JohnGaltLine posted:I'll throw it out there again that modifying the remote, rather than the engine is pretty simple to do to make it so that the engine will run when powered up remotely.
Revised from my previous idea, I would now choose to use a closed-circuit barrel jack wired so that when nothing is plugged in, the remote functions as normal, but when it is plugged in the remote would no longer use it's batteries, and instead draw power from an external USB power adapter.
When plugged in and it will turn on and off with the USB charger, which can be plugged into the same power strip with the layout's transformer, and if wired in on the switched side of the remote's switch, it won't matter if the switch is turned on or off. It takes just a couple dollars of parts, a drill to make a hole for the jack in the remote, a couple inches of hook-up wire, and a soldering iron.
JGL
That is a good idea, and basically how I pictured it when you first brought it up, rather than the alligator clips you or someone mentioned for a bit of a cleaner look. That would also make it easy to still use as a battery remote elsewhere... hmmm. 
That might still be a viable project
