Have you tried regular ( disposable) batteries to see if it will still function?
I couldn't tell you if my version 1.4 base charger even works. I never even bothered with it. I shut off the charger and recharge the batteries in an external charger or use disposables. Having said that, its operated flawlessly.
Yea I know" you payed for the recharging feature, so it should work". I personally don't like the idea of leaving the base powered up all the time when I'm not running trains.
It seems like a bad idea, especially this time of year when thunderstorms can cause a power loss and the risk of a surge is greater.