A throttle emulator system for a model vehicle includes an emulator module and a DCC interface having a connector to permit connection with a DCC command station. The DCC command station is configured to provide digital signals to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is coupled to the DCC interface and configured to transmit command and control signals to the DCC command station, via the DCC interface. The command and control signals are relayed by the DCC command station to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is further configured for wireless communication with a mobile electronic device such that a user can communicate with the emulator module to control the model vehicle through an interface on the mobile electronic device.