Garden Railroad deadrail style

Thanks for sharing the videos.  I'm glad to see your ultrasonic block detection system made it through the winter and is still working.

Thanks Steve, the gate crossing sensors are almost ready. Same basic design little different Arduino code. Stay tuned… 🚂😊

Thats the way to go!

Was curious. What battery did you use to power the #765 LionChief+?

Bob, I’m using a 14.8 v lithium ion battery in a trailing boxcar. I have plans to find a smaller battery to fit in the tender.

@sjbuff posted:

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to clear off the branches, inspect the track. Bring out the locos and rolling stock. Today on the Baldy & Palms Railroad,  Nickel Plate Road no#765 is taking an excursion train around the layout. I converted #765 Lionel LionChief plus loco to battery power.  It’s time for spring railroading.

Ron,

Nice layout.  Going big isn't a problem if you're outside.

Are your switches manually or electrically operated (or maybe even pneumatically)?

Mike

Ron, I converted my LionChief+ #4605 Rectifier (6-82178) using a LectronPro 30C capacity 1200mah. I was able to mount it in the upper section of the rectifier shell. Got over 2 hours run time. This was reported in the LCCA club magazine in June, 2019. Still running well.

Mike, the switches currently manually operated. Since I converted the layout the dead rail, I have plans to convert the switches to pneumatic.

Bob, that is great your conversation was in the LCCA magazine. I get about three to four hour with my 2600mah battery. I would like to see Lionel add this feature of an battery port or switch. I believe there is a market for this added option.

@sjbuff posted:

Mike, the switches currently manually operated. Since I converted the layout the dead rail, I have plans to convert the switches to pneumatic.

Excellent.  You'll have to keep us updated as  you do the conversions.

Del-Aire has long been the name associated with pneumatic switch control for layouts, even though they've been out of business for a number of years.

Follow this link for a little more:

   Del Aire air motors, toggles, mannifolds | jwdmd

Mike

I could not agree more firmly that there is increasing interest and activity in battery powered locos. The main issue is that the conversion to battery power has to be done carefully. There is a battery power primer that has been cited previously on the forum.