S06E09 | ProtoThrottle Modification/Upgrade, Twin Cities Modelers Meet, GN in 1970 Operations & MORE

Рет қаралды 7,888

2 жыл бұрын

Have you ever thought, "The Proto Throttle is to big for my liking?" Well, in this episode, we've got a tweak that could change the situation. It's not for the faint of heart, but it'll be a game changer, if you attempt the mod.
We dive into the Twin Cities Modelers Meet, by looking at some of the killer creations being shared by fellow modelers. Everything from the CNW's 400, the Empire Builder, super detailed dioramas, the Free-Mo modules were setup and so much more.
The fun doesn't stop there, we ran the 2nd of 3 operations on the GN in 1970. a couple issues surfaced and with that? we share the resolve.
If you can't find something to enjoy in this ep, you'll just gave to tune into another episode and seek your kicks there. Thank you for tuning in.

Пікірлер: 77

@dwightatnorthernstar1820 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, always makes my day enjoying your videos. Tom didn't great job taking photos also.......

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

It’s great to hear the videos make your day. We’ve been so grateful for Tom’s assistance with being the dispatcher AND for taking the time to document the ops. As I’ve failed to take more than a couple pics.

@Socoolds455 2 жыл бұрын

That guy with the ALCO switchers, pretty awesome stuff! 🤣 Awesome episode as always!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Keep an eye on that Kara Terminal, as Jason Shron, of Rapido, says, “…the railroad of lies.”

@johnbanicki7232 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Love all of the modifications you have done to the protothrottle. It looks great.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks John, so glad you’ve enjoyed seeing the PT mods. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s neat to know how much a person can do with their throttle.

@soo2ndsub422 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see the GP22 quiz time question get readdressed. I had fears the the curmudgeon was going to supply that correction. Another great episode. Keep up the good work.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Luke! You can’t leave corrections to the ol’ Curmudge…he’d not provide much resolve. 😆

@WigWagWorkshop 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the Proto Throttle mod! Excellent episode as usual bud!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

It’s great to hear ya enjoyed the episode…I always wonder if it gets a bit off tangent why covering the mods.

@seanspennywisemiserrr 2 жыл бұрын

I'm really enjoying the proto throttle upgrades. It looks much more comfortable for the operators. Thanks for sharing. Take care. Sean.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

The slimmer throttle is GREAT! My test version is even slimmer, but that took a little more work and wasn’t worth the added effort. The version I’ve shared is much cleaner mod to do.

@splitrock323 2 жыл бұрын

Another amazing episode. That PT has evolved into something really unique.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

It’s still a PT, but it has been through a lot of upgrades. What’s next, taco sauce? 🌮

@paulc1964 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent episode as usual the slim down throttle looks great

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul! You’ll have to try this out. Being a new PT owner, I’m guessing you’d be hesitant in making the venture to the existing back, but you can order one from DigiKey item #1591DBK and possibly get it shipped to the land down under. Try your hand at modifying that one or do like I did and mod the grey one first. 🤔 That was my trial mod (which made too thin…then modified the throttle to accommodate the throttle itself 😬).

@freakazoid5907 2 жыл бұрын

that was a fantastic mod to the proto throttle, I really enjoyed how you used heat to remove and install the threaded inserts - that was not the path I would have taken (I likely would have chosen the crescent hammer / blunt shoving object approach). Keep up the great work!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

“Where’s my mallet?!?” -The Curmudgeon

@ThomasKlimoski 2 жыл бұрын

Every modification of the ProtoThrottle takes it to the next level. Thanks for showing all the steps it took to "slim down" the box and add the exterior battery compartment. I noticed you are using "standard" AA batteries instead of rechargeable ones. I purchased the Eneloop Pro batteries and a charger for around $20 and have been very pleased with their performance. I average 8 to 10 hours of operating time before I have to charge the batteries. It was great to see Scott and Mike at your place and glad you got to meet them in person. As we have said before, it is all about the people that make this hobby great. I am already looking forward to episode 10, can it be the last episode already? Oh Nooooo.-Tom

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

You’re not kidding about taking the PT to the next level. With so many knowledgeable modelers out there, willing to share ideas. I couldn’t resist attempting this, when a good friend said, “Ya know what ya could do…” The rest is history…I’ve got one more to modify, but my test “back” is even thinner. Which took a little more finagling to execute, so I shared the more user friendly solution (which is still slim). I’m ordering up a set of rechargeable batteries as we speak. With two throttles, I’ve only changed the batteries once in each…so either the batteries are lasting or I’m not running enough trains. 😆 Thanks for the info AND for always tuning in & posting. Having met helpful modelers like yourself and inspirational modelers like Mike & Scott…the community of modelers is what it’s about. We’re both broken records on that topic, but it couldn’t be more true. Thanks again for the battery suggestion.

@LogicRailTech 2 жыл бұрын

@@SootheMilwaukeeRoad Since Tom mentioned rechargeable batteries I thought "why not switch to AAA to save even more space when mounting the holder externally?" Though I knew the capacity would be lower and thus need more frequent recharging I did a little research. The capacity of a AAA is not even half that of a AA and the size of the holder doesn't scale down as much as you'd hope. Oh well, so I wasted a few minutes doing the research but still learned something! Now if I only had the same quality of table saw you do...

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

@@LogicRailTech I went down that rabbit hole and looked into the AAA’s, but wasn’t sure how often I’d be changing them. Space was a reason for looking at alternative batteries. 🔋

@troywhalen8235 2 жыл бұрын

Another great show. Love the photo throttle mod, but wonder why Iowa Scaled Engineering isn’t providing these upgrades as the base model. Keep up the great work!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

I asked ISE directly, in a podcast hosted by the Second Section crew… Jump to 2h 1m 48s m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/grqoaLycst2raas.html Nathan at ISE made it clear that, the radio chip inside the throttle has to be a certain distance from a persons skin (hence their thicker box). It would cost the company $10k’s, to get the proper testing & certification to allow for a smaller back. I heard that and thought, I’ll modify my own. A good friend told me he had tweaked his, so here we are. I highly encourage attempting to slim the PT down, just be cautious while doing so. I’m not responsible for any attempts that go south. I’ve done two and modified my “test back” to be even slimmer.

@rjl110919581 2 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU FOR GREAT DETAILED VIDEO FROM AUSTRALIA

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed the content. Thanks for tuning in & posting from Australia.🇦🇺

@mikelustig9793 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video Bill. Can't wait to operate on the GN in 70

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

A throttle is waiting, if we’ve got a session in the making, we’ll try and get you on the crew board.

@nicksanto882 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the Proto Throttle mod! Neat! Thanks for the plug to! ( ; > ) ). Keep up the great work! I do enjoy!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Your Decoder Buddies are the only boards I’ve been using. They provide the cleanest installs, thank you for creating such a great product.

@Perfusionist01 2 жыл бұрын

Loved it!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary, great to hear you enjoyed it.

@IMRROcom 2 жыл бұрын

3:25 Socks then These cats... Hmmm trying to figure out the clue on this one.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

You’re barking up the right tree…those socks are very Dr. Suess-esk. And the cast of characters are crazy Cats…seemed like a reach, but it’s in there somewhere.

@ConductorSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Great segment on the modeler’s retreat. It’s so cool seeing the variety of interests in the hobby!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Well said Brian, variety, isn’t that the truth. So many talented modelers out there.

@MMRails 2 жыл бұрын

Come on, be honest, you loved saying “the role of the mole” over and over again. Another great episode. What’s interesting is that when I first saw that PT, I was like, dang, that’s big. Glad you slimmed it down, makes it easier for me when I come over and run your trains.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Ya caught mole…I mean me, caught me. The slimmed PT is perfect for you Mark, “…smell like cabbage…small hands.” kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kL6CmdF6y6y9dn0.htmlm11s Now, when did you book your arrival?!? I’m not sure how long it takes to travel by sled dogs…do sled dogs travel in the summer? Wheels on the sled?!?

@MMRails 2 жыл бұрын

@@SootheMilwaukeeRoad Lol. They don’t make sled handles small enough for my cabbage hands. ;)

@upmw2k 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent content, I like seeing the GN in 1970, it looks like a great layout, nice collection of Hot Wheels I noticed in the background, with all the mods you've done to that throttle you could've about built on from scratch!, great coverage of the proto modeller meet, I've never managed to make it to one of these in person but love going through the pictures of these, the level of some of those models is amazing, as far as repowering old brass, I actually have one of those in progress now, I picked up an old Hallmark Santa Fe U30CG for cheap and repowered it with an Athearn Uboat chassis I had, now I'm redoing some of the less than fine details, those 3D printed figure were cool, got a link to them for purchase? I got caught up here finally, hopefully I can keep up! looking forward to the next episode

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

It’s always great to hear from you Scott. I like hearing what you took away from each video or noticed in the various clips. My dad has collected Hot Wheels for years…we both actually collected a lot over the years, but it has probably been 15 years since we really were getting cars. As for the modelu figures, I posted the address in a title description, but it’s often hard to listen to content & read subtitles: www.modelu3d.co.uk I picked up a few myself & really liked the end results.

@KingTrump2024 2 жыл бұрын

You mod your throttle like some guy mod their cars !

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Now, if I sold these modified throttles, could they bring Barrett Jackson $$$?

@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304 2 жыл бұрын

The "thin-line" PT mod is quite cool, looks much less clunky and a better fit for smaller hands. My only concern would be that the battery pack does not have a cover and you're dependent on good springs and gravity to keep the batteries from falling to the floor eventually.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You make a valid point and it too would have been a concern…however, the battery mount is actually very solid and have four curved “fingers” to help hold the battery in. You’re not relying on the springs to hold them in place. In my opinion, ISE used quality products inside this throttle. They didn’t want a similar issue, as you stated, where a battery might pop loose inside. If I could share a photo on the thread, I would, to demonstrate the “fingers” I’m referring to. It has two on each side, snuggly holding the batts in place.

@thecnwmondovilinepaulscota7304 2 жыл бұрын

@@SootheMilwaukeeRoad That's good to hear. Sounds like this is one high quality throttle. Thanks for the reply!

@IMRROcom 2 жыл бұрын

Tool Man says "More Power! Arg, Arg, AGR!" and you still can count to Ten when your done or 20 if you try harder.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

I’ll say again, “You’re darn right more power.” -Tim the Tool Man.

@markstafford5586 2 жыл бұрын

Nice

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

It’s all a work in progress, customizing one’s throttle is too fun. Almost as fun as running an actual locomotive. Now, if they only had a steam simulated throttle?!? 🤔

@markstafford5586 2 жыл бұрын

A steam version would be cool I agree. Thin like your modified ProtoThrottle would be even better.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

@@markstafford5586 I think you’re onto something!

@mathuetax 2 жыл бұрын

Yay for Greg Smith!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Greg’s a great guy, talented modeler and it’s always neat to see what he’s up to.

@gregoryamer 2 жыл бұрын

Really dig that throttle chop job. Thanks for posting.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

You bet, I’m glad you enjoyed it.

@gnsamp 2 жыл бұрын

The Proto Throttle modification looks good. And the operating sessions have been coming along. Thanks for another entertaining video. Moley Moley Moley!

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

With all of the ProtoThrottle mods, what’s left to tweak?!? Nice to mole you…I mean…nice to meet your mole…Moooole.

@IMRROcom 2 жыл бұрын

He said "ear MUFFs"

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

😆

@BenMatchett 2 жыл бұрын

Is that black liquid tape the same stuff Athearn uses on the back of their headlights and ditch lights to prevent light bleed?

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

The black liquid tape is indeed what they’re using. I’ve done the same thing lately, it’s good stuff. Keen eye on your part. Thanks for tuning in, posting your inquiry. I hope you enjoy next weeks season finale.

@waynemiller7382 2 жыл бұрын

I'm actually very pleased you have acknowledged and demonstrated that the Proto throttle is not very ergonomic (Iowa Scaled Engineering take note!!), and I can only guess the manufacturer was thinking a reduced cost solution when it was designed around a standard project box. The only thing that has stopped me buying a proto throttle is that if often doesn't pay to be first to own new products and I have been waiting for iteration number 2. I would find it extremely surprising if they are not working on an upgrade i.e. Version 2 that includes a much more ergonomic design of the 'box' aspect, and perhaps even a GE version. I do want a proto throttle one day but I have been patient waiting for an upgrade/Version 2, although the urge to just get on is stronger now. Most people don't own a table saw to the do the reduction in depth and then there's the battery issue. Perhaps a 3d printed box with a shape to include the battery pack? Keep up the good work! I think a magnet in the back of the throttle with a corresponding plate on the layout facia would be a good addition too.

@rdgk1se3019 2 жыл бұрын

Why mess with "AA" batteries when you could use a "9" volt battery with a resistor?

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

I’m actually going the other direction and looking at using AAA’s, so they’re smaller & use rechargeable batteries.

@ArantiusVulpes 2 жыл бұрын

im a locomotive eng for CP/DME in marquette iowa former milwaukee road

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

That’s great, you probably get a nice view from the cab, that so many Milw Rd engineers had. Keep er’ on the rails!

@SoloContracting 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe I missed it in a previous episode, but do you have a source for the project box for the throttle?

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Here’s one of the episodes…I’ve done a couple on the upgrading of the PT: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i7WoiJaYs9_Ue30.htmlm07s DigiKey 1591DBK

@SoloContracting 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@HumancityJunction 2 жыл бұрын

What is the model of that proejct box for the ProtoThrottle? I thought it was the 1591, but it is the completely wrong size.

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Heath, the 1591DSBK (Black) from Digikey…perhaps this will help: Here’s the link to the 4 backs I purchased…bit.ly/39bT4O9

@RonStanek 4 ай бұрын

Why not put rechargeable batteries inside and run a recharging wire inside, with a charging port?

@michaelsmeltzer1105 2 жыл бұрын

I was wondering if you could consolidate all the Proto Throttle modifications into one video? …

@SootheMilwaukeeRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent suggestion, then a viewer wouldn’t have to search for specific content. Perhaps a “Best of Series” that highlight specific tutorials. Thank you for reaching out and suggesting. Have a good one & keep ‘er on the rails.