dan3192

But how do we get frome here to there - because "here" is the only starting point.

 

IMHO the focus should be on what we are able to achieve rather than the shortcomings. If people are impressed by the achievements someone will work on the shortcomings.

 

I have no idea whether BPR/C will ever become mainstream, but I would not be prepared to stop messing with it even if I knew that it had no mainstream future.

 

...R

I agree with Robin we need to focus on what we can achieve. But I also find shortcomings a convenient guide to reaching such achievement. Someone once said, understanding the problem is half the solution. It seems quite true.

But to the point of the discussion, about a year ago I started working on ways to charge batteries on-board so as not to have to remove them, mess up my handrails or rely on dirty track for transferring the required power. As a result, I expect to shortly complete a BPRC engine with 2S on-board balancing charging capability that does not need plug-in wiring or contact with the track. If you are thinking magnetic induction, you are correct.

With the help of a large electronics firm, I have just about all the parts I need, I've done basic testing, and it seems to work. 3S and 4S charging is also possible and will come later. I am also interested in a 2S2P arrangement. A big challenge is fitting in all the components and wiring up properly. I have no problems working with Li-ion batteries, but I do know the consequences if you don't get it right the first time. I hope to report back the tests were successful.

IMHO, I believe BPRC will become either mainstream or a big player in model railroading cab control. I've given 10 clinics on BPRC in the last 3 years and operated on many club and home layouts and have personally witnessed the growing interest by hobbyists. The DCC sound decoder equipped BPRC steam engine I described here 2 years ago is still going strong, so enjoying the hobby more than ever.  

Dan     

I've read the posts on this forum with great interest. After 3 years of building BPRC prototypes, I thought I'd share my experience in converting my latest engine, a Broadway Limited 4-6-4 DCC equipped Hudson locomotive. The link below is from freerails.com. If you review Posts 687, 702 and 707, all the details are provided, including a YouTube video. I hope this is helpful for those interested in this excellent method of cab control. 

Dan

http://www.freerails.com/view_topic.php?id=4451&forum_id=45&page=69