What is the best battery and how do you pick?

I've got an Accucraft Goose #2 that I want to convert to battery power and remote control. I've picked the Airwire 900 as the remote control system, but I'm overwhelmed with trying to figure out the battery power itself.

- I'd like to keep track power and have a switch to choose between track or battery power. What switch would work best?

- I have a Phoenix sound system that I want to work with too.

Are there off-the-shelf battery conversions that someone sells? I can't seem to locate them. I'm willing to build some wiring harness or whatever from scratch if necessary but I'd rather just buy it.

I think I'd like to use Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. Is that a good choice? How many would it take to run the Goose?

So, if you've got any answers to all of my questions, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks,

Ken

[RonPoinsett]

A switch for going from track to battery power. Radio Shack has small double pole-double throw switches which will easily carry the amp or two your goose draws and will fit in any available small space. I have two of my engines configured that way with the up position for battery and the down (toward the track) position for track power.

If your unit is not "battery ready" then you will have to cut some wires to install battery. There is probably not a drop in harness made. Email me for further discussion on this part of your questions.

NMH batterys are good and have many advantages, Lead Acid Gel Cells have their own set of advantages also. The Garden Railways series of articles last year on battery and R/C had many answers on battery selection.

Give me a call Ken and we can talk some more, at least on my experiences with conversions.

Regards,
Ron Poinsett

Ron,

I found a guy at rctrains.com that helped me out with batteries, harness, remote control and battery charger. I would highly recommend this guy. He did a good job.

However, I think I blew the decoder board when I installed it.

Ken