Need new control system, need options (DC, Battery or Digital...)

justme igor said:
Charger can be easy made from a old pc psu in combination if necessary with a dc dc converter or a simple voltige regulator.
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This is not the recommended way to charge Li-ion batteries especially for those new to this type of battery.

justme igor said:
For your cells you can get them pretty cheap, it depends on how much pieces you want.
Most are around 1 euro for 1 cell 2500-2700mah.
As a dutchie you would pay 7 euro or something for shipment.
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I would also not recommend buying cheap 1 euro cells.
 
@ M Michael ,
Yes sorry, indeed it is not advised for those that are unacquainted with li ion, but it can be done if you know how.
In the Netherlands there are some trusted 18650 comercial sellers, bought several 1000's and tested them all.(powerwall, home energy storage)
 
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Do not forget that after a long term batteries must be replaced, and if not kept charged they fail much sooner!! I went to track powered DCC and use supercaps for power storage on the decoders and have no issues with my trains running outdoors. Note that engines sitting around for 4 years will still run great with these supercaps. Also for track power I make sure the first car behind an engine has power pickups and a cable to the engine. No issues with plastic frogs or tires on my engines after doing this.
 
Dan said:
Do not forget that after a long term batteries must be replaced, and if not kept charged they fail much sooner!! I went to track powered DCC and use supercaps for power storage on the decoders and have no issues with my trains running outdoors. Note that engines sitting around for 4 years will still run great with these supercaps. Also for track power I make sure the first car behind an engine has power pickups and a cable to the engine. No issues with plastic frogs or tires on my engines after doing this.
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Really?

I don't think cost/longevity is an issue for batteries in Garden Railway locos. Let's asume you have 1 loco and use it 12 hours a day like a mobile phone. Ok, so the battery lasts 3 years. Now at £20 for a set of 4 Li-ion 18650 batteries, 365 and 3 years, thats 1.5p per day for all that fun. Not an issue.

In reality people have more than 1 loco, don't run everyday (rain and winter) so the last thing I think about when I run my trains is the battery's longevity. One loco of mine has been using Li-Ion for 5 years and a recent test showed they were virtually as good as new.
 
My oldest battery loco is my Wizzy Cranks converted a couple of years prior to 2012 and still going strong with good long running time out of the 12 NiMh batteries fitted.
 
That sounds doable. I could easily fit a charging plug on my loco siding.

As for why the question - the layout I’m building uses the original LGB MTS system and all 6 locos have the LGB sound fitted. I am concerned that at some time either the controller or some of the locos will develop faults so I end up with a layout I cannot run - would be particularly embarrasing if it happened at an exhibition. Hence I am just considering what alternatives are available. I can’t afford to spend too much on it
 
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