I have been running mostly Lionel, and wonder if it is really necessary to install a battery in every (or any) engine.
My understanding was that the battery was used to provide power should an engine move over a switch or dead spot on the layout, and would not lose sound or control for that moment.
I have yet to use a battery and have about 40 engines of all sizes and shapes. Most all my engines are Legacy with the balance TMCC. I have not experienced any dead spots on my layout or on my club's layout. So no batteries any any of my engines.
Am I missing something without a battery?
RAY