Walkaround DC throttle recommendations needed (N scale). I would like one that allows for unplugging and replugging while a train is moving. I will also consider wireless, but that's not a requirement.
Thanks in advance!
The MRC Controlmaster 20 is the ideal powerpack for these requirements. Lotsa power and the features you are looking for.
I have an MRC (sorry don't have a #) that goes with their Tech 4 350, believe it also goes with their 250. I have seen them often on ebay, many times as a package.
Digitrax
Best thing going.
The Skipper
CEO Gulf Breeze & Holley Railroad
There's a good one HERE. You'll need to supply the power source: either AC or DC will work.
Wayne
I have a Digitrax Super Chief.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
The MRC Control Master 20 is the answer to DC walk around.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
i am using a couple of Aristocraft Train Engineer remote control units. don't know if they are still available but if you can find one, it is worth taking a look. they are a totally wireless FM hand held controller with a receiver that attaches to your power supply. no tether cables and no need for plug in stations around your layout.
push button control with one hand operation. increase speed, decrease speed, forward direction, reverse direction and big hole emergency stop. i am operating a large basement layout with a partition wall down part of the center of the room and the signal always gets through. never experienced any stray signal problems either.
i am in HO scale but my buddy operates his N scale layout with one of these and loves it.
never had a problem in the many years i have used these but i did have to change the batteries a couple of times. big deal.
if you try to run any of the late sound equipped locomotives, you will have a small problem because the reversing function is not instantaneous. it goes to zero voltage before reversing the polarity. that is not all bad since you can not reverse a motor while it is running and helps when you want to give a little "kick" over an uncoupling magnet.
grizlump
Two Truck ShayWalkaround DC throttle recommendations needed (N scale). I would like one that allows for unplugging and replugging while a train is moving. I will also consider wireless, but that's not a requirement. Thanks in advance!
Be careful. Some are suggesting DCC not DC.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
SkipperDigitrax Best thing going.
FAIL He said DC. not DCC.
Kurtz Kraft Best handheld DC out there for cheap.
BRAKIEThe MRC Control Master 20 is the answer to DC walk around.
Larry, you're right about the CM 20 being one of the answers to DC walk-around control. I have one and it will easily run more than a dozen locos at one time. However, I find the speed control capabilities somewhat crude.
My SCR throttles (powered from the AC output terminals of the CM 20) offer much finer speed control, and a couple of them offer some pretty sophisticated braking controls - very nice to operate, especially running a train merely by setting the speed and controlling it by various brake applications. However, this control comes at the cost of power output. These throttles will capably handle a normal train (one loco and about a dozen cars) anywhere on my layout, but they're incapable of running a heavy train with multiple locos on the point, especially on grades.
The pulse width modulation throttle, to which I linked previously, offers the fine speed control of the SCRs while providing the power output of the CM 20. For my application at least, it's the best of both worlds.
I'll vouch for the MRC CM-20....I have one on my N-O&NW layout. You can set up phone jacks around the layout and unplug and plug in as you go with ease. It has plenty of power and will run multiple trains with no problem.
They're running around $200, which is pricey for a DC pack IMHO, but I've seen them for as low as $75 - $100 on Ebay.
Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R. My patio layout....SEE IT HERE
There's no place like ~/ ;)
Another vote here for the CM-20. I've had mine for 8 years and I couldn't be happier. Great speed control, a 'nudge' switch for good slow-running control, a tether that allows me to 'walk' a train around my fairly large layout, and power enough to run one loco and two helpers very smoothly with long trains.
As I said, I couldn't be happier. And my locos REALLY like it!
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
I also use the Aristo Craft Train Engineer wireless radio throttles and they are still in current production and readily available. With the correct power supply they will power any/all loco consists you can come up with since they will handle up to 10 amps. In HO I use 4 amp, 13.8 volt regulated power supplies commonly sold to power CB radios in your home.
The Train Engineer output is pluse widith modulated 12 volt DC so the slow speed is excelent and factory constant lighting circuits work very well.
You want to get the 10 channel version, not the basic version. The 10 channel version is much heavier duty and allows easy changing of frequencies, etc.
The antenna that comes with the TE is designed for outdoor G gauge use. Indoors you need not extend it or you can make your own shorter "rubber ducky" with no effect on indoor range. Aristo did/does sell a rubber ducky but last I checked they were out of stock. I made mine slightly shorter than theirs from simple 1/4" diameter springs and heat shrink tubing. My range is still over 75' with my homemade antennas.
They are simple to use having only 5 large, easy to use buttons that effect train operation. They can be programed for momentum in several settings or no momentum. They have an emergancy stop button. At slow sppeds, for switching you can reverese direction without stopping first because the circiut in the TE automaticly ramps down the power, changes the directrion and then ramps back up to previous setting when the direction is changed. This is a great feature once you learn to use it.
I have eight of them on my layout, and a friend on mine uses six of them on his layout. I have developed a number of unique circuits to allow walk around selection of track sections (blocks) that both of us use on our layouts. Additionally I have developed special X section and turnout control circuits that reduce the number of asignable track sections (blocks) that are needed, usually by more than half.
And if you have any interest in signals, these same circuits provide full interlocking signal logic.
Anyway the TE is a great throttle and I would recommend it to anyone running DC.
Sheldon
In cable connected walkaround I would highly recommend the throttles from GML Enterprises (http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/), I bought one of their throttles about 10 years ago and it has been rock solid. I bought one with memory so you can unplug the throttle and move it to the next remote jack without the loco stopping. I added the option for adjustable pulse which is great for fine tuning the loco startup. The throttle has adjustable delay and a pushbutton brake. It has given me great service. I've used it for HO scale, but the adjustable pulse has two modes, one for N scale or better quality HO motors, and one for older open frame motors.
George v.
My vote is for the CM-20.
I bought mine on ebay a year ago for about $100 and it is the best transformer I've ever owned. If you'd like a wireless system I'd recommend the Aristo Craft Train Engineer that has already been discribed. I've used it on a local club layout and It's a great system too (although you'll pay more for it).
And to those recommending DCC systems, He Said DC.
Your choice,
Jamie
Cape Vincent Southern Railroad
HO scale Horseshoe Curve in 5’x10’
My YouTube
Here's an excellent system.
http://www.alpinemodels.com/page/page/2874814.htm