MRBW-CST: ProtoThrottle

ProtoThrottle

MRBW-CST

The ProtoThrottle™ Realistic Control Stand Throttle mimics a standard EMD control stand including full detent throttle and reverser handles, a spring-loaded horn handle, a push-on/push-off bell button, and fully programmable front and rear headlights with a setting for ditch lights. In addition, the ProtoThrottle comes with a robust faceplate machined from aluminum, including prototype bezels, and anodized to give the look and feel of a real control stand.

"That’s one impressive piece of hardware." – Tony Koester

"I'm having more fun with trains now than I have in years." – Pete Mulvany

"Overall, this is truly a game changer for me... that’s an investment worth making." – James McNab

"...the only description I can think of is WOW!!!! What a cool addition to any layout, it was so easy to use and realistic to operate you guys have hit a real home-run here." – Lionel Strang

Features

Fully wireless throttle
Eight detent throttle handle
Reverser handle with centered position
Brake handle and spring-loaded horn handle
Push-on/push-off bell button
Front and rear headlight knobs with dim and ditch light settings
Auxiliary buttons that can be assigned to any DCC function
Works with any standard DCC decoder
Interfaces to any DCC system (with separate receiver specific to your DCC system)
Highly configurable to suit your operating style
Designed and built in the USA!
Multiple colors and handle options available
Securely store your throttle with the ProtoThrottle Pocket
EMD-style knob and handle upgrades available from Scotty's Model Shop

Due to regulatory requirements, the ProtoThrottle can only be shipped to the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Orders placed with a shipping address to any other country will be cancelled and refunded.

Specifications

Approximate Dimensions: 7.6"(L) x 3.2"(W) x 3.0"(H)

Approximate Weight: 15oz

Documents

The complete gEDA design files are available on GitHub.

User Manual | Menu Map (Legal Size)

Previous User Manuals: v1.0 | v1.1

Schematic: Main | LCD Board

Firmware

v1.2.2 (Rev 4EC009) | Release Notes (4/17/2021)

v1.1.0 (Rev A73AE5) | Release Notes (10/21/2018)

v1.0.0 (Rev A4A983) | Release Notes (06/29/2018)

Update Instructions

$482.00

17 in stock

Qty

Don't forget to also order a receiver for your DCC system!

News & Application Notes

ProtoThrottle Update – Spring 2022

As we near the end of our current run of ProtoThrottles, we wanted to provide an update on the next batch (which, by the way, includes #1000!). When the current stock of throttles in the ISE store is gone, that’s it until we get this next batch back in house, assembled, and tested. See below for our best estimates when that will happen. In the meantime, Spring Creek Model Trains and Des Plaines Hobbies may still have some in stock.

Check back here periodically for the latest updates.

Current Status

Final assembly & testing: Done! We are back in stock with the grey and block faceplate throttles. A few green ones will be coming later.

Updates

May 13, 2022: Back in stock!

April 8, 2022: Faceplates received.

March 25, 2022: Final faceplate machining started this week. Will hopefully receive faceplates by mid-April.

March 8, 2022: Received 117 assembled boards. The remaining boards are awaiting light switches.

February 17, 2022: Faceplates complete (ahead of schedule!) and sent back to the machinist for final engraving.

February 14, 2022: Faceplates delivered to the anodizer, expect to be done in 2 weeks.

Purchase a ProtoThrottle and get Free Stuff!

Now through February 19, get all five color plastic handles and a ProtoThrottle Pocket included FREE with any ProtoThrottle purchase!

New ProtoThrottle Dealer!

We would like to welcome a new dealer to the ProtoThrottle family: Des Plaines Hobbies Read More...

Rebuilding the Hills Line

Excellent modeler and good friend, James McNab, recently completed a video series for Model Railroader magazine on his Hills Line model railroad. Available to Trains.com subscribers through Trains.com Video, this series is now also available on DVD. Check it out!

P.S. The ProtoThrottle might make a few guest appearances…

St. Louis RPM 2021

We will be at the St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers (RPM) Meet this coming Friday and Saturday (July 30-31, 2021). Stop by our tables, say hi, and see our line of products, including some new ones this year!

ProtoThrottle – Realistic Control Stand Throttle
Trainspotter – Rock Solid Train Detection
New!Read More...

Holiday Dreams

Click here to learn more!

Gobble Gobble!

Click here to learn more!

ProtoThrottle Auction

Starting next Monday (September 28) we will be auctioning a custom painted and weathered EMD/Alco “tan” ProtoThottle on eBay. ALL proceeds benefit the Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital. Please consider a bid on this unique throttle and/or share with others who may be interested. Thank you!

Green ProtoThrottles are Coming on 5/13!

Our (very) limited edition olive green faceplate ProtoThrottles are back from final machining. We assembled them last night along with a number of regular throttles. Since it’s an experimental color and there’s such a small number of them, we’ll be releasing them in the ISE Store on 5/13 at 5:13pm MDT for $513. As a bonus, we’re throwing in a set of red/yellow/grey handles in addition to the black handles that come installed.

Using the ProtoThrottle with CVP EasyDCC

James McNab posted a nice write-up on his ProtoThrottle setup using CVP’s EasyDCC system. See the post here.