I've had no need for either method with a central control panel on my previous DC layouts over the past 35 years. Since opting to go with Digitrax DCC with my retirement (and last) layout and nearing completing all the wiring I thought I'd fly it by the community to learn the likes and dislikes of each method. I have (3) prime switching locations each with it's own push button turnout and siding/engine parking toggle switch control panel, thus a need for (3) holders or attaching the DT402 to a support leg with velcro. ???
I've got 8 throttle jacks spaced around my layout. I use Velcro on the backs of my throttles and on the layout legs. This is a simple and very cheap system. I've had the Velcro on there since I bought the DCC system about 8 years ago and it's working fine.
What I need now, though, is someplace to put my beverage cans. The pink foam is almost all covered with scenery.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasleyI've got 8 throttle jacks spaced around my layout. I use Velcro on the backs of my throttles and on the layout legs. This is a simple and very cheap system. I've had the Velcro on there since I bought the DCC system about 8 years ago and it's working fine.
For a different opinion............I agree that the velcro works well. However if someone happens to walk by and hook something on the throttle, down it goes to the floor. I prefer the throttle holders as they give me a little more security.
I built my throttle holders from wood taken from a Clementine crate and 1" scrap lumber. The holders are painted red. They were simple to make and made from "no cost to me" scraps of wood I had laying around.
My isles are tight and it is a sure thing the throttles would be knocked to the ground if I'd used Velcro.
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
NP2626 My isles are tight and it is a sure thing the throttles would be knocked to the ground if I'd used Velcro.
That's why I put the Velcro on the sides of the legs, not on the front.
maxman MisterBeasleyI've got 8 throttle jacks spaced around my layout. I use Velcro on the backs of my throttles and on the layout legs. This is a simple and very cheap system. I've had the Velcro on there since I bought the DCC system about 8 years ago and it's working fine. For a different opinion............I agree that the velcro works well. However if someone happens to walk by and hook something on the throttle, down it goes to the floor. I prefer the throttle holders as they give me a little more security.
Same here. I use the so-called Universal Throttle Pocket from New Rail Models.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/501-400203
Rich
Alton Junction
It would have been a "bent knee-deep reach" to get to the legs of my layout to hang a throttle from.
I make things because I enjoy doing so.
NP2626 It would have been a "bent knee-deep reach" to get to the legs of my layout to hang a throttle from. I make things because I enjoy doing so.
Yeah,,,,,But think of all the exercise,you would be getting,,,I couldn't do that though,,,I would not be able to get back up,,LOL ,,,OOH OOH.
Cheers,
Frank
Joe Staten Island West
This really is just personal choice; but, I guess I also like how my throttle pockets look.
Having two Cats and a long haired Dog who sheds all year, anything in my house with velcro usually gets loaded with hair quickly. So I will go with pockets when I get to that point. My cats have access to my layout shelf so I have to do extra maintenence to my equipment.
MisterBeasley. . .What I need now, though, is someplace to put my beverage cans. The pink foam is almost all covered with scenery.
How about mounting a bicycle bottle cage to the side of the layout.
Richard
I made mine from some 1/4" plywood and 1 x cut to fit. I made about 5 of them and also painted red. These fit the UT4 but will work with my DT4D as well. This is the only photo I have in PhotoBucket at the moment.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
My 'old' layout had the standard 1/8" Masonite fascia. At the time, I used MRC walk-around throttles and I went the velcro route. It really worked fine, but with lots of people, they could get 'snagged' by clothing. When I went to DCC, I just let the radio throttles 'hang' from the UP5 fascia plates. I did 'recess' the remote turnout throws, but never thought about anything for the throttles.
New Layout(under construction) - Everything will be recessed. Even work areas/car card pockets will be recessed. I was going to go the 'throttle pocket' route as we did at the club, but I am going to recess even the throttle pockets - It is a lot more 'engineering/up front work', but I believe this will be the best solution.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Many thanks to all for the comments. I realized this is a personal preference thing prior to posting but was curious what others had to say - and you guys did just that. I was leaning toward the throttle pocket method (and have now decided to go this route) and ran across mention of the Velcro attachment which didn't occur to me. Now it's off to my LHS for (3) RTR pocket holders!