This is a large scale version of an idea that I have had, which is to use small lithium batteries in an HO scale locomotive, like from those little helicopters and use track power at a yard and / or a locomotive storage building of some sort to recharge the battery. Bluetooth DCC maybe to control things. G scale I thought of a similar thing but just use an R/C like from a cheap Walmart car or truck.
@@DanielCortopassi That is what I wondered too. I even thought of having a dummy full of batteries powering the main locomotive. E8 A and B unit might work well for the idea.
I think the challenge in smaller scales would be finding room for a suitable battery, one that has enough run time to keep the model going for a while. I don't mind using track power indoors, where it's much easier to keep the track clean, especially with the advent of capacitor keep alive devices for DCC. Thanks for watching!
I used cheap RC car electronics to convert mine. I've got it running on battery with lights for under $100. If it was diesel, I'd have sound already. I just need to find a sound card with steam sounds that I can just run off the signal given to a normal ESC.
That's an interesting approach. I like using a DCC decoder because it's specifically intended for trains, and has lighting effects, sounds, good motor control, and consisting in case I want to run the engine double headed with another. Thanks for watching!
This is a large scale version of an idea that I have had, which is to use small lithium batteries in an HO scale locomotive, like from those little helicopters and use track power at a yard and / or a locomotive storage building of some sort to recharge the battery. Bluetooth DCC maybe to control things. G scale I thought of a similar thing but just use an R/C like from a cheap Walmart car or truck.
If the batteries fit and they provide a decent run time, that could be a viable option. Thanks for watching!
@@DanielCortopassi That is what I wondered too. I even thought of having a dummy full of batteries powering the main locomotive. E8 A and B unit might work well for the idea.
great information! I have been meaning to convert my bachmann G steam loco to run outside without track power. thanks!
You're welcome. I'm glad you found the video helpful. Part 2 should be out next week. Thanks for watching!
This is what I want to do with my HO locomotives, though it's gonna be tricky for my Tyco General.
The ESU 58921 may be a solution for some diesels such as many Athearn Genesis models.
@@CentralJerseyRailfan Though I would love sound, I can live without it.
@@Steamer96 TCS has a selection nonsound keepalive equipped hardwire decoders
I think the challenge in smaller scales would be finding room for a suitable battery, one that has enough run time to keep the model going for a while. I don't mind using track power indoors, where it's much easier to keep the track clean, especially with the advent of capacitor keep alive devices for DCC. Thanks for watching!
I used cheap RC car electronics to convert mine. I've got it running on battery with lights for under $100.
If it was diesel, I'd have sound already.
I just need to find a sound card with steam sounds that I can just run off the signal given to a normal ESC.
That's an interesting approach. I like using a DCC decoder because it's specifically intended for trains, and has lighting effects, sounds, good motor control, and consisting in case I want to run the engine double headed with another. Thanks for watching!