06-15-2009, 08:40 AM
If you are willing to build one yourself, you can do it for less than $20, even at Radio Shark parts prices. Circuits and plans ranging from the very simple to pretty complex are available at http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/Throttles.html and http://www.awrr.com/throttle.html. Whoops, you said you weren't willing to build yourself. If you want memory walkaround - train continues to run while you unplug and plug in at a new location - it will be more complex and costly. If you are looking for a wireless walkaround solution, they are available from Aristo-Craft and Rail Lynx. An infrared wireless DC throttle was reviewed in the most recent Model Railroader.
Unless you are building your own, costs approach that of a DCC handheld throttle (not including the other DCC components). And you have to have 2 to run more than one train at a time. And you need block wiring to run/have more than one loco on the layout at a time (if not already installed). Perhaps replacing your NCE hammerhead might be the cheaper and easier solution?
At one time MRC made a handheld tethered throttle to attach to their Tech 2 power packs. Perhaps you can find a used one on eBay? The MRC ControlMaster 20 is still readily available in hobby shops, and uses handheld throttles. A very good, but pricey DC solution.
hope this helps
Fred Wright
Unless you are building your own, costs approach that of a DCC handheld throttle (not including the other DCC components). And you have to have 2 to run more than one train at a time. And you need block wiring to run/have more than one loco on the layout at a time (if not already installed). Perhaps replacing your NCE hammerhead might be the cheaper and easier solution?
At one time MRC made a handheld tethered throttle to attach to their Tech 2 power packs. Perhaps you can find a used one on eBay? The MRC ControlMaster 20 is still readily available in hobby shops, and uses handheld throttles. A very good, but pricey DC solution.
hope this helps
Fred Wright