Batteries in Boxcars

A proof of concept trial has started to see if the batteries and CNVRTR chips can be tucked away in trailing cars. A small path had to be cut in the chassis of each boxcar for the two wires from the locomotive. The trick is to test the ease of accessibility of popping off the body to load the battery and connect it to the locomotives each session. It's not real convenient with these boxcars, but doable for the near future until the more permanent plan is in place.

The plan is to model and 3D print the maintenance of way cars the HBS actually used on a regular basis. There was a flat car/transfer caboose looking thing and street sweepers that were regularly run to keep the flangeways clear of debris at street trackage.

Edit: I should have mentioned that there is no problem with radio communications to the receiver in a plastic box car. 

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New batteries

I received a handful of new batteries for my CVP Products CNVRTR radio control battery powered system locomotive fleet to try on the PoNY. They are LiPo 500mA Turnigy brand batteries with JST-XH balancing plugs and JST BEC power connectors. I had been searching for 300 or 400mA, but all brands and outlets seemed to be out of stock. 

Up until now, I have been using 3200mA, 1200mA, 1000mA, and 800mA sizes. I have yet to run a battery down during a session, but I haven't had enough sessions to prove out what is necessary for my layout for a 2-3 hour time frame. I believe I am still at overkill, though. 

The May issue of MR includes an introductory  article on using battery powered locomotives. In it they say that a 240mA will run for 2-3hours. I hope to find these available at some point soon to find out for myself. These batteries go for less than $10. 

I am soooooo happy I am using battery power at this point, and I don't see any speed bumps on the horizon. Now I can concentrate on the decoder settings and dialing in the locomotives for the most enjoyable experience possible for my guests. 

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