  battery leakage may occur.

The main culprit in Alkaline leakage seems to be Potassium Hydroxide. This is a corrosive base, much like lye. On EVERY battery maker website they tell you to REMOVE the batteries if you plan on storing the item for MONTHS. Gotta be a reason for that.

Dep

[Jumijo]

It seems to me that it's a very good idea to behave as if  any battery will leak under  certain circumstances. For that reason alone, the BCR's sound appealing. (Does anyone know for certain that there is nothing in a BCR that could possibly leak and do damage?)

I wouldn't  expect alkaline batteries to leak much  acid  however. This is not just being picky --  it makes a difference when it's necessary to clean up.

Even relatively new batteries can leak. My kids got some game this past Christmas and the batteries were leaking all over the place.

Jim 

[Anonymous]

It seems to me that it's a very good idea to behave as if  any battery will leak under  certain circumstances. For that reason alone, the BCR's sound appealing. (Does anyone know for certain that there is nothing in a BCR that could possibly leak and do damage?)

I wouldn't  expect alkaline batteries to leak much  acid  however. This is not just being picky --  it makes a difference when it's necessary to clean up.

[Deputy]

I have heard of capacitors that would substitute for batteries - they advertise in CTT - what is it called BCR BRC, something like that. But I know the Lionel version requires changes in the wiring or connecting harness.

This is a good reminder to check the 9 v. I have in my Railsounds tender. I don't think I've checked it since I put it in.

DOH!!! I forgot about the battery replacement system!!!

http://www.jandwelectronics.com/

And yes, Lionel conversions require a wiring change. I suspect to allow the capacitor to charge up off the pickup if the item is so equipped. Thanks for that reminder Doug!!!

Dep

[Jumijo]

I have heard of capacitors that would substitute for batteries - they advertise in CTT - what is it called BCR BRC, something like that. But I know the Lionel version requires changes in the wiring or connecting harness.

This is a good reminder to check the 9 v. I have in my Railsounds tender. I don't think I've checked it since I put it in.

I was curious about this too, Doug. Why not just use one of those BCR thingies instead of a battery? Installing one in a Lionel requires wiring changes?!

I just don't install the batteries. I'm too forgetful, and the benefits just aren't worth it for me. I mean, I can live without the sound when the power is cut off. It doesn't bother me at all. 

Jim 

[cnw1995]

I have heard of capacitors that would substitute for batteries - they advertise in CTT - what is it called BCR BRC, something like that. But I know the Lionel version requires changes in the wiring or connecting harness.

This is a good reminder to check the 9 v. I have in my Railsounds tender. I don't think I've checked it since I put it in.

[Deputy]

Quick question...do any Lionel systems have the capability to recharge the battery off track power? Just wondered if the newer ones might be equipped that way.

Dep

 

[Jumijo]

I leave the batteries out.

Jim 

[Andrew Falconer]

The LIONEL 1999 built SD70MAC has a problem. The battery is extremely difficult to install due the wire placement. It is also hard to get the shell back on the right way because of the tight fit. Radio Shack has some parts that will help.

Andrew

[mickey4479]

Thank you for the reminder.  I bought a TMCC Lionel PRR Mountain and the dealer installed a battery in it several years ago.  I bought 3 other Lionel TMCC locos and only installed one in a steam switcher.  I just removed them successfully.  No damage.  I have 2 MTH locos in storage that I plan to sell at a local train meet in Feb. So I might install them to make sure those MTH locos are in running condition and leave them in for the show so the lookers, hopefully buyers, can test them.  

[Buckeye Riveter]

I have a question that falls in line with Roy's last comment. 

Is there a way to use the AUX 5 Key and shut all your engines down at once on the layout so that you can hear the shutdown sequence?   

I was thinking that if you assigned all your engines to say, TR 5, and then did a TR 5, AUX 5, it would shut them all down at the same time, but then I started thinking this would disable the horns, bells, crewtalk (?) on those units not denoted as the lead engine in a lashup.   

Lazy!!![;)]

SMART

[Deputy]

I plan on removing all the 9-Volt Alkalines in my Lionel stuff and replacing them with Nmh. I may have to do some conversions for battery charger hookups on them...but no biggie.
For the MTH locos I will use the battery replacer gizmos.

Dep

[ChiefEagles]

I have a question that falls in line with Roy's last comment. 

Is there a way to use the AUX 5 Key and shut all your engines down at once on the layout so that you can hear the shutdown sequence?   

I was thinking that if you assigned all your engines to say, TR 5, and then did a TR 5, AUX 5, it would shut them all down at the same time, but then I started thinking this would disable the horns, bells, crewtalk (?) on those units not denoted as the lead engine in a lashup.   

Lazy!!!

[Buckeye Riveter]

 I have not checked this in a while but the last time I had a lashup, I recall I was also able to control the loco via it's individual ENG ID. I could be wrong.

That's the way I remember it too.  I guess I will do some experimenting and find out. 

 

[traindaddy1]

Answer: NO.....I don't have any of that there new stuff. I'm still working with 'D' cells in my engines.  (Well, maybe...some day!) Thanks for the insight. I'll keep this in mind for future reference.

[wrmcclellan]

Buckeye,

I do not think it would work very well as you tend to answer on your own. I have not checked this in a while but the last time I had a lashup, I recall I was also able to control the loco via it's individual ENG ID. I could be wrong.

[Roger Bielen]

Buckeye, I would think that you would have to start all engines as a TR5 lashup which also means any signal, i.e. speed, break, etc, would affect them all at the same time.  I usually shut my units down one at a time so that I'm sure they're in shutdown mode.  If in a hurry I use TR1, which is the address for my TPC400, killing all track power.

[Buckeye Riveter]

I have a question that falls in line with Roy's last comment. 

Is there a way to use the AUX 5 Key and shut all your engines down at once on the layout so that you can hear the shutdown sequence?   

I was thinking that if you assigned all your engines to say, TR 5, and then did a TR 5, AUX 5, it would shut them all down at the same time, but then I started thinking this would disable the horns, bells, crewtalk (?) on those units not denoted as the lead engine in a lashup.   

[wrmcclellan]

I do not use the batteries in TMCC engines anymore either. I tired of removing the body shells and possible risk of shell damage (which is very hard to repair if it happens) not to mention the acid leak risk.

BTW - you will only get the shutdown sounds without a battery if you do an Aux 5 shutdown before removing track power - otherwise the sounds stop abruptly when power is removed.

Regards,
Roy

[Anonymous]

The main problem as I see it is if you run in conventional and want your sounds to stay active when going below about 9 volts all the juice comes from the battery and they wear out fast. That is the 1st reason I switched to command afew years back. Now I am sold on it and I do not use a battery anymore. Even if you have a battery in when in command mode when the battery gets below about 8.5 volts the sound starts getting warbled or wierd. The battery shuts the sound off when track power is gone and it takes juice out of the battery.
Dave.

[nblum]

"will also loose shut down sounds w/o a batt."

This is only true if you turn off the track power before the shut down sounds are initiated. If you wait until the shut down sounds have played and then turn off the track power, no battery is needed.