Narrow Planet - RNAD - Replacement LiPo Battery?

[Andrew Kirkby]

I built one of the Narrow Planet RNAD Kits a few years ago and went with the option of Radio Control using the conversion suggestions from Frank Allen - I ended up with a great loco that ran very well no matter what the state of the track!

However, the loco has been in it's box for a couple of years due to a lack of a layout, unfortunately over this time the original LiPo has now failed - I've been looking around to find a supplier for a replacement but it appears that the original model is no longer available. I was wondering if anyone could suggest a suitable alternative, has anyone done a recent conversion using a current model of battery?

The original battery has the following label -

Hyperion
CX G3 LiPo Power Pack
25C 130mAh
IS/3.7V

Thanks in advance,

Andrew

[Frank]

Hi Andrew,

Glad you liked the conversion!

I too had to replace the battery after one too many occasions when it got left on at the end of an exhibition!

There is a possible replacement on the Micron website, although the cells seem to be out of stock there:

http://www.micronradiocontrol.co.uk/lipo_1s.html

The Nano-tech 150 mAh is probably the nearest to the original Hyperion 130 mAh cell.  It is slightly bigger and so the opening between the hood and cab may need opening out a bit more, but it will go in.

I actually found my local radio control shop (Servo-Shop) had a cell this same spec but a different brand and also one the same size with a capacity of 160 mAh. I actually got the 160 mAh cell to fit.  They list the 150 mAh variant on their website but it is showing as out of stock there too.

Maybe if you drop Micron and/or Servo-Shop an email they can say what they might have in stock and when.  Or if you have a local model aircraft shop (and it is open!) you could pop in and see if they have anything suitable - it is still a standard battery size I think.

Frank

[Andrew Kirkby]

Hi Frank,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I managed to find what looks to be a viable alternative - https://wheelspinmodels.co.uk/s/?q=EFLB1501S25 - They do two batteries with similar a similar spec. I've ordered one and will see how it goes.

I'll post an update when it arrives if it's suitable - at the moment they seem to be in short supply everywhere.

Andrew

[Frank]

Hi Andrew,

That looks like it should be OK.

The Radiant one, the one out of stock, is the same as the one I used.

There does seem to be a general shortage at present, hopefully it is due to Covid-19 and will improve as things get back to "normal".

Frank