RE: reduction starters
In making up my starter, I copied the Mac Hodges starter that he sells but mine is left handed.
You have to use the biggest switch you can get from Advance Auto Parts.
Also notice that the switch contacts are shunted with a Radio Shack cross-over capacitor.
If you don't use a big switch and the capacitor, the switch will last only once before it blows up.
I bought the Miller and Dynatron starter at a swap meet. I think it was $90 and had never been used.
The batteries were $5 ea at the electronic surplus store.
The red Sullivan insert came from my Sullivan Megatron that I bought at a Modeler's estate sale.