Cab-style controllers

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Many modellers always wanted to be a train driver, well with a cab-style controller you can make that dream come true a little. I surveyed what's available from both Japanese and European manufacturers, both analogue and digital controllers. Below are a few cab-style controllers listed, the list does not pretend to be complete. All cab-style controllers are table-top units, only ZTC is working on a handheld (DCC) version.

Analogue cab-style controllers

Cab interior of a KiHa 110 DMU

Tomix

Tomix offers two different styles of cab-style model railway controllers. Both have analogue outputs and 'CL' constant lighting circuitry.

N-DU202-CL

Tomix N-DU-202-CL controller

This controller is the basic variety with old EMU-style accellerator and brake control. A universal version of this controller is available through Japan Model Railways. The controller has meters for output voltage and amperes and indicator lights which show what the controller is doing. Output is about 1 Amp track power and about 300 mAmps for points and TCS accessories. This unit is suitable for N and H0 scales, precluded that you don't run multiple-locos in H0 size. The casing is made of a strong high-quality plastic that has a realistic grey-greenish colour. Tomix point switches plug in on the left hand side of the unit. There are sockets provided for track output (2, each on a seperate reversing switch), Tomix points and 'TCS' accessories. price is a relatively affordable JPY 23,800, which equals about US$ 220 or EUR 210.

N-S2-CL

Tomix N-S2-CL controller

This controller is stunning! It has modern MU-style controls and as an added bonus there's a great sound system integrated in the controller. You have the choice between 9 diiferent train sounds, combined with different horns and whistles. Added sounds are the announcements and level crossing bell. The 'bridge' and 'tunnel' effects modify the sound to simulate the extra noise when a train runs over a steel bridge or when the train is inside a tunnel. The pedal triggers the horn/whistle and there are 3 meters: Volts, Amps and an air brake pressure simulatior meter (rightmost on unit). The little knobs on the case are selectors for the type of train sound, horn and adjusters for minimum and maximum voltage and the 'CL' high-frequency constant lighting system. Total output is 1.2 Amps, the same as on the N-DU202-CL unit. The casing is made of black plastic that is of a high quality, with aluminium coloured accents. The unit again has 2 direction switches, each with its own output socket, a socket for 12V fixed DC 'TCS' accessories and Tomix point switches can be plugged in on the left hand side of the unit. This unit is a lot more expensive at JPY 128,000, that's about 1100 US dollars or 1000 Euro.

Tomytec

Announced at the 2008 Shizuoka Model Show is this tram-style controller. It's a small battery-powered controller meant for use with the (motorised) Tomytec 'Tetsudou Collection' models. Little is known on the control characteristics of this little controler, but it certainly looks nice.

Tram-style controller by Tomytec (photo: N-Gauge Information)

 Tomix cab controllers are available at DM-Toys in Issum, Dortmund and Kamen, Germany.

Cab interior of a JR East 255 class EMU 'Boso View Express'.

Kato

Kato ECS-1 controller

ECS-1

This the Kato interpretation of the cab-style controller. It is a very realistic rebuild of an old-style EMU cab. The casing is made of metal to enhance the prototype feeling. Output is 12 V DC at a whopping 3 Amps, making this controller suitable for 0 gauge models and other larger scales. The unit has one controlled 0-12 V DC output socket. The unit is expensive at JPY 78,000, which is about 750 Euro / US$ 770, which is without the external transformer that will cost you an extra JPY 6,000.

Cab of a JR East 651 'Super Hitachi' EMU

Cosmic

A model shop that have introduced thier own controllers. some of them are cab controllers, which are listed below. Cosmic also offers a cases 3-way controller and a small controller that could be built into the framework of a small layout. Finally, Cosmic supplies levers that could replace the knobs as found on Tomix and Kato controllers. Cosmic is one of the few manufacturers that offer the modern 'mascon' style of control, with the destinctive T-shaped combined accelerator / brake lever. Controls like these are often used by Japan's private railways, in particular those which operate in urban areas.

Cosmic's 'mascon' cab controller (photo: Cosmic)

Cosmic's 'normal' cab controller (photo: Cosmic)

Handles to convert your Kato or Tomix controller (photo: Cosmic)

Digital cab-style controllers

With the introduction of DCC it has become a little easier to develop a cab-style controller, but until now only two manufacturers have introduced such a controller.

ZTC

ZTC 511

  ZTC 511 cab-style DCC controller (image:ZTC)

ZTC Controls offer a DCC cab-style controller. This controller has controls representing those of a steam locomotive, but the controls can be set up to behave like those of a diesel or electric locomotive. ZTC's 511 controller supports several modes of operation, that can be reached through its set-up menu. The controller can be configured as:

1. A DCC controller.

2. A PWM analogue controller.

3. A smooth DC controller and

4. A Zero 1 controller, for users of this system that was introduced by Hornby in the 1980's.

The controller has a built-in DCC command station and a built-in 5 Amp booster. It needs an external transformer to provide the 12 - 15V AC @ 5 Amps needed to power the built-in booster and control electronics. It can be connected to other ZTC 511 controllers in slave-mode or ZTC 521 handhelds. Both ZTC 511 and 521 handheld controllers have X-bus connectors and can be connected to a Lenz or Arnold/Lima DCC system, but an adapter cable is needed as ZTC uses mini-DIN plugs and sockets for the X-bus. More information at the manufacturer's website http://www.ztccontrols.co.uk. ZTC's 511 controller costs about UKP 400.-. The ZTC 505 Master Controller is a moere affordable controller, similar to the ZTC 511, but without the DC and Zero-1 capabilities, which are hardly needed on a DCC-controlled layout.

Good news! ZTC had released a hand-held controller with the lever controller. Mounted in a strong plastic casing it's a perfect match for the ZTC 511 console-style controller.

Cab interior of a JR East E653 'Fresh Hitachi' EMU. Note the comfortable driver's seat.

Uhlenbrock

This manufacturer from Germany introduced their cab-style controller at the 2002 Nuremberg toy fair and it was well received in Europe. The Uhlenbrock controller is made after German electric and diesel practice where the speed is controlled with a handwheel rather than a lever. The unit has a plastic case with a metal faceplate. the handwheel and levers are made of cast aluminium.

Uhlenbrock cab-style controller

The Uhlenbrock controller has no built-in command station or booster, it's just a controller. It has a LocoNet connection which makes it suitable for use with Uhlenbrock's own Intellibox, all Digitrax systems and the Fleischmann Twin-Center, an Intellibox derivative. It needs a seperate small transformer to activate the background lighting in the meters (top right on unit). Further features are the eight function switches and a 'Sifa' key, which simulates the signal overrun protection system. This 'Sifa' key can be extended with a footswitch, the controller has an extra input for it. The unit can be used to control DC-powered layouts as well. The LocoNet output can be plugged in into a small booster unit sold by Uhlenbrock. This booster can be set up to run in PWM DC mode. More information on Uhlenbrock's website, in German only. The unit costs about EUR 580.-.

Selectrix

Users of the Selectrix digital control system always have been a little limited in their choice of controllers. Mr. Frank Keil from Germany built his own cab style controller to control his Selectrix-equipped locos.

A home-built controller for the Selectrix system

The unit is built in a metal-faced casing and doesn't look bad at all for a home-made unit. A professional microswitch joystick is used as a combined accellerator and brake lever, thumbwheels (centrally mounted) select the adress (loco) controlled and additional switches control the headlight and functions. A meter gives an indication of the speed. The unit connects with a 5-pole DIN plug to the Sx control bus. Unfortunately I have no extra information on how this unit was made. Nevertheless, it looks impressive.

RailDriver

This controller is more or less universal. Originally it was meant to be used as a dedicated controller for train simulation PC games, like Microsoft's Train Simulator or Auran's Trainz. With the announced add-on modules you can use it to control your model trains as well.

  P I Engineering's Rail Driver simulator cab

This controller is modelled after modern US diesel practice. It has a combined throttle / dynamic brake controller and several other lever for direction of travel, air brakes etc. It certainly looks very realistic. The unit received good reviews in the modelling press, it's certainly a hefty unit. While this unit is intended for use with train simulator games on the PC, the manufacturer has announced add-on modules for controlling model railways. Both an analogue and a DCC add-on module have been announced. Further add-on hardware announced are extra levers and analogue speedometers and pressure gauges to convert your PC into a locomotive cab!

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