Has anyone ever built or heard of a handheld conventional controller for Lionel products? Being disabled this would make my life a whole lot simpler! I do not mind if is “tethered” or not.
Sorry to keep asking you guys alot of questions but your knowledge and experience is one of the main reasons I signed up.
Ken
Look into a Lionel CAB-1 setup.It requires a couple of pieces to set up,commnad base,powermaster etc,but functions as a conventional hand held very well.I control five tracks with mine and find it much easier than reaching for handles.
Actually, for the Lionel conventional system, you don’t need a command base (unless you use the TPC series). The powermaster is directly controlled by the cab-1. You just need a cab-1 and a powermaster for remote control. Alternatively, a new ZW has four built in powermasters. If you have one, you only need the cab-1 for remote control of four separate power districts.
The new ZW can control the voltage remotely BUT it needs the Command Base to relay commands from the CAB-1. The original PowerMasters and CAB-1 were released together before the rest of the TMCC system and they are the only devices besides the Command Base that can receive commands directly from the CAB-1.
If you want to go “low-tech”, you could use a prewar Lionel rheostat. There are several almost identical models. They’re meant for mounting on a panel; but they’re only 5 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches and could easily be held. You would need only a 2-conductor cable, perhaps heavy zip cord. Here’s one connected to an old transformer:
Bob…That doesn’t look like it has recieved a U.L. (Underwriters Laboratory) seal of approval. [:O]
From the 1929 catalog:
“No. 81 Controlling Rheostat–With this rheostat you can, when using dry or storage batteries, operate Lionel trains at various speeds, or stop and start them at any distance from the track. This is done by sliding the lever from side to side, or manipulating it up and down. This rheostat can also be used with Lionel ‘Multivolt’ Transformers when a gradual increase or decrease of current is desired, without touching the lever on the transformer. The porcelain coil of this rheostat is protected by a perforated steel cover, and air holes prevent overheating. Size 4 7/8 inches long, 2 1/2 inches wide.”
No more dangerous than the track itself!
MTH offers (or at least used to offer) a handheld remote setup that works with their Z-4000 transformer. I’ve used mine to troubleshoot track/switch problems when beyond reach of the handles. Not listed in the most recent catalog though.
Strogey,
MTH makes an Infra-Red controller, if you are using MTH real-Trax. It has an I/R reciever lock on that plugs into the track like a standard Real-Trax lock on, then a Z-500/750 or 1000 power brick plugs into it.
The small (6.5"x1.5"x1") hand held controller has a rocker switch for speed control Bell, Whistle/Horn, Direction and Emergency stop buttons. I am pretty sure that it is a single channel unit that would only allow controll of one track at a time. It works great for something like a single train under a Christmas tree.
The I/R reciever could probably be modified for hard wired use on other track types, but for a proper instalation it is designed specifically for use with Real-Trax. It would control any type of conventional train. Being I/R you do need to have an unobstructed line of sight between the remote and the reciever.
Set up is extremely easy, and it has the same control functions of a standard conventional transformer.
Doug
Hi. Everyone,
I believe the people who designed the prewar rheostat are, probably, part of the ones who founded the Underwriters Laboratory electronic reserch section.
I met a gentleman who did electrical installation work for me and was actually an electrical engineer who worked on the motion picture sound system at the Bell Laboratories in New Jersey back in the 1920’s.
What I’m saying is that these people, back then, were very innovative, intelligent and inventive.
Ralph
The IR unit can’t be assigned to a specific track, aka even if you have independent loops/power supplies. All will respond to the whatever command you issued. The Z-400 remote commander could handle up to six tracks (assuming you had three Z-4000’s). I think Dallee had a walk around throttle/power supply for AC a while back that used a DIB plug/coiled phone cord assembly that you took with you as you moved around the layout. This wasn’t radio or optically based. You set up blocks and moved the throttle to/from DIN plugs located around the layout.
I was actually serious about suggesting the rheostat. There’s nothing dangerous about it; it’s small, cheap, and dirt simple, and an elegant solution to the problem in my opinion.
So, if I am doing my homework right, I need a CAB-1 Controller, a power master to recoeve the signals, and a power house to supply the AC voltage. Correct? Is this a “line of sight” system? Will Ibe able to control other items with it, not that I would want to. Basically concerned if this is what I need and the line of sight question. Thanks!
Ken
That’s correct. Just the cab-1, Powermaster and some source of voltage (any transformer works, but the Powerhouse is a good buy). It’s a radio frequency system, which is better than line of sight. It will work unless you put some big metalworks or diffuse metal wire shielding between you and the Powermaster. It’s on the old Citizen Band 27 Mhz, I believe.
You might as well buy the cab-1/command base combo if you find it at a good price. The cab-1, as Chuck points out, needs the command base (also as cheap as it gets 
to control other modular components you might want in the future, such as the new ZW’s four powermasters, the TPCs (similar to Powermasters but superior in terms of control of MTH PS1 conventional locos and higher voltage capacity, better speed control), block power controllers, accessory and switch controllers (e.g., SC2).
PS-Thanks Chuck for the correction, I had forgotten the Powermasters inside the new ZW need the command base.
No it is not line of sight.With two video cameras hooked up I can run my trains from the kitchen or living room.The train room is fourteen feet away behind two walls.
Ed
Thanks for all the help! Looks like this is the way to go! Is EBay my best for finding a used system for a decent price? Only need CAB ! controller and power master along with from what I am reading a cable to connect powermaster to the transformer? Thanks again for everyones help. This is going to be cool! Oh, one more question…will the basic system still control forward and reverse, along with the whistle?
Ken
Basic system controls anything the transformer can. I would find a reputable local dealer or one of the well known mail order dealers for the best price and to get the warranty (e.g., Island Trains, Charles Ro,etc.). These are inexpensive items when bought at a discount dealer $50-70 each, and it’s not worth the hassle of dealing with possibly defective, non-warranteed eBay purchase, IMO.
The MTH Z400 transformer used to havewireless hand held controls for conventional operation. They are out of production now but can still be found on Ebay and at swapmeets fro about $80.00. I have four of these for my two Z4000’s and love them! I wish MTH would resume production of them as an alternative to buying the DCS system. They work with every loco I own!
Well after all the info I got from you guys I finaly asked my local train store if they new of any of this CAB 1 stuff available. Low and behold, they had a started set available. Drove to Portland and picked it up. Got it home and discovered that it has a comand base, not a Powermaster! I do not own a TMC engine and most likely never will. Now I am stuck with this comand base and still have to get a powermaster so that I can run my conventional trains![banghead]
Lesson learned…never believe that you have asked enough questions!
The rheostat does not require a powermaster…