Replacing Batteries with BCR's in MTH Locomotives

NYC FanOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

I want to replace the batteries in the following MTH Locomotives with BCR's. I would like to have the BCR's on hand and make the replacement in one step, rather than have to open up the tenders to see which BCR they take, and then order them and do the replacement.

Can anyone tell me which of the following take the 9v type and which take to smaller type?

20-3016 4-6-4 Empire State 1995

20-3020 4-6-4 J1e Hudson 1996

20-3047 4-8-4 Niagara 2000

20-3045 4-6-4 Hudson Dreyfuss 2000

20-3100 2-8-0 Consolidation 2003

20-3122 0-8-0 Steam Switcher 2004

20-3128 2-8-4 A-2 Berkshire 2004

20-3216 4-6-4 Hudson Dreyfuss 2006

20-3281 0-6-0 Switcher 2007

20-3373 4-8-2 Mohawk L-3b 2009

Any help would be appreciated.

1/2/1212:38 PM

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Allen GlenneyOGR Forum Member

The first 5 in your list use the 8.4v battery. The rest use a 2.4v battery.

1/2/1212:54 PM

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PRRronbhOGR Forum Member

Well first off the transition point started around the 2003/2004 time period.

Since I also have the 20-3045 and 20-3047 I know them to be a 5v system (8.4v battery). Also have the 20-3128 which is a 2.4v system (3v battery).

But overall the key is the battery charging port. If PS-2 and NO port them 5v system. All with a round port are also 5v systems. The 2.4v system engined have the rectangular port.

Ron

1/2/1212:59 PM

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Richard GonzalesOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Skip,

The operator's manual will have the battery type listed. The NYC A2 Berk takes a 3v BCR 2. If yout J1e Hudson is cab number 5343 it also takes a 3v BCR 2.

As a rule, the systems with a 8.4 v battery will take the original BCR that looks like a 9v battery. If the system has the 2.4 v battery that looks like two AAA batteries in a blue case, the 3v BCR 2 is used for their replacement.

Hope this helps.

Richard

1/2/121:07 PM

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Rigatoni Express RailroadOGR Forum Member

How does the Dallee battery replacemnet compare to the BCR system? Joe

1/2/121:53 PM

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prrhorseshoecurveOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

quote:
How does the Dallee battery replacemnet compare to the BCR system? Joe

a Smaller capacitor plus it's not in the shape of a 9v and can be tough to mount...depending on the model you wish to install. get the original j&w

http://www.jandwelectronics.com/

1/2/123:16 PM

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Gerry BurnsOGR Forum Member

I installed 11 of these last spring in my PS1 and early PS2 engines. You can also buy them from M B Klein at a discount.

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com...d-O-Gauge-s/1238.htm

1/2/123:48 PM

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Jim 1939OGR Forum Member

I believe the 9 volt type have a single hole charge port on the bottom of the tender and the newer battery which would need a BCR2 has 2 hole port.

1/2/125:54 PM

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SteveOGR Forum Member

My MTH Product Reference Guides attempt to provide this information too. (For those interested)

1/2/1210:05 PM

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Jim 1939OGR Forum Member

Your book plug does not answer the topic question.

1/2/1211:07 PM

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MohawkMikeOGR Forum Member

You can also "roll your own" BCR type capacitor battery replacement which is much cheaper than the overly expensive BCR's. This thread was on the Electrical forum a few months ago.

How do I make my own battery replacement? (BCR)

1/3/122:36 AM

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NYC FanOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Thanks guys!!!