Hi Joe, Thanks for your comments. You are right it does make being an engineer so much more fun and it really gives you a feeling that you are in the cab of the locomotive. This throttle is perfect for two person crews. Check out the ProtoThrottle website for more information.-Tom

Hi Mike, Thanks for your comments. I got to operate with the ProtoThrottle after we filmed the ops session and it was awesome. It really places you in the cab of the locomotive when operating. Thanks for the comments on my MRP article, I am honored to be included in the issue with so many excellent layouts and articles.-Tom

Hi David, Thanks for your comments. I got to operate with it after we filmed and it was the most realistic throttle I have ever used. I really felt like I was running a prototype locomotive. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to try one for yourself, once you operate with it the standard knob throttles don't feel right anymore.-Tom

Thanks for your comments. I had a chance to operate with the ProtoThrottle after we filmed this promo and it was amazing how realistic it is to operate.-Tom

Hi Tom, Thanks for your comments. I am on the list to get one as soon as they have the Digitrax interface receiver worked out. It really is a lot of fun to operate. I got to run a short ops session with the throttle after we finished filming and it is the most realistic throttle I have ever operated. Stay tuned for more updates.-Tom

Hi Craig, Thanks for the comments. I got to operate with the throttle after we finished filming and it was a blast to operate, very realistic.-Tom

Hi, Thanks for your comments and I am glad the video was helpful. If you go to the www.ProtoThrottle.com website there are more videos that demonstrate how other modelers setup and use the throttle.-Tom

Thanks for your comments.-Tom

Hi Dean, Thanks for your comments. As you saw in the video, Tim is a locomotive engineer for NS and he is very impressed with the throttle. Hopefully if production takes off they can lower the price, it really is a quality product.-Tom

Hi Anthony, Thanks for your comments.-Tom

Hi Randy, Thanks for your comments. You are right it really is cool, I got operate with it for a short ops session and I really enjoyed it. It is the most realistic model locomotive throttle I have ever seen.-Tom

Hi, Thanks for your comments. The ProtoThrottle is the most realistic way to operate your model diesel locomotives. You can see more about the ProtoThrottle on the ISE website at; www.iascaled.com/store/MRBW-CST

Hi Allan, Thanks for your comments. If you have any questions about the ProtoThrottle let me know and I'll try to answer them. In addition, you can go to the ProtoThrottle website at www.protothrottle.com to read more about it. I also have another video with Tim and his conductor friend Nathan using the ProtoThrottle for an ops session.-Tom

Hi Gino's Trains, Thanks for your comments. The ProtoThrottle is really fun to operate with, especially if you like switching operations. It makes you feel like you are operating a prototype locomotive.- Tom

Hi Cameron, Thanks for the comments. Yes, you are correct I will be getting one. It is a perfect throttle for a small layout with a focus on operations. You really feel like you are operating a prototype locomotive. I got to operate with it on Tim's layout after we filmed the promo video and I really enjoyed it.-Tom

Hi Tim, Not sure who that guy in the video is but he really needs a haircut and a stylist! I enjoyed the opportunity to video the throttle and operate with it.-Tom

ThomasKlimoski you can say that again Tom!

Hi, At the present time, you will need a computer running JMRI hooked up to your MRC system for the ProtoThrottle to work. You can get more information at www.protothrottle.com website which has an option to download the operation manual. The ProtoThrottle is a great innovation and you really feel like you are operating a prototype locomotive.-Tom

Hi James, The ProtoThrottle would have to communicate through a computer running JMRI connected to the MRC Prodigy system for it to work. While NCE or Lenz is the easiest way to interface with the ProtoThrottle, the other systems will work but it is a little more complicated to hook up and will need another interface (like the LNWI for Digitrax) for it to work. More information on how the ProtoThrottle can connected to each DCC system can be found on the www.ProtoThrottle.com website. After having operated with the ProtoThrottle on Tim's layout, I found it is so realistic and makes other knob type throttles seem obsolete. Hopefully you will be able to see and operate one soon. Thanks for your comments.-Tom PS I really enjoy all your videos and product reviews.

thanks Tom. I'm reviewing an NCE system, I might keep it around for this protothrottle.

Hi James, I sent a e-mail to Scott from ProtoThrottle and asked him to contact you. You can also reach out to him on the ProtoThrottle website or e-mail him at scott@protothrottle.com if you have any more questions.-Tom

Hi, You can get more information on the ProtoThrottle at their website as well as reserve one at the special introductory price of $449. Iowa Scaled Engineering is planning to have the ProtoThrottle released to the public this summer. It is a great product and you really feel like you are controlling a prototype locomotive. Once you operate with one the regular knobby throttles just won't feel right. Here is the link to the ProtoThrottle website. www.protothrottle.com/ -Tom

Hi Ron, It is best to keep a standard for your decoders, whatever brand you prefer. For me my preferred decoder is ESU LokSound. With one brand it makes setting up your locomotives to work with the ProtoThrottle easier. Also I have a Lok Programmer so I can make all my function assignments using the program, like when setting up the headlights to work with the ProtoThrottle. There is some initial work to get everything set up to work with the ProtoThrottle but once it is done you just call up the locomotive number on the throttle and operate. I also have a "flattened" speed curve so the maximum speed of all my locomotives is 15 MPH, more than fast enough for my small switching layout. If you have more questions about the ProtoThrottle you can contact me through my website at www.ThomasKlimoski.com

Hi, Tim's layout is operated with a wireless NCE system. The ProtoThrottle has two options for receivers, one for NCE and Lenz, and another for Digitrax or layouts with JMRI set up. When you purchase the ProtoThrottle you need to purchase the correct receiver for your system. For NCE the receiver plugs into the Cab buss system and is ready to go, with the one for Digitrax you need a LNWI connected to the system for the wireless receiver to connect. Yes, you can use up to four ProtoThrottles at one time with one receiver. More information on the ProtoThrottle can be found on the website at www.protothrottle.com. I also have a video of setting up the ProtoThrottle on my Digitrax controlled layout on my youtube channel.-Tom

Thanks.

Hi, The ProtoThrottle works with the ESU Cab Control system but I am not sure if it will work with the ECoS command station. If you are using JMRI with your DCC system then the ProtoThrottle can connect to that interface. I recommend you contact Michael or Nathan at Iowa Scaled Engineering on their website www.iascaled.com/store/ and click on the Contact link under the Customer Service tab to ask if it will work with your DCC system. Thanks. -Tom Klimoski

Hi, thanks for your comments. The ProtoThrottle has all the realism without the bad side effects ;). Yes when you throttle off to idle the locomotive will coast until you apply the independent brake. I have CV4, deceleration, set to 255 maximum. If you have more questions you can contact me through my website at www.ThomasKlimoski.com -Tom

Hi Ron, No there is no charging port on the ProtoThrottle for the AA batteries. I use rechargeable batteries and get about 8 to 10 hours of operation before they need to be changed. It only take a couple of minutes to unscrew the ProtoThrottle cover and swap out the batteries. -Tom

Hi Dan, You won't be disappointed when you receive your ProtoThrottle, it is every bit of fun to operate as you have heard and seen. The guys at ISE and Scott Thornton have done an excellent job designing and building the ProtoThrottle. It has a quality feel and smooth operating realistic controls. You really do feel like you are controlling a prototype locomotive. I can't wait until I receive mine too! -Tom

Thanks for your comments, I'll pass them along to the developers.-Tom

My friend has been making his own for a lot less. Based off the NCE Cab. You also get the satisfaction of building it yourself.

Hi John, Thanks for your comments. I agree the price is a little high but it really is worth it once you operate with it and see how realistic it is. The throttle is not cheaply built and has a great feel to it with the operation of the controls. Hopefully you can get a chance to try one out at one of the major train shows.-Tom

Thanks for your comments. The developers have been working on this throttle to operate with all DCC systems and have developed a unique throttle that is about as realistic as it can get to operate your model locomotives. Hopefully you can get to see it at one of the major train shows.-Tom

Hi Sheldon, The ProtoThrottle does not have a handle for the dynamic brake but it has one for the locomotive independent brake. You can program one of the function buttons or the auxiliary button to activate the dynamic brake if you want to have it on your ProtoThrottle. That is one for the great things with the ProtoThrottle, you can configure it however you want to use it because it is open source. For more information contact Scott at www.protothrottle.com and he'll answer any questions you might have.-Tom

Hi Chris, Yes the ProtoThrottle will work with any DCC decoder equipped locomotive, but it will not be prototypical to operate with it that way with a steam locomotive. The ProtoThrottle sends commands to the decoder so it does not matter if it is a steam or diesel locomotive that is receiving it, just like a regular "knobby" throttle works both types of locomotives. Steam locomotives use a few different types of controls to operate which are not replicated on the ProtoThrottle. The biggest difference is the notching on the throttle which is prototypical for a diesel locomotive, but not for steam. There are a few model railroaders looking into designing a more realistic throttle for steam locomotives, but it has not been manufactured yet. ISE (manufacturer of the ProtoThrottle) does not have any plans at the current time to develop or build a ProtoThrottle for steam. I hope this answers your question. -Tom

@@ThomasKlimoski and one more thing well it work on pergon 3 DCC sound?

@@chrisscott8934 Hi Chris, Unfortunately as far as I can tell and checking the forums, the Paragon 3 decoder from BLI does not have a braking feature, which would take a lot of the fun out of using the ProtoThrottle for operations. Using the variable brake on the ProtoThrottle is one of the best features of operating with it. Soundtrax and ESU decoders both have a braking function in the decoder and work well with the ProtoThrottle. Again, you can use the ProtoThrottle to operate the locomotive but it won't have brakes that work. The old Atlas QSI decoders have the same issue, no braking function. I changed out Paragon and QSI decoders in my locomotives to ESU so that I can use the ProtoThrottle with all my locomotives. Sorry, I wish I had better news for you. - Tom

Hi, Thanks for your comments. Yes it is a little expensive, but you use it for every operating session so I think it is worth the price for the realism and the enjoyment it brings to operating your locomotive. Hopefully you can try one at a train show or RPM event and decide for yourself if it is worth it once you operate it.-Tom

Hi David, I agree having 10 ProtoThrottles would be a big expense for someone that has a large layout with many operators. The ProtoThrottle is perfect for small switching layouts that only run one or two trains at a time. One suggestion would be to use the ProtoThrottle for those jobs that have a lot of switching and use regular throttles for main line runs. Using the ProtoThrottle for switching gives you the biggest bang for your buck. It is really hard to describe how much fun it is to operate with the ProtoThrottle until you try it. I believe it is the most realistic throttle on the market and gives me the feeling of operating a prototype locomotive. Hopefully you'll be able to try one out for yourself at a train show or prototype event soon.-Tom

Sorry tom but I will never spend this much on one piece of equipment when there is other equipment that is available. I can buy 4 sets of controlers for the same money and they will work just fine. More power to you but I just an not see this spending.

Thanks for your comments. You are correct, the innovations in the model railroad hobby have come a long way over the last few years. I am sure operating cushion coupler pockets will eventually be manufactured. The ProtoThrottle is a great advancement and makes it feel like you are operating a prototype locomotive. This really is a huge step forward in how we operate our model locomotives and adds a level of realism that was not available in the past. -Tom

Hi Alan, The ProtoThrottle uses two AA batteries. The best option is to buy a four pack of rechargable batteries so you will have a set always ready to go. When you place the throttle in idle and center the reverser the ProtoThrottle goes to sleep after 5 minutes, this is basically the same as turning off a power switch to save the batteries. The designers have been getting about 8 hours of continuous operation from one set of batteries before they need to be changed.-Tom

Hi Peter, Thanks for your comments. The developers are aware of the cost and have tried to keep it as low as possible. They understand that this is a unique product aimed at a specific target audience. I got a chance to operate with the throttle after we filmed this promo and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I was operating a prototype locomotive. Operating with this throttle really slows down an ops session which is a great thing if you have a small layout. Hopefully you'll get a chance to try it out at one of the major train shows. Thanks again and I'll pass your comments on to the developers.-Tom

Hi Justin, Thanks for your comments. I got a chance to operate the throttle after our filming session. It was very enjoyable and the most realistic throttle I have ever used, I felt like I was in the cab of the locomotive. I think you'll be very pleased with the throttle if you purchase one. Thanks again for your comments.-Tom

ThomasKlimoski I am really not trying to slag the product. If you are a prototype minded operator, I fully agree with you that this is the best way to go to get the full experiance. I actually want to get a chance to play with this but doubt it will make small train shows in Ontario Canada. Iowa scale engineering definitely makes outstanding and invovative products for our hobby. This is clearly a top grade throttle for sure. I just hope ISE can eventually get the price down to around the 200 to 250 range. At this price point they will sell a ton of these as they will compete with additional proprietary throttles from esu, Digitrax, and NCE. Hopefully once development and intial production costs get absorbed these will fall in price. As i do beleive this is a neat and novel addition to our hobby.

Hi Peter, I did not take your comments as a slam on the ProtoThrottle. As with most manufactured products the price might come down if they get a lot of orders. Remember when flat screen TVs came out how expensive they were, now they are much more affordable. I think once people begin to operate with a ProtoThrottle and others experience it for themselves the demand will increase. DCC and sound started out the same way and now look where we are today, now I have a hard time operating with a non-sound equipped locomotive. It just adds to the experience of model railroading. Thanks again for your comments-Tom

Hi Mathieu, I hope you enjoyed seeing the promo video for this new product. It really is fun to operate with it.-Tom

I'd preorder one, but the protothrottle.com link appears to be down

Hi Mathieu, Try the protothrottle website a little later, they may have taken it down to post a link to the video and are working on upgrading the site.-Tom

Hi David, Thanks for your comments.The metal face plate is custom designed, milled, and the lettering engraved. The back enclosure is purchased from a vendor to help keep the cost down. The complete unit is comfortable to hold even though many had concerns with its size when it was first released. The addition of the "love handle' strap on the back helps hold it to your hand and prevent dropping it. A guest on my Georgia Northeastern layout dropped the ProtoThrottle because he did not use the strap on the back. The throttle fell approximately 4 feet to a carpeted floor, but sustained no damage. Amazing. I can operate for approximately 8 to 10 hours before the AA batteries need to be recharged. It really is easy to change the batteries and I am used to installing batteries in my Digitrax throttles so it is not an issue for me. Some ProtoThrottle owners have retrofit their throttles to be able to recharge the batteries while they are inside the throttle. I highly recommend you try a ProtoThrottle if you have a chance at a train show or RPM event, it really is a fun way to operate your locomotive.-Tom

Hi Will, Thanks for your comments. The battery power really is not an issue as the throttle has a battery level indicator which gives you plenty of warning when the batteries are getting low. I have purchased high quality Enloope rechargeable AA batteries and can get 3 or 4 three hour operating sessions with the throttle before I have to change them. At train shows the throttle operates continuously for 8 or more hours without having to change the batteries, more than long enough for most ops sessions. I have a wireless Digitrax DCC system and have dealt with changing the batteries in my throttles for years so this really is no different, actually better as the Digitrax UT4 throttle has no battery indicator it just stops responding. To really appreciate what the ProtoThrottle can do you have to operate with it, no video can do it justice. Hopefully you can give it a try sometime. -Tom