🚀 Getting Started with Throttle
The Throttle app is your command center for running trains, throwing turnouts, firing routes, and triggering effects — all from a browser on any device. This guide walks you through a typical first session from launch to full operation.
Prerequisites: Make sure you've completed the Installation and Quick Start guides before continuing.
🔌 Connect
Open the Throttle app and sign in or tap Guest Access for a quick demo. Select your layout from the picker — the app remembers your choice for next time.
Once connected, the header shows a green status indicator. For more details, see Connection Setup.
➕ Add a Locomotive
Tap the + button to open the roster and add a locomotive to your session. You can browse by name, address, or icon.
The locomotive is added to your active throttle list and ready to control. See Roster for more on managing your locomotive collection.
🚂 Select a Locomotive
The Throttle List shows all active locomotives as tiles. Tap any tile to open its full throttle controls.
You can drag to reorder tiles or swipe between locomotives. Learn more at Throttle List.
🎚️ Control Speed & Direction
Use the speed buttons (mobile) or slider (desktop) to set your locomotive's speed. Tap the direction button to toggle between forward and reverse.
The emergency stop button in the header halts all locomotives instantly. For the full control reference, see Throttle Control.
🔊 Use Functions
Tap the speed dial button on the throttle screen to reveal function controls — headlights, bell, horn, and any decoder-specific features (F0–F28).
Functions toggle on and off individually. The available functions depend on your locomotive's decoder. See Throttle Control — Functions for details.
🔀 Throw Turnouts
Navigate to the Turnouts page to throw and close track switches. Each turnout shows its current state with a color-coded indicator.
Tap a turnout to toggle it. Changes are sent to the CommandStation in real time. See Turnouts for the full reference.
🛤️ Fire a Route
Routes let you throw multiple turnouts in sequence with a single tap. Open the Routes page and tap a route to execute it.
A progress bar shows the sequence as each turnout fires. See Routes for more on route configuration and execution.
✨ Try Effects
The Effects page gives you control over sound effects, LED lighting, relays, and macros. Toggle any effect card to trigger it on your layout.
Effects are configured in the Cloud app and controlled here during sessions. See Effects for the full list of effect types.
🗺️ What's Next?
You've got the basics down. Here's where to go from here:
- Conductor Mode — a three-pane layout for full-station operation on large screens
- Signals — monitor and control signal aspects across your layout
- Settings — customize the footer bar, switch themes, and configure app preferences
- Home Screen — speedometer widgets, login cards, and layout selection at a glance
That's it — you're running trains. 🎉