Put a UPS in your Locomotive today!

Convert your radio controlled locomotive (Aristro on board Train Engineer, Revolution, Airwire or other RC units) from track power to TrainUPS power. Get the best of both worlds, the indefinite run time of track power and the reliability and hassle free operation of battery. Powers across dirty track, un-powered frogs and reversing loops. The locomotive draws power from the track when it is present and instantly switches to the battery when track power is not present or degraded. The battery automatically charges directly from the track when the loco is stopped, there is no need to use an external charger. Contains everything you need, including the battery pack, to make the conversion.

Read the detailed product information page for theory of operation, diagrams and product data.

Will fit into most road units (diesel and steam). Very small locomotives (center cab diesels, etc.) may require use of a trail car for the battery pack. We supply battery pack leads long enough to support this if required. With the 'assembled kit' option you only need to make four connections, mount the switches and the LEDs and you're done.

The thumbnail pictures shows block diagrams of the operational modes of TrainUPS and of the installation of the TrainUPS in a typical diesel locomotive. Click (repeatedly) to get a larger image.

TrainUPS has a battery status LED that indicates whether the battery is supplying power, charging or balanced.

Read the FAQ

Basic kit is suitable for powering small to medium two motor diesels (RS3, GP40, RDC, etc.) and steam engines up to 2-8-2 wheel configuration. Users with four motor diesels like the Aristo SD45 or any loco that will normally pull long trains should consider the two battery option for extended run times. See the basic battery offering in this section of the store for detailed battery specs. Kit includes 2.5A protection as a base offering and may be increased up to 7.5A.

Not suitable in either configuration for powering certain USA Trains units with high stall current motors. Not for use with track based DCC decoder equipped locomotives

This product is intended to end the track power vs. battery wars. Why not have it both ways and get the best of both and the disadvantages of neither? We are so confident that you will love the TrainUPS system that we have placed an unconditional 90 day money back guarantee on the product. This means that you may install it, try it out and if you are not satisfied, rip it out and return it for a full refund including shipping. (available on the 'assembled kit' and 'factory install' options only)

Options

Installation

TrainUPS is available as an assembled kit (you install) or as 'loose parts' (you assemble and install) or factory installed. We pay shipping one way for factory installation (UPS ground). Factory install is available in the continental US only.

Battery configuration

Single and dual batteries are available. Batteries are available in in both factory assembled packs (50x70x30 mm) and as loose batteries so that you can make up a custom pack for tight spots in small locos. Loose batteries come with pre-soldered tabs to ease the process of making up a pack.  Revolution version supports single battery only but loose batteries are available as an option.

Over current protection

Available in increments of 2.5A up to 7A.

Track power LED

Includes choice of track power indicators, flashing blue for diesel (cab top strobe) and flashing red for steam (firebox).

Bridge rectifier

People with 21V track power supplies should chose the 'low drop' rectifier option to ensure proper charging. Read this link to find out about required track voltage.  Conventional version only.

Output voltage regulator

An output  voltage regulator is also available for the TrainUPS as an option. This low drop regulator will supply a constant 12V at up to 5A to your controller and motors.  Use of the voltage regulator eliminates any speed variation when TrainUPS switches between track and battery power and provides constant voltage to the motors under any load conditions resulting in very smooth operation of the locomotive.

Track Cleaning Kit

Track cleaning kit???! We don't need no stinkin track cleaning kit with TrainUPS!