vintage plunger style controller

[bakerdude]

hey guys just figuring out is it ok to use the original plunger thumb button controller which are original to my set or are their something better i can use.whats the pros and cons.jim

[Hkyfanatic]

What kind of set do you have? Some of the older plunger controllers are remarkably stout. Depending on how they were kept and stored will make a big difference. My first 1/32 track was an old Strombecker and I spent two weeks rebuilding the controllers and made four good ones out of 8 total. In the mean time I bought 2 Parma Economy controllers so I would have something that worked. The Parma's were money well spent and I suggest that you go that rout. They are solid and inexpensive.

Tom

[slotking]

after a long day of racing, nothing like the pain and dimple on my thumb

if mechanical, maybe you can rewrap them with better wire?

but yes the parma controller are a good start!

are just doing pancake cars(like t-jets) or other as well

makes a difference

[RichD]

Thumb operated controllers were the norm in the '60s, I am not certain when the Russkit (now Parma) type trigger finger controller became the more common type. When I got back into 1/24th scale racing after about 20 years there were no modern thumb controllers to be found. Atlas made the best HO controllers in the '60's, today they look a little cheap, but they are actually a sturdy design and they have a proper ceramic core resistor. I have a couple of 85 ohm controllers that only had their worn wipers fixed after all this time. 85 ohms is good for T-Jets, a lower value, like 45 ohms is good for modern inline magnet cars. Atlas did make a 45 ohm controller as well. I don't recall ever seeing an Atlas controller that had brakes. Aurora had a thumb controller that worked by compressing a stack of carbon discs, those were rough on your thumb! Today I use a Parma style controller, but I turn it around so I can use my thumb on the trigger.

[bakerdude]

sounds like its a little rough on the thumb. ill be running a small 4 x 8 layout and just vintage t jets and early afx. nothing serious for time or anything..........just fun..................jim