At the recent NE Proto meet someone was showing a system that used small, rechargeable and a radio module to power/control the locomotive. One module attached to the DCC bus on the layout, the other to the decoder in the locomotive. Tge result was DCC wireless to the locomotive. The advantage is that the battery can charge while the loco is running on regular track, but turnout frogs and crossing or other complex track can be insulated without loss of power or control. The batteries supposedly lasted for 3+ hours without recharging, and fit in an HO diesel.
I do not have contact info, but will try to find some. Pieter E. Roos --- On Tue, 6/12/12, Jim and Cheryl Martin <[email protected]> wrote: Amish model railroaders? Now there's a subset of the hobby I would never have thought existed. So, what do they call themselves, Am-Track? Seriously though, I marvel at the different ways various branches of the Amish faith are able to adapt some modern technologies to their needs while eschewing others. On my next trip to Strasburg, I should try to learn more from them by asking some respectful questions. All of which leads back to battery power for our trains. I recently purchased a cordless electric lawnmower which uses a 40 volt lithium-ion battery. I was at first somewhat dismayed when I saw how small the battery was...only about the size of an old fashioned 6 volt lantern battery. But the thing does the lawn all the way around my house. One or two of these with proper voltage regulation could probably power a display layout at a show without have to worry about power drops, or fastening electrical cords to the floor with gaffer tape. They'd be expensive though. Jim Martin From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 1:18:12 PM Subject: Re: {S-Scale List} Re: AC vs DC My Amish neighbors use battery power, thru an inverter, to power their trains. One bought a large ( as in BIG ) HO layout last summer and is resetting i in his home. His kids brought engines to PVMR last Christmas and we showed them how to service them. One fellow in Lebanon County, PA has a used forklift battery to power ( specifically ) his LIONEL layout. Probably charged by solar. Jim "chargin' on the Keystone Main" Lyle I
