Tomix N-DU-202-CL Throttle: Nice!
My layout is an oval of track that I occasionally set up on my desk. Sometimes I add turnouts to this oval. Some of my trains have been converted to DCC; many have not. When I want to run a DCC train, I pull out my Digitrax Zephyr; when I want to run a DC train, I pull out my low-end Tomix DC throttle. I like them both, but neither is entirely satisfactory. In particular, neither offers anything that even approaches realistic operation. Last year, I got the opportunity to do a little driving in an EMD SW1, and the fine-grained level of control you get over a real locomotive makes my Tomix throttle feel like a light switch. What to do? Get a new throttle!
I’d like a throttle set up to mimic realistic operations. The Zephyr has an input called a “jump port” that allows you to use a DC throttle as a DCC throttle (with the auxiliary controls handled on the Zephyr itself), so I need only one such throttle. Indeed, Tomix and Cosmic (among others) both make very nice cab-style controllers that attempt to mimic realistic train operations, and my local hobby store even carries the Tomix throttle—but at close to $300, it’s a bit spendy.
What am I to do? I guess I’ll have to build one! First task: Decide what I want from a throttle. Please feel free to offer suggestions in the comments.
- Single-rail 14V DC input (makes things tricky, but it means I don’t have to mess around with rectifiers and deal with ripple currents, etc., but it simplifies a lot)
- Selectable smooth DC or adjustable pulsed output (smooth DC for Zephyr jump port and Ol’ Growly (a DE10 loco who really prefers smooth DC over pulse power), and pulsed for everything else; I want to be able to experiment with pulse shapes too)
- >2A output (I have some trains that draw up to an amp! I want elbow room)
- Realistic train behavior with physics simulator (implemented in software on a microcontroller. I want to be able to input a trains specifications, and have my model behave as closely to the prototype as possible.)
- Separate throttle and brake controls (and maybe even more than one brake control for different brakes? If I could use wooden or machined handles instead of tiny plastic pot knobs, even better.
- Simple safety operation mode (for my daughter who loves playing trains, but also loves pushing buttons: turns off all the controls but one for simple control of the throttle, and prevents too-rapid acceleration or sudden reversing to protect motor and drive gear)
- Accessory output for turnout switches, etc.
What else do I want? You tell me.