I remember borrowing a friend's RailDriver train simulator throttle a few years ago to mess around with when I was trying out the MS Train Simulator program. As I recall it was pretty neat but at the time, it had a few glitches.
So, remembering that device got me to thinking about the lousy ergonomics of the majority of DCC throttles out there, especially us Digitrax users, and the poor tactile feel of the encoder/potentiometer and all those rubbery buttons.
Why don't we have a throttle that is laid out more like the control stand of a real diesel locomotive, or steam locomotive for that matter?
Take a look at the RailDriver setup:
http://raildriver.com/products/raildriver.php
Now, that thing is pretty large. I'm suggesting something that could be hand held or even "worn" on a neck strap something like the real remote controlled locomotives use.
Wouldn't it be a simple matter to have these controls designed to talk to our DCC system? We have iphone and Android throttles that connect through JMRI so why not a scaled-down Alco, EMD or GE control stand with a throttle lever, reverser, horn lever and bell valve (or switch for more modern locomotives) dynamic brake lever and headlight switch that would simulate the forward/reverse; bright/dim mode. Then you could have a row of buttons for the other functions on a bank of switches that looks like the breaker panel of a locomotive.
By the same token, a generic steam engine backhead could be fabricated with a throttle quadrant and reverse lever and a Westinghouse ET brake valve, etc.
Maybe something like this already exists and I'm not savvy to it and this wouldn't replace our everyday throttle when you want to run trains efficiently but for guests or children wouldn't it be fun to have a throttle that more realistically emulates a real locomotive?
Just an idea that struck me and maybe I'm all wet but I'll bet something like this could even be made with 3D printing (shapeways) and made so it can be adapted to an existing wireless throttle, even if by removing the factory housing and using the PC board and components installed into the "realistic" control stand.
I'm aware of some modelers that have wired real 1:1 control stands to their layouts but for most of us that's a luxury we don't have the money or space to devote to.
I think it would be a fun option for running trains... anyone else?
Ed
You can use the RailDriver console with JMRI to run DCC trains.
While the buttons may be small, I'm not sure what you mean about the poor feel of the encoder knobs, the ones on both my DT40x throttles all have a nice click as you rotate them, not audible but you cna feel when you move from one step tot he next. Once I have a train selected, I rarely look at my throttle. Now the old DT100 - that one the encoder just rotates with no perceived indents when it turns, and they don't push to change direction like the DT400. Which just means one of these days I will break one as I keep pushing on the knob and nothing happens. But the DT100 buttons are actual buttons, not membranes. I guess once they added enough buttons to make everything have its own button instead of multiple shift keypresses trying to make 8 buttons do 30 things, it got too expensive to keep using actual tact switches. But I can get packs of 100 now for like $3, so I may try retrofitting one of my throttles with the actual buttons.
If you want a realistic control stand - over in the user videos section here is a complete series of videos with a full mockup control stand - and the windshield is a screen tied to an on-board camera. Pretty amazing. Full F unit cab mockup and all the controls work.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
gmpullmanSo, remembering that device got me to thinking about the lousy ergonomics of the majority of DCC throttles out there,
I think the ergonomics of the small handheld controllers (e.g. NCE) are appropriate for a walk-around throttle.
It sounds like RailDriver setup is targeted for those that would like to feel like they are in the cab of a locomotive. Would the next step be to have a camera on the from of the model locomotive and the RailDriver behind a screen with the image?How far do you want to go?
I believe for some, an attraction of model railroading is the paper work involved in running a railroad. To each his own ... to the extent they can afford.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Halfway down on this page you will find ergonomically correct controls. And not a bad price at all considering what we pay for controllers these days.
On table in fron of train is Brake Handle. Each motorman had his own numbered brake handle and reversing key also shown.
ROARING
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
One manufacturer in Japan produced an approximately 1/3 scale model of a standard Japanese EMU/DMU control stand. It was about the size of a typewriter, very easy to operate, but something of a problem to interface with the miniscule spaces individual Japanese have for layout construction. If it was at layout level it took a BIG bite out of the available real estate.
During a long-ago Southeast Asia tour, I spent some off-duty time 'imagineering' a model steam locomotive backhead that would incorporate the features of a TAT-4 controller with realistic operation of throttle, cutoff, brakes, injector/feed pump, etc., etc,... I ended up with something about two feet square and four feet from deck to top - not including operator space. It would have been a JNR D51 cab in about 1/4 scale, utterly impractical when combined with my real givens and druthers.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - analog DC, MZL system)
Whilst I think this is an interesting idea, and I enjoy using a simulator in an actual diesel cab using its controls at a local railroad museum, I do think I'd get bored trying to drive my model trains using a diesel control stand, and don't even want to contemplate driving my steamers with prototypical levers, rods and spinning taps. However, I do like the idea of blowing the whistle by pulling on a cord or chain hanging from the ceiling.
I don't think my NCE Power cab is prototypical, ergonomic or easy to use with one hand, but I'll put up with it until something better comes along.
Alan Jones in Sunny Queensland (Oz)
I am satisfied with the feel and operation of my Digitrax throttles, but if you believe there is a market for the product you describe, design and build it. Perhaps you can sell them.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
A few clarifications, if I may:
"Take a look at the RailDriver setup:
Now, that thing is pretty large."
I just mentioned the RailDriver so everyone has an idea of how a modern "desktop" control stand would look. It's way too big for me to lug around my layout or even occupy space on a tabletop, even IF I had one cleared enough to set it on.
"and this wouldn't replace our everyday throttle when you want to run trains efficiently but for guests or children wouldn't it be fun to have a throttle that more realistically emulates a real locomotive?"
I don't have a gripe with Digitrax or any other OEM throttle. Sure, sometimes the plug snags on stuff, sometimes the buttons stick, sometimes I'm out of range, sometimes I can't see the blinking microscopic dot that tells me the track power is on but I have three DT 402Ds and four UT4D throttles and two Android throttles and a JMRI throttle and a Sprogg2 so I'd say that pretty much commits me to Digitrax.
My only suggestion was to have a choice for a throttle of a design that would emulate prototype locomotive controls in a convenient package that would be managable to handle. I still have to look for the F7 button to apply the brakes but if there was a little lever above the throttle that I could feel for and KNOW it is the brake lever I think it would make running trains a bit more fun.
Oh, well...
Happy Modeling,
Here's a guy running his layout with a RailDriver unit. The video isn't very good quality. He should have spent a minute finding a better camera angle.
It's not well-suited for a walkaround layout, but if you had a large yard, it could be used by the yard operator.
Steve S
That is neat! Hopefully by the time I am done planning and laying rail a DCC console will be available. Perfect for a small (by most of your standards) layout.
If you REALLY want to go extreme on this then check out Bruce Kingsley's Ultimate DCC Throttle series on YouTube. Here's the link to Episode 1 to get you started!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM2xM0NiUkg
That's the one I was referrign to. I wish I had space to build that, but it would take too much of my layout space away.