walk-around throttle

[Anonymous]

Just finished wiring my railroad. Nothing fancy, just common rail, eight blocks, two cab controllers, using Atlas equipment. Now I find I need at least one or two other spots on the layout from which to control trains. What's the best way to do it? gwr.

[nfmisso]

Digitrax DCC with DT400R radio throttle.....

[Anonymous]

That about covers it.... Either the Zephyr, or the Empire Builder Digitrax kit to start.

[der5997]

Since you are DC, have a look at MRC Tech 4 Rail Power 350 with the walk around add on. Uses 6 wire phone line for additional plug in stations. I like mine. Have fun.[2c]

[CBQ_Guy]

Ignoring the DCC crowd, since the topic is for a walk-around throttle and your layout is good old DC, my favorite is the GML line. A few of us have been using them around here for years with no problems whatsoever. They have a website at <http://thegmlenterprises.com/>, and they also advertise in MR.

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CBQ_Guy

Ignoring the DCC crowd, since the topic is for a walk-around throttle and your layout is good old DC, my favorite is the GML line. A few of us have been using them around here for years with no problems whatsoever. They have a website at <http://thegmlenterprises.com/ , and they also advertise in MR.

How do you flip all your little switches if you're walking around?[:)] Dave
"member of the DCC crowd"

[RhB_HJ]

You can also check out this link http://www.easternmountainmodels.com/eng/html/throttles.html

If you have any questions just drop us an email. Hope that helps.

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

How do you flip all your little switches if you're walking around?[:)] Dave
"member of the DCC crowd"

Very easily if you use the EMM turnout controls http://www.easternmountainmodels.com/eng/html/turnout_controls.html

You see at a glance what's what, don't have to reach into the scenery, it's cheaper than turnout motors/switch machines and as sturdy as it gets. That's just in case some of your operators had a bit too much cereal for breakfast and it hasn't worn off yet.[;)][;)]

BTW I also use a DCC system, goes by the name of ZIMO www.zimo.at or www.mrsonline.net works like a charm. The turnouts on the HOm layout are DCC actuated (manual or STP control) by Lemaco switch machines via EMM turnout links.

Yep, this is a big product plug! Need to do one of those every once in a while so people see that there are other DCC systems out there. No, we don't sell ZIMO, yes, we produce the turnout links.[;)][:)][:D]

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RhB_HJ

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

How do you flip all your little switches if you're walking around?[:)] Dave
"member of the DCC crowd"

Very easily if you use the EMM turnout controls http://www.easternmountainmodels.com/eng/html/turnout_controls.html

My question was just a fun little poke at CBQ_Guy for "ignoring the dcc crowd ".
I was wondering how to throw all those block control switches while walking around. Dave

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

My question was just a fun little poke at CBQ_Guy for "ignoring the dcc crowd ".
I was wondering how to throw all those block control switches while walking around. Dave

Dave[;)]

Actually if the layout is wired in a decent fashion it's fairly easy. Not as easy as DCC!
OTOH you don't have cornfield meets either.

[PistolPete]

Has anyone used a walk-around attached to a Tech 4 280 Dual Control? I was thinking placing the Duel unit in the center of a U shaped layout allowing me to operate 2 locos in that switching area and using the walk-around on either side.

[dehusman]

If you are going to spend the bucks on DCC, especially going radio (and that is a waaaaay cool way to operate) skip the "beginner" sets and buy a full featured set up front. Why spend a couple hundred bucks so you can go back a year or two later and spend more money to "upgrade". A full featured set is no more difficult to operate or install.

I prefer NCE, lots of other guys are using Easy-DCC.

Dave H.

[CBQ_Guy]

[dragenrider]

May I recommend radio control? [:D][yeah] I use an Aristocraft radio control with two seperate receivers which allows for great DC cab control. I can walk with my trains, flip block switches, line turnouts and still run two trains from a single hand held unit PLUS operate accessories off of it. No engine modifications or changes in block wiring! Just put the receiver in line between the power pack and the track wiring. [tup]

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider

May I recommend radio control? [:D][yeah] I use an Aristocraft radio control with two seperate receivers which allows for great DC cab control. I can walk with my trains, flip block switches, line turnouts and still run two trains from a single hand held unit PLUS operate accessories off of it. No engine modifications or changes in block wiring! Just put the receiver in line between the power pack and the track wiring. [tup]

Thanks for reminding me, that's a good choice, too. I am seriously considering using a pair of Aristocrafts for the double track mainline, mostly on through trains.

[AggroJones]

Hey, blood. You can use an MRC Control Master 20. It has huge power output and a long cord to the throttle. It will cost about the same as a Tech 4 Rail Power 350 + The walk-around throttle.

[Anonymous]

Regarding those "little switches", the CBQ guy has it right - that's the dispatcher's job and I want to install a walk around so one of the engineers isn't standing right next to the dispatcher. It gets crowded. By the way, I've only been able to find one manufacturer of turnout controls that stay lit when thrown, but he wants almost $15 per for each controller and that gets expensive with 20 turnouts. Is there an alternative out there I don't know about?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by amtrakpassenger
By the way, I've only been able to find one manufacturer of turnout controls that stay lit when thrown, but he wants almost $15 per for each controller and that gets expensive with 20 turnouts. Is there an alternative out there I don't know about?

DCC NCE, NUFF Said

[Anonymous]

Obviously, DCC is the hot item today. My reservation about it stems from the fact that much of my steam power and some diesel is almost FORTY YEARS OLD - that's right, I've been collecting and playing with this stuff for that long. Right now, I am reluctant to attempt a retrofit of decoders on all my machinery. That would be about thirty locomotives and my start up cost would be impractical. By the way, the old stuff still runs pretty good with regular maintenance, although the new stuff is terrific.

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dragenrider

May I recommend radio control? [:D][yeah] I use an Aristocraft radio control with two seperate receivers which allows for great DC cab control. I can walk with my trains, flip block switches, line turnouts and still run two trains from a single hand held unit PLUS operate accessories off of it. No engine modifications or changes in block wiring! Just put the receiver in line between the power pack and the track wiring. [tup]

How is the power modulation on these? I was looking at a Aristo "Basic Train Engineer" controller which would be perfect for my layout but was wondering how well it throttles. Is it a smooth start from a halt or does it just start moving? does the speed increase gradually or in more jerky increments?