Does anyone know how to make walkaround throttles like the ones used in HO for AC power?
Why not just buy TMCC, Legacy, or DCS?
I don’t think making your own controller would be prudent, though MRC and I think Dallee both offered walk-around throttles in years past.
The Z-4000 supports a walk around throttle which is easier to use and cheaper than buying into a full bown command control system (assuming you have a Z-4000). Your next cheapest solution is probably a modern ZW and an original TMCC command base CAB-1. Do you have power supplies already?
I have a postwar ZW and a modern CW-80.
I have looked at using TMCC and a PowerMaster but I thought that a walk around throttle might be cheaper.
Dallee used to make “The Hostler” (a complete power supply system) and the “Yard Master” walk around throttle. I don’t know if either of these are still available and they may not be any cheaper than your other alternatives.
If you can find it, the Kalmbach publication “Easy Electronics Projects for Toy Trains” by David Greenwald has some basic circuits for building a very basic throttle and direction control unit for use with toy trains. NOTE: this is not a remote control system (i.e. rf or ir based), you would still be tethered to your primary power supply(s).
Thanks a lot. [:)] I’ll probably buy it now.
Belated welcome, ttt! [#welcome] Don’t be a stranger.
Jack
ttt, I’m with you on this one and have wondered in my mind how to do the exact same thing. I have used the MRC Walkaround which was part of an MRC transformer and I liked it. As I seem to recall, the walkaround had some kind of phone-style plug to connect to the transformer.
This is a call I’ve been meaning to make for years: to call MRC and see if some how the thing couldn’t be adapted to work on an regular tranformer. I’d guess there’s probably 4 wires into the controller: two from the transformer and then 2 more running back into the transformer which regulate the power to the track. I’ve wondered if you couldn’t slice off the plug and just readapt the thing with the two wires leading back going the the track instead.
And Bob, answering the question for myself and maybe even ttt, why the heck would I want to spend thousands of dollars to replace or retrofit my transformer and all my locos with another system that isn’t as reliable? I do know from reading here, there are those who are very happy with whatever digital system they use.
But over the years, I’ve all too many threads from those who have had problems. Go to the other forum and chances are, right now, there will be a thread about some digital DCS or TMCC or Legacy loco not working. Not to mention the people I personally know who have had to send back either TMCC or DCS locos straight out of the box.
On the other hand, I have a 100% NO FAILURE rate with my supposedly cheap locos… why would I want to change that??? I run trains for FUN, not frustration.
As for me personally, I’ll very happily stick with conventional. A Walkaround controller would be a neat idea I’d be game for.
Wow, thanks. I’m actually thinking about making my own rather than buying one.
Counldn’t one be made by using a rheostat in-line with the track power? (Do they make 20 volt AC rheostats?)
You’d set the transformer voltage at the maximum voltage for the maximum speed you want, and then use the rheostat to control the flow from the positive terminal on the trasformer to the track?
You could easily make it a plug in device.
Radio Shack still sells small plastic project boxes.
Where could I find a 20 volt rheostat? Would I be able to find one at radio shack or home depot? How much do they cost?
I was just going over the circuit in the book and picked up on a line I didn’t see on first pass through. The throttle circuit is designed for use with post war trains but they have been modified for use with DC current (procedure/circuits which which described in great detail in the previous chapter). Sorry for missing this on the first pass.[B)]
Seems to me the problem with making a walk-around controller based on a rheostat is you’re having to ad perhaps 20 feet of wire over which all the track/train current must flow, twice! This could rob power from your transformer and layout plus in the end you’re still tethered.
I used a Powermaster and a CAB-1 with power supplied from my PW “V” Lionel transformer the first time I went “walk-around”. This set up was great, plus the power master gave me a whistle controller function my “V” didn’t have. CAB-1’s and PowerMasters can be had relatively inexpensively on eBay from folks upgrading into Legacy.
Roland
The All Trol Throttle walk around throttle has been around for years. I had one before Command Control became popular for AC trains. Check it out: http://www.all-trol.com/products.html
Lionel made several models of rheostats over the years, like the 81, 88, and 95. They were essential for any kind of smooth control when using batteries and were also used with transformers before the variable transformer was developed. Most prewar transformers could be adjusted only in coarse steps.
I use a couple of type-Z transformers mounted on a wheeled cart meant for a TV set, with a long umbilical cable connecting it to the layout.
A couple of powermasters along with a CAB-1 would probably be the least expensive option given what you already have.
Powermasters, which will control one track each, run about $50 a piece. The CAB-1 is another $60 or so.
If you have 10 isolated blocks on your layout does this mean you need either 10 PowerMasters, or 3 TMCC Block Controllers?
Only if you want to control the blocks with the CAB-1. You can control it with one Powermaster and no block controllers and just make a control panel with toggle switches for your blocks.
You would only use the block controllers if you want to be able to control the blocks through the CAB-1.