BATTERY POWERED ROLLER DISPLAY STAND - How Do I?

Here's another thread about roller bases  I was just on. These seem to fit your description of the base part and are nice bases. Here is a link to the website Collectors Choice Trains  I think these are meant to be powered with a transformer, but I'm sure something else could be adapted somehow.

If you only need to demo MTH DC-capable PS2/3 engines, I'd suggest 12V battery pack and the DCS Remote Commander for control since that would make a compact package.

 

For AC operation, maybe a computer UPS (built-in rechargeable battery) followed by the smallest AC controller you can find...I'd think you'd want a controller with Bell/Whistle buttons to show off the sound.  For less than $50 you could get a UPS about the size of a tender with enough capacity to run a controller and engine for, say, at least 30 minutes.  As with the DCS Remote Commander, for AC operation you might reduce clutter/wiring with a remote controlled AC Lock-on; MTH made one that had bell/whistle control.  

 

RTR, there are several options for the base itself, thats not my concern. Powering it without using extension cords and finding an outlet is. There are usually tons of people around for these events, so the power source has to be simple, portable, and easy to conceal so people aren't tripping over cords and such.

Stan I never thought about using a UPS, thats a great idea. Then I could use an old school train set transformer with the slide lever for throttle. All of my engines are Lionel for these displays. 30 mins of power is more than enough. Then I just need an activation button for the bell and whistle as that is a must have for showing them off.

Sorry, my mistake. I misinterpreted your post, thought you were wanting a roller stand as well as a way to power it. I will leave the power stuff to those more knowledgeable, like stan2004.

This is my designed and built dynamic test stand.  At trains shows where power cost extra I will power either with an Atlas 80 or MTH Z4000 with DCS and TMCC using a Black & Decker Electomate 400.

 

Well I found this POWER STATION, but that's 20lbs to carry around plus the engine, display stand, and some type of controller (transformer).

 

I think the computer battery back-up is a smaller, and definitely lighter, making it more portable to carry around with tall the other stuff.

 

PRRron, how long does your power supply last? I assume from your list of components, that you are running it conventional for display purposes too?

 

I can find the Lionel CW-80 transformer for around $75 delivered, and it has whistle and bell buttons. That's not bad for conventional control just for a display.

I think you definitely have a situation where size matters.  I realize you have an AC throttle already but if you have to add bell and/or whistle button "boxes" you may want to consider a remotely controllable lock-on as I mentioned earlier for AC (conventional) operation.  I don't know who all makes them but the MTH lock-on is illustrated below giving you remotely controlled throttle/direction, bell, and whistle.  The input to the lock-on is fixed AC from an AC-output adapter or brick.  I think something in the 50 Watt range would be more than adequate for your application. Obviously the lock-on locks-on to a specific MTH track type but I see no reason why you couldn't just jumper the lock-on contacts to whatever track you have.

 

Just an idea anyway.  It would certainly be cheaper to just add Bell/Whistle button boxes if you already have an AC throttle.