Two Questions about Motorising the Horizon Express

[Cara]

My kids and I are looking to motorise our first train. And I am buying the Power Function pieces separately, so creating a shopping list.

My questions are these:

The Horizon Express Kit has a 8887 Power Functions Transformer 10VDC in it. Does this plug into the rechargeable battery box? If this is its only function then I could recharge the batteries separately and cut the transformer off my shopping list?

And what is the reasoning to go with the $50 rechargeable battery box and not the $13 non-rechargeable version?

Thank you very much!

Cara.

[MaineBrickFan]

I believe those who favor the rechargeable battery box like the flexibility of not needing to break down the train as much as they would to replace the actual batteries. I believe you can plug the transformer in without having to remove the box from the train. There also may be an argument that it holds a charge longer (although I guess that would depend on the quality of your batteries). Then there is the savings on replacement batteries.

I use rechargeable AAA batteries myself, but once you factor their cost in, the rechargeable box may still be an economic wash (if not an advantage) in the long run.

I should note, though, that you need the right battery box -- the transformer ($25) and rechargeable battery box ($50) go together, so make sure you buy the AAA battery box if you elect to go that route.

[dr_spock]

You don't have take the rechargeable battery box out of the train to recharge it. Simply remove the top of the Horizon Express engine and plug the transformer into the battery unit.

I went with the AAA battery box for my train since I have lots of rechargeable AAA kicking around the house for my kids other toys.

[Cara]

Thank you very much.

[JopieK]

the LiPo battery is a very good choice, it runs for hours! it is very reliable and very much kid and student proof ;)

[Duq]

The Horizon Express Kit has a 8887 Power Functions Transformer 10VDC in it. Does this plug into the rechargeable battery box? If this is its only function then I could recharge the batteries separately and cut the transformer off my shopping list?

Cara, just to be sure: the rechargeable battery box is not a battery box for rechargeable batteries; you can't take anything out of the box to charge separately. The whole box is one closed unit that contains a rechargeable battery and that can only be charged using the charger/transformer.

Option 1 is to go for the rechargable battery box and transformer, option 2 is the normal battery box and use it with either rechargeable or regular AAA batteries.

In my models the battery box is usually impossible to remove without dismantling half the model so I prefer the rechargeable battery box. It's also much easier to charge than AAA batteries; a typical battery charger only takes 4 and the train needs 6 so you'd need two chargers.