I’m currently in the process of building my new layout. It’s about 8 feet off the ground so i need to be able to walk around on platforms with throttle in hand. I figure why buy a walkaround throttle system when they are so easy to build? If anyone has any tips, diagrams, etc. please post them here.
If you are starting from scratch, why not go DCC and get yourself set up with radio equipped throttles? That is the ultimate in train control and walk-around capability. Even with walk-around throttles in DC, you are still required to flip switches for block control.
DCC is getting cheaper all the time, and I have seen some deals on Digitrax radio throttles on eBay recently.
Andrew
i considered DCC, and most of my engines already have decoders. But my layout isn’t going to be very big so switching blocks wont be that much of a problem. DCC seems sort of overkill. Im just trying to save a little money.
To answer the question - simple to build. I used to build all of my own when I was running DC. Check older issues of MR, some good articles on them. Also in the Practical Electronic Project book (I think) is a chapter on building one. If you enjoy electronic projects, it’s fun, cheap and easy.
Several years ago, Mainline Modeler magazine had an article about the Cooler Crawler transistorized throttle system, which included schematics for the do-it-yourselfer, or you could purchase pre-etched circuit boards from the designer of the system. The Cooler Crawler article is still available from the TracTronics Web site (http://www.tractronics.com) Go to the Mainline Modeler articles section, and download the Cooler Crawler article. The system can be assembled on perf board using point-to-point wiring just as easily as using printed circuits.
I just noticed your comment that the majority of your locomotives have decoders installed. If this is the case, you need to run them on DCC. Trying to run decoder equipped locomotives on DC is very hard on the decoders and could cause you to eventually burn them out. The same holds true for trying to run a DC locomotive by setting the DCC system on address 0 – motors overheat when ran this way, so prolonged use shortens their life.
running my decoders on DC isnt a problem, i have dummy plugs for them
I’m considering buying one of the Gaugemaster handheld units for my line - these take a 16v AC feed (which will be provided by a 1970’s vintage Hammant & Morgan Duette power pack). I’m relocating switch controls onto the modules that they control, so a walkaround throttle will make life much easier.