MTH Battery Life

I'm thinking battery life is more dependent on history. If the engine goes through cycles of little (or no) use, or extreme heat, it seems to shorten life. If the engine is used regularly, they seem to last for a decade. Then there's defects in my theory!

I've got a RailKing NW2 (30-2669-1, 2006 catalog) with the original battery in it and it still performs like new.  I've got 8 PS2 batteries from when I converted my steamers from PS2 to BPRC and when I took them out last year they were all good (probably need to keep them charged).

I've also got PS2 guts and original battery in an Atlas GP9.  The guts came from a RK F3 (Harley Davidson set engine if memory serves), no telling how old that is but I think it's older than the NW2 guts.

I wouldn't replace them unless they die or you're experiencing problems related to them.

When I brought my MTH PS2 5V locomotives out of storage after 12 years, I replaced the batteries with new ones. However, I was curious if the old batteries were any good. I charged them on a Tenergy TN141 NiMh and NiCd battery charger. Initially they were good. I charged them, left them sitting around for a week and then recharged them. After about the 3rd charge, the Tenergy showed them as bad.

Dave, no, it is not unusual.  I've gotten that much life.  I have 8-12 locos which I converted to PS2 prior to 2006, and only one battery started acting up from age; it was installed about 2002 and started acting up in 2015.  Considering their age and the number of locos , and for the same per loco price as a new battery, I lined up all my locos regardless of vintage (save for two upgraded in 2014) and installed supercaps.  I gave the batteries to a friend who has a large stable of locos and have heard no complaints.

If the battery is ten years old, it's probably living on borrowed time, replace it.

2.4V battery last much longer than the 9V.  Plus the 3V board less sensitive to battery than the 5V boards.  G

Replace your batteries with BCR !   No Worries then !