Do Legacy Engines Come with a battery?

They do not come with one installed.  In addition, the VL-Big Boy doesn't even allow for one.

Thanks Jon, saved me an unnecessary project going through storage boxes.

Bill

Guns,

   Is there any reason why I should install a Battery/BCR in my new Legacy Shay engine, it works perfectly just like it is.  Are there some options that the Battery or BCR drive that I am unaware of.

PCRR/Dave

No reason at all if you run strictly command and don't have issues currently.  For conventional operation, the battery insures continuity of the sounds.

A BCR will require the separate charging circuit that connects to track power, Lionel equipment does not charge the battery, it's designed for primary batteries.

Guns,

  Roger that, and thanks for the education.

PCRR/Dave

There have been a couple engines that have had trouble on long switches that benefit from having a battery, and I have a SF 3751 that is randomly dropping sound that I am going to try a battery in. But if you are running command control the battery should be a fix, not a first step

Right Chris, my Legacy K4 occasionally drops on some switches, so I use a battery in that one.  My Atlantic used to until I put a one-wire tether between the tender and the locomotive and shared the power, problem solved!

Gentlemen,

   So far my Legacy Shay has hand no problems on longer switches even the back to back set ups. 

PCRR/Dave

Dave, many Legacy locomotives do fine without a battery, however some have issues.

Well the good news is, the most recent releases automatically re-trigger the sound system.  Yeah you'll have a quick drop but at least you don't have to stop and push the reset key.

The first step is to clean the track and locomotive and or tender pickup rollers. The newer legacy stuff is extremely sensative to the slightest dust or residue on the track. A dirty switch compounds the problem.

I've had track that TMCC and 1st gen legacy locos would run just fine on. My legacy k 4 would drop sound, stop dead in its tracks, and flash the cab light indicating motor driver stalled.

Cleaning the track resolved the issue.Sometimes track appears to be fairly clean, but not enough for a legacy loco.

I've never had to put a battery in anything.

Did it ever come up why Lionel did that and changed it? That was one of the best things about Lionel sound, no battery! Have just checked our two Legacy engines, both loose sound on switches. Had we know that was the case would have bought the TMCC version at fire sale prices!

FWIW, I've found several locomotives with closely spaced tender rollers will sometimes lose sound like that.  I've added a one-wire tether between the engine and the tender to provide consistent power, problem solved.

RickO,

   Got to admit a little CRC electrical cleaner goes a long way every once in a while on the tracks, the crud that comes off your tracks even when they look clean is simply incredible.

PCRR/Dave