Joe Gozzo,
Not sure who told you what, however my P2 engines do not function correctly without either a good 9 Volt type battery or the BCR. I use the BCR's in every P2 Engine when the original Battery needs replacing, and my engines all work perfectly. In fact I had Frank replace the original Battery in my MTH 263 P2 Engine, the day I picked it up from the Iron Horse Hobby Shop long ago.
PCRR/Dave