Quick Start
Log in, add your first locomotive, and drive in minutes
Key Concepts
Layouts, vehicles, trains, interlockings, and leases explained
Throttle Guide
Drive locomotives, build consists, and use the full throttle UI
Admin Guide
Install BigFred, configure command stations, and manage users
Get started in four steps
1
Open BigFred in your browser
Navigate to the BigFred URL on your local network (for example
http://192.168.0.10:8080). You will see the login page.2
Log in with your credentials
Enter your username and PIN. Your administrator will provide your login details. On a fresh install the default account is
admin / 123456 — change the PIN immediately.3
Add a vehicle to your roster
Go to My Vehicles and register your locomotive’s DCC address and name. Optionally assign function labels (lights, horn, bell, etc.).
4
Drive
Open the Throttle page, select your locomotive, pick a command station, and use the on-screen slider or a gamepad to set speed and direction.
What BigFred can do
Web Throttle
Drive any DCC locomotive from a phone or tablet without installing an app. Full-screen throttle UI with function buttons and speed slider.
Train Consists
Couple multiple vehicles into a train and drive them as a single unit with synchronized speed scaling.
Lease System
Lend control of a locomotive to another operator for a set duration and speed limit. Great for club sessions.
Interlockings
Coordinate entry and departure at busy locations with the interlocking and signalman features and built-in radio chat.
Remote Handsets
Accept connections from physical Z21 handsets and WiThrottle apps and pair them to locomotives in your roster.
Decoder Programming
Read and write CVs, program addresses, adjust volume and brightness, and reset decoders from the
loco CLI.