I've been battery and RC since 1989. Track power is so much more trouble I can't concieve of ever doing it. My system is very reliable. 600 conventioneers packed into my backyard several times and everything worked to perfection.
I've tried all kinds of battery combinations and have focused on a pair of the 8 volt types. They give me about 4 hours running with a twelve car train and one percent grades. Changing batteries is a thirty second operation so it's no big deal to pull into a siding when your train starts to slow down. Always keep a set of batteries in the charger as back up when running an all day session. Sharp curves, long trains and steep grades shorten battery life.
I've crammed batteries, RC transmitter and a sound system in the tender of an LGB mogul. This is necessary only if you do a lot of switching or turn your loco on a turntable. A trailing car is easy for casual running and plugs easily into any loco. Diesels are easiest to install RC gear in because of all the room in them.
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Battery or Rails?