I got my first one about 15-20 years ago and have used it ever since, it is just one of the major reasons I never went to DCC. My old layout had 4 mainlines so I had 2 systems, my new layout will only have 2 mainlines so 1 system will handle all my needs.
Once you have one on your layout you’ll be spoiled for anything else.
Mark
Although I have an HO layout, I use the Aristocraft heavy duty wireless throttle that’s nominally designed for G Scale operation. I like it for several reasons. When combined with an MRC Controlmaster power pack set on G Scale it gives me plenty of amps to run several trains at once even using multi unit dfiesel lashups. Since its fused for ten amps it doesn’t go down easily. I mostly operate alone so I don’t need multiple throttles. Since its wireless with plenty of range I can go anywhere on my layout without dragging a cord or needing to plug in at a work site. It is robust enough to power the latest engines with sound and lighting systems and run them at prototypical speeds. It is a very economical system to buy and installs quickly and easily. It does, however have a few drawbacks. I would prefer an analog throttle instead of pushbars for speed control. I would also rather have a simple slider switch for forward and reverse instead of two pushbars, one for each direction. Set up the way it is the Aristocraft throttle takes a lot of practice before you can do your switching and other operations smoothly. If I routinely operated with several persons, I would not use this system
Mark, I use the Aristo Train Engineer and have developed my own walk around pushbutton cab selector to allow full walk around operation. It also intergates signaling, CTC and turnout control into the operation of X sections, sometimes called “floating blocks”.
My layout, currently being rebuilt for portablity, uses 8 TE throttles.
I love them, they work great.
I actually only got into the TE about 4 years ago, but have since helped another modeler rewire his layout for the same cab selector system I use.
I chose the TE after seeing them on several HO layouts and then doing a fair amount of research and testing.
I had looked at DCC several times and always rejected it because of high costs and the fact that signaling would still require a complete additonal infrastructure.
Sheldon
Jim,
Those are interesting observations. On the layout that I wired for a friend using my pushbutton walk around cab selector and 6 TE’s, we have regular operating sessions and most everyone has quickly become very comfortable with the TE. The system has been in operation for nearly two years and we operate in a group stting about once a month. Additionally it has seen service to about 6 open houses since it was installed.
Most of the operators also use Digitrax DCC at home or on the layouts of others in our group.
Do you have the newer version of the TE. I ask because on the newest version the direction does not toggle. It
I operate alone so I only need one throttle. Since the short line that is the basis for my layout runs 2 or three trains per day, never at the same time, I use the Basic TE, which can only control one train. I really like it.
My operations are simple but realistic. I have a lot of distance, about 50 linear feet in a J shape, so wireless does become mandatory. I initially thought about using the Controlmaster 20 walkaround, but the tethered cord and extra wiring for plugs just couldn’t compete with the simplicity of the TE. I considered DCC, but ultimately I didn’t want to pay for features or power that I didn’t need. Wireless DCC is pricey.
With my TE, slow speed operation is excellent as well as lighting. My locomotives achieve full headlight brightness at a scale 3 mph. Sheldon’s posts have been helpful in enhancing the operation of a few locomotives that had factory dual mode decoders.
The control bars are handy for using only one hand for controlling the train. With the fine incremental steps each pressing of the speed bars achieves, I’m not sure that turning a round knob could yield as much accuracy. I do prefer the feel of a control knob, however. The immediate stop feature is also a plus on the TE.
I have much layout to finish, and by the time I do, plus the time it takes before the layout gets stale, I figure I have 10-15 years before I’ll want to build a new one. At that time, I’ll check out whatever control systems are available then.
What is a TE, and where do you find this Aristo wireless and can you run more than one loco on each train.And did not MRC come out with a wireless DC i thought that is what i heard.Thanks.
Dear Sir: I have used the Aristo Craft controller for about ten years. I love it. I recently have been building a two level layout with Digitrax DCC. I use both systems on the layout as I have about 100 locos that are DC and 20 that are DCC. I can switch back and forth with the use of 4 toggles. I probably will be using the DC less as time goes on, as I convert my Kato and Atlas locos to DCC . I plan on keeping the DC system for a while yet. It costs about $23.00 per loco for the Digitrax decoders.
Aristo Craft Train Engineer radio throttle or “TE” for short.
They are made by Aristo Craft and used mainly by large scale railroaders, but are designed for use with all scales.
There are several versions, so explaining them can be a little complex. Here is a link to the Aristo web page:
The web site will help but does not explain everything - feel fee to ask more questions. Also they have their own forum and the large scale forum here likely includes some good info if you do a search.
The orginal version, and its updated model, the 10 channel Train Engineer is what I use. Understand this is not command control like DCC. There is a base station that puts the power to the track like a DC power pack and a wireless radio controlled hand held unit that controls speed and direction.
Just like regular DC, it can run multiple locos on one train as long as they are reasonably close in speed. Since it is not command control, there are no receivers or “decoders” in the loco and no “consisting”.
Keep in mind, everthing I have just said only applies to the 10 channel Train Engineer and the Basic Train Engineer.
There are other versions which do use radio receivers in the loco and still use the same or similar radio handheld. The selection of onboard radio receivers does not currently support their installation in ALL HO locomotives and the onboard versions are mainly aimed at larger scales.
The newest Train Engineer product, the Revolution, can be used both ways and Aristo is planning a good selection of HO size onboard receivers from what I understand.
To my knowledge, MRC does not have any wirele
Thanks ATLANTIC CENTRAL the 10 channel sounds like the one i want, so what i can get a new one for and from who.Thanks a bunch.
Trainworld, Star Hobby and Nicholas Smith trains all usually have them at good prices. The retail for a 10 channel receiver/transmitter set is now $240.00. Trainworld currently has them listed for $168.99.
You will need a seperate DC power supply as the TE is only a “throttle”. For HO or N I recommend a simple 4-5, 13.8 volt regulated power supply like tohse sold to power CB radios from 120 volts. They work well and are inexpensive, as low as $20 on the net. I use the ones from Pyramid.
User tip: The 10 channel now comes with a long telescoping antenna for outdoor use. They did make a rubber ducky for indoor use but they may be out of stock.
So, you can use the metal antenna without extending it, OR you can make your own rubber ducky from a hardware store spring and heat shrink tubing. Both myself and a close friend who use the TE have used my home made antenna’s for some time now with no problems. Range is still 60’ to 80’ with any form of rubber ducky.
If you can get your hands on the Aristo Rubber Ducky, they can be cut down to about half he factory length as well.
Sheldon
I, too, used to run my HO layout with the Aristo wireless throttle. I had two receivers and my layout was wired with cab control. I purchased the auxiliary unit for the push buttons and wired it into a MRC sound system. That allowed me to walk around the layout and push buttons for whistles, bells, etc and run two trains at the same time.
If I hadn’t become so interested in DCC sound, I would still be using my Aristo wireless throttle. It worked flawlessly and never missed a radio signal. The instruction books are simple and clear. The hardware is sturdy. If you are looking for walk around capability without the expense of DCC, Aristo is the way to go!
Sheldon Do you know if those throttles are still being made I see no info on their site I sent them an email no response yet
thanks mike
Mike, to the best of my knowledge the 10 Channel Train Engineer is still a current item. The item # is CRE55470 for the transmitter/receiver set. Here is a link to Trainworld who appears to have them in stock.
Aristo Craft is currently revamping their web site and progress on that is very slow. Very little of their product is up on the new site at this time.
A while back I spoke with the owner regarding the future of the 10 channel Train Engineer and was told that as long as they sell they would stay in production, because dispite just comming out with the new Train Engineer Revolution, they had just recently before that retooled the 10 channel model and moved production to a new vendor, so they are hoping it remains a good seller.
You should also undrstand that while a very old company in the model train business, Aristo Craft is a very small company in terms of employees, and is a family owned/operated business.
Also, like most model railroad products, the Train Engineer throttles are made in batches, overseas. So periods of “out of stcok” have and do happen, but that does not indicate and end to production or an end to future availablity, it simply means they sold out and are waiting for more to be made.
Sheldon
My layout supports DC and DCC. It was a conscious decision in order to make a gradual transition rather than by DCC decoders all at one time (just part of the many strategies I’ve implemented in order to deal with pricing). Having DC also helps in testing the locomotive wiring prior to the installation of a decoder.
Although my layout is almost fully converted to DCC, it is still DC friendly and I use the Aristo wireless DC system when running DC trains. I picked it up at a trains show, new in box for $75. One of the best investments I’ve made.
I simply like it because it allows me to remain up close and personal at any area of the layout without being tethered to a non-wireless throttle.
Sheldon
got a reply from Aristo Craft the CRE-55470 Train Engineer is not included in their 2012 production plans however they might be in the 2013 I liked the idea of being able to use wireless makes it a lot easier for what I’m doing
thanks Mike
Mike, I hope you understand that even though they don’t have any right now, there are likely lots of them to be had on various dealer/warehouse shelves. In fact, they may actually know that their big dealers still have plenty and that is why they are waiting for next year for a rerun - next year is only six months away.
Have you checked, does Trainworld actually have some in stock? I’m not sure how their inventory works on their web site, I always delt with them by phone.
Other dealers likely to have them in stock would be Nicholas Smith trains near Philly or Star Hobby in Annapolis, MD.
Sheldon
Sheldon
Thanks for the info I called all three and not in stock any other suggestions ? I don’t see anything on aristo crafts site as per dealers I’ve done a few searches and come up empty so far
thanks mike
I have used the ART-5473 TE handheld some time ago. Now I want to set it up again but cannot find the instructions! (They are in a “Safe Place”!) Would you be good enough to send me a copy of the set-up procedures?