Deadrail/battery on/off power switch - what to use?

I converted some of my cabooses to battery power. Basically just to light the marker lamps. I use a Polulu Power switch to turn them on and off. I use the mini that’s rated at 4 amps. They have one that’s rated 8. It’s basically a latching relay. Input and output voltage. I believe the A and B connection go to a magnetic reed switch. Rather than use a toggle.  A small rare earth magnet is waved over the roof to turn them off and on. I actually got the idea on the Forum. Just secure the magnetic reed switch to the inside of the shell. No fumbling whatsoever accessing switches.

Steve you may want to click onto the lionchief and RC system forum there are posts on there that may help you.

I may add its under the controll systems forum

Stevs I just finished putting in a battery on a lionchief NW2  this was the sixth diesel that i have done. On some I used existing cut outs on the  frame and others I cut out a place on shell. I use the 3 way off on toggle switches. I try to camouflage buy using existing areas that allow me to . Access to charger ports and of on switches can be tricky if you do not want to have to remove the shell to access.

@Dave_C posted:

I converted some of my cabooses to battery power. Basically just to light the marker lamps. I use a Polulu Power switch to turn them on and off. I use the mini that’s rated at 4 amps. They have one that’s rated 8. It’s basically a latching relay. Input and output voltage. I believe the A and B connection go to a magnetic reed switch. Rather than use a toggle.  A small rare earth magnet is waved over the roof to turn them off and on. I actually got the idea on the Forum. Just secure the magnetic reed switch to the inside of the shell. No fumbling whatsoever accessing switches.

Nifty idea!

@Bill Grafmiller posted:

Stevs I just finished putting in a battery on a lionchief NW2  this was the sixth diesel that i have done. On some I used existing cut outs on the  frame and others I cut out a place on shell. I use the 3 way off on toggle switches. I try to camouflage buy using existing areas that allow me to . Access to charger ports and of on switches can be tricky if you do not want to have to remove the shell to access.

Yea I definitely don't want to remove the shell.

Steve, this may give a better idea of how it works. It’s basically just turning the battery on and off. Rapido Trains uses the same concept with their magic wand in their lighted passenger cars.

Dave how do you change the battery?

I remove the shell. It just snaps on. It takes probably 5 minutes to swap out. It’s only lighting 2 small bulbs and the lights are only lit when it’s in service. I used a 9v. Should last a long time. I used Archbar trucks which were correct for the prototype. Adding a roller was impossible and I decided to go the battery route.

Steve here is the last 3 diesels I did . I am new to this deadrail/ Battery conversions and there are experts that can do a much better job than I. I wanted to show you pictures of what I did and I hope that will give you an idea how you want to proceed.  1st picture is a lionchief NW -2 switcher battery is a MTO #45 THAT FIT INSIDE THE CAB.  the 3 position toggle switch is located in front of the horn . The charger port is located where the wheel is up front top. [ I don't know what they call it ) I can remove the wheel to charge. I use RailPro system the board is inside shell mounted on the frame  The other 2 are the same GP38-2 DIESELS.  battery's in both are HJE 14.8 V . the battery's are in the top of the shell . Railpro mounted on frame . Charger port located top of cab I intend to put a air conditioner to cover the ports. 3 position toggle switch is located on  the fuel tank toggle is in between the tank and trucks. Hope this helps

Also you can get great information on the Ron045 youtube site. He has a series of videos that are great.

I like your approach Bill for an operations based layout. Affordable, available 3 rail engines on 2 rail track. Without having to go through converting from 3 rail to 2 by using batteries. The fact that there’s still a handheld remote available for operating and your not tied to a phone.  The ability to have tighter curves. Kadee’s and ground throws for turnouts. Well Done.

Dave. Thank you for the compliment.