battery operated toy trains in a garden railway

[Anonymous]

Hi
Not having seen any of the trains metioned in the poll cannot coment as to quality or not.
But I think I can safely say the days of quality toys are over if the rubish in todays toy shops is anything to go on.
The only good battery powerd trains I have seen have two scources they are either scratch built or built by English manufacturers.
As yet I have not seen a reputable US company that manufactures a good quality battery powered train for the hobbie market
which is a shame but obviously the US market doesnt want that kind of train
regards John

[Marty Cozad]

WOOW, been awhile since I saw this thread. Better go recharge..heheheh

[Marty Cozad]

WOOW, been awhile since I saw this thread. Better go recharge..heheheh

[Anonymous]

I am going to purchase on of these "Coastal Express" or "Silvarado Express" sets for a set I am planning outside.

I plan to take it as far as it will go and concentrate on the roadbed so that I can run other trains on it at a later date. Frankly, it is the only kind of outdoor set I can afford.

I am concerned that one of you posted that it had trouble going over switch tracks. I figure that, if I can create a roadbed that can accomadate this set, it will be a better line for more expensive ones.

[Anonymous]

I am going to purchase on of these "Coastal Express" or "Silvarado Express" sets for a set I am planning outside.

I plan to take it as far as it will go and concentrate on the roadbed so that I can run other trains on it at a later date. Frankly, it is the only kind of outdoor set I can afford.

I am concerned that one of you posted that it had trouble going over switch tracks. I figure that, if I can create a roadbed that can accomadate this set, it will be a better line for more expensive ones.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by godzilla2005

QUOTE: Originally posted by denby

I don't know in which class you guys would put a "Tweetsie Big Hauler" but that is what I purchased from an internet store in the US and had it shipped to New Zealand, and I plan to go RC battery power with it. I have already experimented by loading a 14.4 Volt Nicad battery on the flatcar and running a lead to the Loco, this setup astounded me as it ran for about 4 hours without any problems (I had another 3 items of rolling stock hooked up as well) The plan is to put the battery and RC in the tender but I may have to remove or relocate the sound system by extending the height of the tender or scratch building another.
Regards, Rob

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE WHOLE POLL?

Basically, They are saying that some of us would rather go thru the hassle of converting a track powered engine to a high quality battery pack and radio control than deal with these low-end model train equivilents of a Yugo.

If these low-enders are all you can afford or you dont have a layout with track power than I can see why you have an interest in these types of trains. I realize that even Bachmann can be pricey for a lot of people. But for me, my bad experience with the Echo brand train and the cheesy LGB battery op train was enough to shy me away from them forever.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by godzilla2005

QUOTE: Originally posted by denby

I don't know in which class you guys would put a "Tweetsie Big Hauler" but that is what I purchased from an internet store in the US and had it shipped to New Zealand, and I plan to go RC battery power with it. I have already experimented by loading a 14.4 Volt Nicad battery on the flatcar and running a lead to the Loco, this setup astounded me as it ran for about 4 hours without any problems (I had another 3 items of rolling stock hooked up as well) The plan is to put the battery and RC in the tender but I may have to remove or relocate the sound system by extending the height of the tender or scratch building another.
Regards, Rob

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE WHOLE POLL?

Basically, They are saying that some of us would rather go thru the hassle of converting a track powered engine to a high quality battery pack and radio control than deal with these low-end model train equivilents of a Yugo.

If these low-enders are all you can afford or you dont have a layout with track power than I can see why you have an interest in these types of trains. I realize that even Bachmann can be pricey for a lot of people. But for me, my bad experience with the Echo brand train and the cheesy LGB battery op train was enough to shy me away from them forever.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by denby

I don't know in which class you guys would put a "Tweetsie Big Hauler" but that is what I purchased from an internet store in the US and had it shipped to New Zealand, and I plan to go RC battery power with it. I have already experimented by loading a 14.4 Volt Nicad battery on the flatcar and running a lead to the Loco, this setup astounded me as it ran for about 4 hours without any problems (I had another 3 items of rolling stock hooked up as well) The plan is to put the battery and RC in the tender but I may have to remove or relocate the sound system by extending the height of the tender or scratch building another.
Regards, Rob

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE WHOLE POLL?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by denby

I don't know in which class you guys would put a "Tweetsie Big Hauler" but that is what I purchased from an internet store in the US and had it shipped to New Zealand, and I plan to go RC battery power with it. I have already experimented by loading a 14.4 Volt Nicad battery on the flatcar and running a lead to the Loco, this setup astounded me as it ran for about 4 hours without any problems (I had another 3 items of rolling stock hooked up as well) The plan is to put the battery and RC in the tender but I may have to remove or relocate the sound system by extending the height of the tender or scratch building another.
Regards, Rob

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE WHOLE POLL?

[Anonymous]

I don't know in which class you guys would put a "Tweetsie Big Hauler" but that is what I purchased from an internet store in the US and had it shipped to New Zealand, and I plan to go RC battery power with it. I have already experimented by loading a 14.4 Volt Nicad battery on the flatcar and running a lead to the Loco, this setup astounded me as it ran for about 4 hours without any problems (I had another 3 items of rolling stock hooked up as well) The plan is to put the battery and RC in the tender but I may have to remove or relocate the sound system by extending the height of the tender or scratch building another.
Regards, Rob

[Anonymous]

I don't know in which class you guys would put a "Tweetsie Big Hauler" but that is what I purchased from an internet store in the US and had it shipped to New Zealand, and I plan to go RC battery power with it. I have already experimented by loading a 14.4 Volt Nicad battery on the flatcar and running a lead to the Loco, this setup astounded me as it ran for about 4 hours without any problems (I had another 3 items of rolling stock hooked up as well) The plan is to put the battery and RC in the tender but I may have to remove or relocate the sound system by extending the height of the tender or scratch building another.
Regards, Rob

[Anonymous]

Wow. I bought one of the Bachmann sets, $69 from the old Daymark catalog. Is that a toy? Ran fine, until a visiting, extremly enthusiastic kid discovered it. Got a New Bright digital Christmas train for Mom, for her birthday. She loves it. I have a third of an acre in the backyard. The yard itself, is a toy. To be filled with "model" trains. (tell the kids they are models, and they act better) Buy a few toy trains, so the kids can play.

By the way, that $69 Bachmann has cost me a bundle. LSOL has most of my vacation money now. That's the real problem with toy trains.

proz

[Anonymous]

Wow. I bought one of the Bachmann sets, $69 from the old Daymark catalog. Is that a toy? Ran fine, until a visiting, extremly enthusiastic kid discovered it. Got a New Bright digital Christmas train for Mom, for her birthday. She loves it. I have a third of an acre in the backyard. The yard itself, is a toy. To be filled with "model" trains. (tell the kids they are models, and they act better) Buy a few toy trains, so the kids can play.

By the way, that $69 Bachmann has cost me a bundle. LSOL has most of my vacation money now. That's the real problem with toy trains.

proz

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vettbass

Blackburn49:

OK, Thanx.

Since my priority has always been Steam locos, my track power priorities have also been low to non-existant.

Steam is ALSO an INITIAL $$$ outlay greater than sparkin, (for GOOD quality prototypical locos anyway) but then, no $$$ are spent on transformers, sound systems, computer controls and wiring hassles. THIS has ALWAYS been my rationalization on cost.

Other than that, it's always been about steam first and modeling second. (Not that prototypical steam locos AREN'T Models,) but then I DO get a twinge to put a loco on the rails and JUST RUN IT.

I'm just not willing to wire up a bunch of track to do so.

Actually if you look at the really large layouts published in GR, almost every one of them is Battery/RC. I think for the reason you stated. I wouldnt want to try wiring up 500 feet of track, siding, spurs etc. Track power only really works up to about two hundred feet then it seem theres a shift over to batteries. Also with a hard wired throttle one is severly limited to what one can do without hardwiring all switches spurs, etc. By then your layout is wired up just light those big ponderosa HO layouts and your dealing with 100's of feet of wiring only now you have to waterproof it all. RC/battery (or Live Steam/RC) makes loads more sense then, as you can follow the train around and manually throw switches and cut levers to uncouple cars. It also much more realistic.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vettbass

Blackburn49:

OK, Thanx.

Since my priority has always been Steam locos, my track power priorities have also been low to non-existant.

Steam is ALSO an INITIAL $$$ outlay greater than sparkin, (for GOOD quality prototypical locos anyway) but then, no $$$ are spent on transformers, sound systems, computer controls and wiring hassles. THIS has ALWAYS been my rationalization on cost.

Other than that, it's always been about steam first and modeling second. (Not that prototypical steam locos AREN'T Models,) but then I DO get a twinge to put a loco on the rails and JUST RUN IT.

I'm just not willing to wire up a bunch of track to do so.

Actually if you look at the really large layouts published in GR, almost every one of them is Battery/RC. I think for the reason you stated. I wouldnt want to try wiring up 500 feet of track, siding, spurs etc. Track power only really works up to about two hundred feet then it seem theres a shift over to batteries. Also with a hard wired throttle one is severly limited to what one can do without hardwiring all switches spurs, etc. By then your layout is wired up just light those big ponderosa HO layouts and your dealing with 100's of feet of wiring only now you have to waterproof it all. RC/battery (or Live Steam/RC) makes loads more sense then, as you can follow the train around and manually throw switches and cut levers to uncouple cars. It also much more realistic.

[Anonymous]

Blackburn49:

OK, Thanx.

Since my priority has always been Steam locos, my track power priorities have also been low to non-existant.

Steam is ALSO an INITIAL $$$ outlay greater than sparkin, (for GOOD quality prototypical locos anyway) but then, no $$$ are spent on transformers, sound systems, computer controls and wiring hassles. THIS has ALWAYS been my rationalization on cost.

Other than that, it's always been about steam first and modeling second. (Not that prototypical steam locos AREN'T Models,) but then I DO get a twinge to put a loco on the rails and JUST RUN IT.

I'm just not willing to wire up a bunch of track to do so.

[Anonymous]

Blackburn49:

OK, Thanx.

Since my priority has always been Steam locos, my track power priorities have also been low to non-existant.

Steam is ALSO an INITIAL $$$ outlay greater than sparkin, (for GOOD quality prototypical locos anyway) but then, no $$$ are spent on transformers, sound systems, computer controls and wiring hassles. THIS has ALWAYS been my rationalization on cost.

Other than that, it's always been about steam first and modeling second. (Not that prototypical steam locos AREN'T Models,) but then I DO get a twinge to put a loco on the rails and JUST RUN IT.

I'm just not willing to wire up a bunch of track to do so.

[Anonymous]

I have operated two LGB moguls and a Bachmann Shay with a Locolink battery control system since May of 2001 with satisfactory results. Since then I have had other locomotives converted to this sytem, including two Aristocraft Rogers. Considering the relative complex nature of my track system and also its length, the battery-powered system has proven itself as much more preferable to powering the tracks, albeit considerably more expensive initially.

[Anonymous]

I have operated two LGB moguls and a Bachmann Shay with a Locolink battery control system since May of 2001 with satisfactory results. Since then I have had other locomotives converted to this sytem, including two Aristocraft Rogers. Considering the relative complex nature of my track system and also its length, the battery-powered system has proven itself as much more preferable to powering the tracks, albeit considerably more expensive initially.

[Anonymous]

I see.

So then one would have to go to some sort of RC for speed control with a servo operating a rheostat, to replace the control one has with a transformer to powered rails.

Correct?

I can see where these would need to be high qual locos since you've got a bit of weight to pull around in batteries alone.

[Anonymous]

I see.

So then one would have to go to some sort of RC for speed control with a servo operating a rheostat, to replace the control one has with a transformer to powered rails.

Correct?

I can see where these would need to be high qual locos since you've got a bit of weight to pull around in batteries alone.

[Anonymous]

Basically correct. My contention is the "conversion" of high quality track powered loco's to battery power. As far as off the shelf, packaged sets, I have not seen them.....

[Anonymous]

Basically correct. My contention is the "conversion" of high quality track powered loco's to battery power. As far as off the shelf, packaged sets, I have not seen them.....

[Anonymous]

for vsmith and slick:

So you guys are saying it IS possible to get high quality battery operated stuff.

Am I right?

[Anonymous]

for vsmith and slick:

So you guys are saying it IS possible to get high quality battery operated stuff.

Am I right?

[Anonymous]

I absolutely see your point, I have in the past tried to explain this sort of thing to custumers at a hobby shop I worked at. Very agrivating at times (so is my spelling...) Some times you just can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I still like the catapult idea.

[Anonymous]

I absolutely see your point, I have in the past tried to explain this sort of thing to custumers at a hobby shop I worked at. Very agrivating at times (so is my spelling...) Some times you just can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I still like the catapult idea.

[vsmith]

The main object of this topic is "battery operated toy trains" like New Bright or Scientific. and again they really are pretty bad items.

Using quality battery systems to power quality locos like LGB or Bachmann is not the point, those systems are well proven and work great. Its these cheesy, guady, crappy, piles of junk that are part of the reason "large scale" has the "plastic in the petunias" reputation. People see these in the discount toy stores and it colors there viewpoint about garden railroading and model trains in general, "Why should I buy that $150 Bachmann set when I can get this New Bright trainset at KB toys for $40? Aren't they both the same thing?" Thats what worries me. They are here to stay, we cant get rid of them, and they will continue to have a negative overall effect on large scale trains.

[vsmith]

The main object of this topic is "battery operated toy trains" like New Bright or Scientific. and again they really are pretty bad items.

Using quality battery systems to power quality locos like LGB or Bachmann is not the point, those systems are well proven and work great. Its these cheesy, guady, crappy, piles of junk that are part of the reason "large scale" has the "plastic in the petunias" reputation. People see these in the discount toy stores and it colors there viewpoint about garden railroading and model trains in general, "Why should I buy that $150 Bachmann set when I can get this New Bright trainset at KB toys for $40? Aren't they both the same thing?" Thats what worries me. They are here to stay, we cant get rid of them, and they will continue to have a negative overall effect on large scale trains.

[Anonymous]

Marty:

I thought all this stuff was "toys".

You know, Like s*x. All is good, but some is better than others.

:-)