Now we need an additional throttle

Well, now we need project box number two to use as a base for an old product called a RixRax hand held throttle with a long tether. So, I took out a Stancor 12.4 volt transformer I had and my last RixRax throttle. I had purchased two in about 1985 for a layout I was building then. I had only used one and have already incorporated it into my layout in Weigh Scales. So, this was "old new stock". As before, we layout components to see how we can make this item. The grey item is a base that holds the blue circuit card.

This throttle came as components that were somewhat pre-wired. The base has a portion of the circuitry and the throttle body has the rest. 

My problem is that the throttle body is connected to the base by 6 wires. Those wires connect to the pins on the right side of the blue circuit board. So, I decided to put a connector on the side of the box to make it easier to screw the wires from the layout to the throttle. 

On the box in the background, you can see the 8 pin connector that I am using. I am actually building two of these throttles as the crew likes them so much, I am having to add one to Reed to make the switching there easier.  In this view, you can see that the fuse body is on the base as I could not fit it on the top. The on/off switch is also on the base next to the 8 pin connector (shown on the rear box). 

The tops are pretty simple as all I can mount are the transformer and the circuit card. 

I am trying a different transformer but I am not really satisfied with its characteristics so will go back to the Stancor. This one is a center tap 24 Volt unit, but it does not have the power output I want. 

Here is the completed appearance of the unit but it is also where my problems began. I used a Chinese made fuse holder for these. I had just bought them off Amazon. They were awful. I could not get them to screw on or off reliably. I was using choice words as the last thing I do is fuse the circuit and I could not get the cap off. The darn things cam eina package of 8 and everyone was faulty. So, I have a 50 year old, but unused, Bussman fuse holder and that will go into the circuit. Once I did that, and connected those six colored wires to the terminal block and my hand held throttle, I found that the unit works great. 

Now I have to come up with a new/old way of connecting a 6 pin plug and socket that will stand up to some usage. The cheaper Chinese ones are not too dependable. I have found a source for "new stock" Cinch-Jones plugs which, while more expensive, are industrial strength. 

In closing, I mentioned that the RixRax throttle was from the mid 1980's. I needed another one and went out on eBay to find the one for Reed. Could you believe it, but a guy had just listed a "new old stock" one. I bought it immediately. It is good that I am not the only one holding on to things for eons! That Bussman fuse holder was from a stock I was given as demo's when I joined the company in sales in 1968! I left them in 1969 but they are still paying out!