I need a control system that will allow me to move from place to place around my layout by plugging and unplugging a multi-pin plug from a hand-held box with speed and direction controls. About 5 locations would be needed and the train must continue doing exactly what it is doing when I unplug and move to another location. I have found such a system at Dallee Electronics but it is extremely expensive. Certainly other guys have done this sort of thing without taking out a second mortgage. How can it be done? What should I consider? What do I have to buy? How much should I be prepared to spend? Thanks.
If you don’t want to go to DCC, but want plain DC power, and can get hold of MR magazines from the 1980s & 90s, there are several plans for building your own walkaround controller with memory by Peter Thorne and others. He also has a book or two you can probably get at your hobby shop that includes some plans for walkaround trottles. If you’re considering a DCC system I am up a creek without a paddle here. I not only don’t know anything about them, I can’t afford them. I built a controll with about five or six parts including a relay from one of Thorne’s plans that works fine for me. When I unplug, the engine keeps running at half speed, which can be adjusted as one wishes by changing resistors. Others undoubtedly know more about your problem than I do. There are some smart fellows out there.