For those concerned that battery power is a one-way street, consider going dual power. I am converting one of my battery powered Blunami equipped engines with both battery and three rail AC track power. The power switch is a center off DPDT toggle with one side connected to the battery and the other side connected to a regulated AC/DC converter (photo) fed via the pickups.
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Clever idea. But for me, I just ripped off the band aid and see no further need for track power (for myself).
I love the ease, convenience and reliability of battery. And while it has not happened yet, if I want to run trains and find that my engine battery needs to be charged.... Well then I have 6 other wonderful BPRC engines to choose from.
Ron
I just decided to jump all in on battery power and deadrail. There is no turning back for me. I crawled under the layout and stripped all of my electrical track powered wires out. Then I went a little crazy and did the same thing to my lighted buildings . Then replaced all track from 3 rail to 2 rail. Took all buildings on 2/3 rds of layout down I am building new scenery. I am going to light it all with fiber optic cable . Also took out most of the switch machines and put ground throws in. Love the hands on. Sold all transformers except 1 80w to use on hard to reach switches. I am really excited that I went to battery power and RailPro controll. I have 4 diesels set up and will add some more in time. Running trains is now fun for me. Have had no incidents with running trains except operator error ( forgot to throw a switch ) 
Battery power does not have to be a one-way street. I have kept all of my track based power options intact. I admit that battery power can be addictive once you try it, primarily because of its immunity to track conditions.
I did this several years ago. 
@BOB WALKER posted:Battery power does not have to be a one-way street. I have kept all of my track based power options intact. I admit that battery power can be addictive once you try it, primarily because of its immunity to track conditions.
Bob. I am definitely addictive to this. This is definitely my last layout.
@Ron045 posted:Clever idea. But for me, I just ripped off the band aid and see no further need for track power (for myself).
I love the ease, convenience and reliability of battery. And while it has not happened yet, if I want to run trains and find that my engine battery needs to be charged.... Well then I have 6 other wonderful BPRC engines to choose from.
Ron
Amen to that . I like what Bob said on immunity to track conditions. That frustration with cab2 remote and the frustration of electrical misery is gone. Now running trains is lots of FUN FUN FUN.
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