Tethered DC throttle advice

[Anonymous]

I have been using walk around throttles made by GML for many, many years and have been reliable and troublefree. Check their site for more information: http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/id18.html Cheers

 

THANK YOU FOR THIS LINK!!! I need it too!!!    @; O

 

thanks!

 

TOm M.

[nevets]

Thank you all for your responses.  It has been very helpful.  I am very interested in the GML products, and I also plan on checking E-bay.  I believe I had a Troller throttle years ago, or one similar.  I had to disassemble my system, did not make notes of how to hook up the 4 wires to my power pack, and was unable to use it.  I no longer have it.  Thanks for the warnings about them.

 

[fmilhaupt]

I second the recommendation of GML throttles. A lot of the layouts in my area have used the GML throttles. Over the past 25 or so years, they've proven to be durable and reliable. And the guy who builds them stands behind his product.

The only other ones I've seen that have been as reliable over such a long period of time have been from MRC.

Avoid used "Troller" throttles- aside from the older ones being mounted in a box that's really, really uncomfortable to hold (espeically since they tend to develop sharp edges), the Troller line was notorious for electronics failures.

[ATSFCLIFF]

I have been using walk around throttles made by GML for many, many years and have been reliable and troublefree. Check their site for more information:
http://www.thegmlenterprises.com/id18.html
Cheers

[tomikawaTT]

Rather longer ago than I care to admit, I built a tethered throttle (rheostat and reverse switch - no can motors or fancy electronics back then) in a used Band-Aid can.  It wasn't particularly elegant, but it worked.

Chuck (who still operates with analog DC)

[jamnest]

I had two MRC-20s before converting to DCC and they were nice.  I sold them to a guy in my MRR club who used cab control for his layout.

The price of two MRC-20s will get you into a Digitraz Zepher starter set.  Once you have tried DCC, you will never look back.  If you want sound, DCC is the best way to go. 

JIM

[msowsun]

I believe that the MRC 20 has a "memory" that keeps the loco going when you disconnect to follow the loco and plug in down the line. That is not needed on a small layout.

You can buy or build a small handheld tethered throttle that will do the job nicely. 

Pick up a MRC Tech II Cab Control or similar.................. 

http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/851.HTM

[cruikshank]

You may want to check E-bay.  I have three hand held throttles.  (2) from E-bay and one from a local show.  (2) are Troller paid $5 for one and $10 for the other.  They take 16 VAC in from your current pack and give variable pulsed DC out.  The other is an off brand with momentum, brake, reverse etc.  I think I paid $10 for that.  Same deal AC in , DC out.  A lot less than an MRC 20, but no warranty etc.  Mine have been very reliable.  Dave

[fiatfan]

Hi, Nevets

First off, to the forum.  You don't mention your skill level but have you considered building your own?  I built a couple of tethered throttles from schematics at www.awrr.com .  If you run into problems with it, Fred is very helpful.

Again, to the forum.

Tom

[nevets]

I am in the market for a DC tethered throttle.  I am looking at both the MRC Control Master 20, and at the Innovator Walk-Around Throttle by Alpine Division.  I have had good luck with MRC products, and it is currently on sale from Walthers.  The Innovator has some attractive features, including size and configuration. 

I do not want to get into DCC at this time.  I model the Crystal River Railroad in Colorado -- updated to the mid-fifties.  I will be operating the layout pretty much solo, and do not need helper locomotives, etc.  I could add another DC cab in the future if I wanted to share operation.

I like small steam, and I have 2 short vanderbilt tenders among my 4 older steamers.  I just don't want to get into the work of setting them up for DCC.  Sound, though, can be so awesome!

Any thoughts?  Thank you in advance.