Walk-Around Throttle

[dadret]

I'd like to add a walk-around throttle of some type to my current two rail wiring layout without converting the whole system to DCC. I've found that Alpine Division makes an "Innovator Walk-Around THrottle" and Crest has "The Train Engineer" system.
Anyone have any experience with either of these of any comments and/or advice on how to add a walk-around throttle to a conventionally wired layout?

[cacole]

Check into the Cooler Crawler High Performance Throttle system offered by TracTronics, Incorporated. If you have electronics assembly experience, you can even download the schematic and build your own from their Web site. This system originally appeared in Mainline Modeler magazine in the February 1995 issue, and we have been using it at the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club's 20x40 foot HO-scale layout since then with no problems. http://www.tractronics.com

[challenger3802]

At my club we have W1 walkabout controllers from Gaugemaster, they are great for fine control of the locos and are DC control only.

http://www.gaugemaster.com

Ian

[TonyWalsham]

Dadret,
I make the RCS TITAN-3v2 walkaround trackside R/C throttles.
The latest version has been designed to for regular DC operation.
By simply throwing a switch the way it works is modified so that you will have full realtime control of speed/direction & sound functions on QSI® sound equipped locos.

Full information is available at http://www.rcs-rc.com/track_side_rc.htm

Best wishes,

Tony Walsham (RCS).

[Anonymous]

You should also check out the ROVER, a hand-held throttle by GML Enterprises in Oxford MI. (www.theGMLenterprises.com)
They have a 5 yr. warranty and really work great.
I've had them in use for over 10 years with no problems at all.
gtirr

[fmilhaupt]

I'll echo what gtirr said- I've used GML walkaround throttles on many layouts over the last 20 years- they're as close to bullet-proof as you can get. They're reliable and durable.

---

Fritz Milhaupt
Web Guy, Rails on Wheels, Washtenaw County, Michigan's HO Modular Club
http://www.railsonwheels.com

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by fmilhaupt

I'll echo what gtirr said- I've used GML walkaround throttles on many layouts over the last 20 years- they're as close to bullet-proof as you can get. They're reliable and durable.

---

Fritz Milhaupt
Web Guy, Rails on Wheels, Washtenaw County, Michigan's HO Modular Club
http://www.railsonwheels.com

I'll make it a hat trick on the GML's. A couple layouts have been using them around here for years with no major problems. One trouble we did seem to encounter a lot was when plugging/unplugging. Do it quick and straight, as it seems when you wiggle and jiggle, and do it slowly, you tend to blow the fuse in the main control.

Other than that, they've been GREAT.

[cwclark]

try www.dallee.com I use their throttle and haven't had any trouble from them yet...they hook up to a power pack through the A/C side (one note: you can't use the D/C side for anything else because it will back feed through the pack causing it to not work correctly) and converts it to D/C when it reaches the track..i use a 4 prong microphone jack to connct it...Chuck

[vsmith]

I use the Crest "Basic Train Engineer" system which allows for teather free one train operation. Its very simple to install, it just gets connected between the power pack and the track and uses a handheld radio controller to operate the train. I had mine hooked up and operating in less than 15 minutes. Its great for my small layout allowing me to walk the train around, throw switches and uncouple cars without being tied to one place. Theres a multi unit system that can operate up to 10 trains but a small reciever needs to be installed on each engine.

[jwar]

vssmith. What scale do you use. We tried the HO astro craft and had nothing but problems. burned up several recievers, bought different power packs per Astro instructions to no avail. It sure sounded neat to use. I know the larger scale astro craft work greak for O and such, but the HO to me is worthless.

And yes we contacted the MFG on several occasions and even used an osciliscope to check the transformers for being dirty. Its heading back to the MFG for them to look at the smooking parts.

My openion if your in the larger scale go for it, but if your thinking HO I would highley recoment looking elsewhere to some of the above posts.

[jimrice4449]

I have two of the Alpine units and I love 'em all to pieces. They're in the Walthers catalog at $125 for the 2.5amp and $150 for the 4 amp. I researched some before buying and the deciding factor for me was the ability to tap off of the variable DC ahead of the reverse relay ( a necesity for a reverse loop.) The sockets are standard phone jacks which simplifies any additions/alterations you might want to make. They have momentum and the option of control by knob/switch or push button. I recently had a problem with one of the controlers and sent it in for repair (I'd had it for 5 or more years). It was a model they no longer use so they replaced it for the cost of shipping.

[howmus]

I would avoid the HOTE from Aristocraft. I thought it would be just the thing to revitalize my running the Seneca, Lake, Ontario, & Western in my basement. They on only make a single size "decoder" that doesn't fit most steam locos without major redesigning. Their throttle has a rather large antena that will catch on anything within several feet of the layout, BLOCKED SCRIPTinsertsmilie('[B)]')and even getting the "decoders" is a pain as they tend to "not be in Stock" most of the time. I am now going to go to DCC as it should work well from everything I have heard and is what I should have done in the first placeBLOCKED SCRIPTinsertsmilie('[:(!]').