I understand it is not a good idea, during an operating session, to keep PS2 locomotives on tracks, with power, when the locos are not being run. After an operating session I turn off all power.
If I keep a loco off the tracks for several months, and the battery runs down, what steps should I take before running the locomotive?
Do I recharge it overnight?
Or, is it ok to take it off the shelf, put it right on the track, and power it up and...?
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PS2 3 volts can go right on the tracks. However settings may not be retained if the battery is dead. There maybe other issues too. Try applying power and then shut the power off. The sounds should play for a few seconds.
I have found that good batteries will hold the charge for several months without problems. I just don't make any changes to an engine that hasn't run for months, unless I charge the battery.
FWIW, MTH sells a charger for these and there are also BCRs available as an alternative to the batteries. Leaving them powered runs up the chrono or whatever it's called that monitors on/run time.
Thank you for the advice. Good to know battery should hold charge for a couple of months and also on running up the time. Ouch, I’m afraid to look at mine!
Who cares about the time, unless you're planning to sell it and want to minimize your loss?
The time matters because it subtracts from the life of the board.
I never like leaving locomotives on powered track unattended for any period of time. I guess that might come from the fact that I've seen a few that actually burst into flame because of a component failure! Not being there for that event could be a problem. 
GRJ, I absolutely agree that a layout should never be left powered op when no one is present. I would also note that DCS locos, when left shut down on powered tracks, can start to move silently and if they jam against something, could overheat the motors, causing brush spring loss of tension, or worse.
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