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| [home] |
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BATTERIES FOR TRAINS |
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| [battery power page] |
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Page updated 11/6/04 |
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On this page we will describe the batteries that have been used on the P&C, including characteristics, dimensions, prices, and sources. Most of this information is based on personal experience, with over 10 years of battery operation. I have no connection with any of the manufacturers or dealers listed, other than having purchased or used these batteries. Because prices change often, I will keep this page updated periodically. |
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WHERE TO PURCHASE BATTERIES |
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Allelectronics.com - variety of batteries and electrical components
Thomas distributing - batteries only in many types and sizes
Batteryspace.com - Nickel-metal-hydride batteries at excellent prices.
Batteries.com - Batteries of several types and sizes.
Hosfelt electronics - electrical components including batteries.
Radio Shack - AA batteries and battery holders. |
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| NICKEL-METAL HYDRIDE BATTERIES (NiMH) |
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| This has become my favorite type of battery. It has about twice the power for the same size and weight as a similar gel cell. It is ideally suited for battery cars (because of lower weight) and in smaller engines (because of their size). The price is coming down, although gel cells are still cheaper. There are very nice electronic chargers for these batteries, but most are designed for single batteries or low-voltage battery packs. I have had good luck with the simple charger outlined in the battery power article. This NiMH type of battery has no "memory effect" as the Ni-Cad has, so you don't have to worry about a full discharge and a full charge each time. One minor drawback is that during storage, it is normal for these batteries to lose some of their charge, so make sure to top off the charge before an operating session. I'm so pleased with NiMH batteries that I'm converting my whole fleet to this type. AA sizes are good where you have a tight space or don't want much weight. Sub-C size can get up to 3300 mAH capacity, which can run moderate-size trains for 3 to 4 hours. "C" size is usually 4000 or 4500 mAH, which will run heavy trains up to 4 hours, or smaller trains up to 6 hours. I haven't used "D" size yet, but they have a huge 9.5-amp-hour capacity. |
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AA size 1.2 volt NiMH batteries
2500 mAH capacity
Walmart 8 for $17.95 |
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AA size 1.2 volt NiMH batteries
2300 mAH capacity
Batteryspace.com: 24 for 29.99 |
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8.4 volt 3 amp-hour "air soft" battery packs
Approx. .75 x 2 x 6 inch
(will fit side-by-side in boxcars, gondolas, FA1's, RDC's, etc)
BatterySpace.com price 2 for 33.99 (4/7/04)
Using a pair in Budd Car |
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3.3-amp-hour cells with tabs, 1.2 v
"SC" size
Weight 55 g each
BatterySpace price:
10 for $26.99 (10/20/04) |
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6 volt 4 amp-hour NiMH battery pack
(Five 1.2-volt "Sub C" size cells)
2 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
Weight 400 g (14.1 ounces)
BatterySpace no. 5HC4000BMLG
Price: 2 for $24.99 10/20/04
Using in FA1 and Gondola battery car |
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1.2 volt 4.5-amp hour cells with tabs
"C" size
Weight 80 grams each
BatterySpace price:
10 for $29.99
(10/10/04)
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1.2 volt, 9.5 amp-hour cells (no tabs):
"D" size
Weight ~150 g each
BatterySpace price: 8 for $44.95 10/20/04 |
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| GEL-CELL BATTERIES |
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| This type of battery is based on lead-acid technology and can be used in any position. Gel Cell batteries are relatively heavy but they are also very economical - the most "bang for the buck." They are best suited for mounting in larger locomotives where the weight becomes an advantage in pulling power. They should be charged slowly, at no more than one-tenth their amp-hour capacity. Trains running on Gel Cells will slow down as the batteries discharge, but the batteries will last longer if you're careful not to let them discharge fully. They should be stored fully charged. During storage they will not lose their charge. They last for about 300 cycles. |
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6 volt, 1.3 amp-hour gel cell
1 x 2.25 x 3.75 inches
Weight 287 g (10.1 ounces)
CSB no. GP613
Using in Eggliners in pairs (12 volts). |
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Allelectronics.com: $5.25
Batteries.com: $9.99 |
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12 volt, 2.2 amp-hour gel cell
1.3 x 2.55 x 7 inches
Weight 1030 g (36.3 ounces)(2.3 pounds)
Helios FB12-2.2
Using in battery cars at 12 volts. |
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Allelectronics.com: 2.0 $9.50 2.3: $12
Batteries.com: 2.2 AH $13.99 |
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6 volt, 3 amp-hour gel cell (Aristocraft)
1.4 x 2.4 x 5.25 inches
Crest no. CRE-55493
Using in combination engine/battery car. |
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Prices range around $30 per set of three (through Aristo dealers). |
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6 volt, 4 amp-hour gel cell
1.8 x 2.75 x 4.25 inches
Weight 856 g (30.2 ounces)(1.9 pounds)
Using 4 sets in paired engines (2 FA/FB's, pair of U25's, pair of GP-7's). |
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Allelectronics.com: $7.50
Batteries.com: 4.5 AH 10.49 |
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| LITHIUM ION BATTERIES |
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This type of battery has the best power-to-weight ratio of all the above, although at this point it's also the most expensive. It must be carefully charged to avoid damage, and requires specific minimum and maximum voltages.
In December 2004, Aristocraft will have Lithium Ion batteries on the market. I will keep this web page updated with prices when they become available. |
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