Bachmann RailTruck

This RailTruck was a impulse buy, because it is different, but as I run dead rail it was always destined for battery RC conversion, my first task was to determine what components I was going to use, motor is classed as 22 volts DC, and experience has shown these will run on a 3S Lithium battery pack at 11.1 volts, but I prefer to run mine on a 4S pack at 14.4 volts. However, I gave the loco a quick run on "track power" to ensure it worked okay.

With the cover removed from the "toolbox", I had a couple of choices to make, first how to hide the battery and associated component, and second if to use the on-board circuit board, or by-pass it.

	To get a proper look at things the "toolbox" needed to be removed.  First unfasten the switch, and push forwards, there are two screws holding the "toolbox" down one centre front, and one centre rear, under the switch wires.
The fitted lights are LED, and none directional, managed by the board, also there seems to be some inertia control, so I decided to use the board. The leads from the track pick-up were removed (I left the track pick-ups in situ), and leads were soldered to be fed from the ESC.

The components would be hidden by constructing packing crates around them, with the Rx/ESC under the original board, the batteries to one side and the charging point etc. (control panel) on the other side of the "toolbox".  I estimated the a Li-Ion 4S pack with 18500 cells and a BMS would fit, the that a Micron MR603b Rx (with ESC) would be the right size I also made a conscious decision not to fit sound.

Parts bought and delivered, time to start the conversion:

	The Rx/ESC is fitted under the original board, and secured with Velcro, this enable removal, without the "fight" that double sided tape can put up.
The "toolbox" was then put back in place, with cut-outs at the bottom, one at each side for the battery connection and the control panel connection.
	A plasticard enclosure was produced to hold the control panel, comprising of a SPDT switch, LED to show power is applied and a charging socket. This was bolted to the side of the "toolbox" so that in future it can be removed.

Hiding the Components

As mentioned earlier the plan was to construct "dummy" packing crates around the components, and these would be constructed on coffee stirrers.

After consideration I decided upon two crates, one around the control panel and "toolbox" and one around the battery. The side and end were first produced, each component glued together with PVA. These were fitted loosely in place.
	The crate top was next, ensuring a good fit, and a hole for the Rx ariel to protrude. An ideal time for a quick test, so with the battery connected a short run to ensure everything is in order, and any minor faults fixed (e.g. a wire coming loose).
The four sides and top of the battery crate was produced next, this is a firm fit around the battery to prevent movement. A small panel was made for the partial side of the other crate.
	The inward face of the crate located on the top of the other crate.
The top of the crate which accesses the control panel has a piece of plasticard cut to fit the recess, and provide a secure fit of the lid. The cut out is to accommodate the switch, though below the datum line it interfered with the plasticard.

	None of the crate components are fixed in place all are held in position by interlocking with each other, and the RailTruck's own sidings.
Only the aerial is a give-away of what is inside.

I am very please how this went together, using individual coffee stirrers is time consuming, but gives a very satisfying result, and it could have been worse, I might of had to cut the strips by hand.

Main Suppliers used for the components:

• RC Trains
• Micron

Main Electronic Components used:

• Micron MR603b
• Li-Ion 4S (18500) battery pack with on-board protection.
• SPDT switch
• Charging socket