Hi, Joseph,

Installing a Delta chip requires basic soldering skills (six wires for your BR 89.0).
A Delta Control 6604 does not support any digital functions and cannot program modern decoders. If there is a chance you'll get any modern digital locos in the near future, getting an MS2 instead would probably be a good move.
This would also allow to get a better decoder for the BR 89.0.

If you're happy with analogue operations, a cheap Delta Control could be a good move.

How much is deeply discounted?

A few years ago I bought a 6604 new, boxed, from German dealer for 1 Euro on eBay. Nowadays I expect to get one for 10 or 15 Euros.

$62 seems pretty high to me. Maybe a forum member can make you a better price.

There is one on ebay.com now for 49 USD....

Why to get delta controllers when it´s much more fun to play with digital system?
In my case...it´s worthless to get delta controller when you can buy an MS2.
Even as collector you can always pick up an digital locomotivs with severals digital functions(sounds) to play.
Marklin don´t producing delta controller any more time...and i don´t think they do service too with delta controller if it brokes.
Warranty don´t excist to buy used products.
So if you buy an used delta controller...you loss money.

The Delta Control 66045 has a much better speed knob than the MS2, especially if you use Delta/MM locos only - just like the trusty ol' CU 6021.
The advantages of the MS2 come into play when you get programmable decoders, DCC, mfx or MM with more than one function - or more than 5 locos.

So for many the MS2 will probably be the better choice, but for some the DC 66045 will be a very good choice.

So this is just another area where it's good that we have a choice.

Used items from professional sellers come with warranty.
You can still get Delta Controls new from dealers with full warranty.

If you buy used from a private seller, you have to bear the risk of failures. I wouldn't take that risk with a CS2, but I would take it with a sturdy Delta Control.

My old 66045 was an excellent controller. The only reason I moved on to the 6021 was it's inability to reprogram addresses on decoders with no DIP switches, which somewhat limits its use with modern locos.

Joseph, my advice to you would be to get a MS2 controller, which allows you to expand your enjoyment by buying new locos in the future.

If you are set on buying the Delta controller then just be aware that any new loco you buy must be set to one of the Delta adresses by your dealer, or anyone you know with a more advanced controller. Alternatively you can buy used Delta locomotives which can be found at excellent prices on Ebay.

On the question about your Br89 tank loco, I converted one of mine in about ten minutes with a 66031 Delta decoder. If you are handy with a soldering iron it's a breeze. If you don't fancy soldering, then buy a used Br89 from a starter set, making sure it's one which already comes with a Delta decoder fitted. These are very common and can sometimes be found on ebay for about the price of a new decoder. Look for locos from sets 2915, 2916, 29205, 29206, 29145, 29146, or the locos sold on their own under the catalogue number 30000.

You are right of course,

My Marklin HO layout is small and I don't plan to or have room to expand so the older delta looked like a safe entry . If I had a large layout, I would transition to digital. PS I bought my 2nd Marklin steam loco from a very nice train shop in Stockholm ! Have a great mid somer!

It can be modified to support 15 addresses. Or 255 addresses with DDW/DDL.

Or the infrared starter set controller, an ECoS, a CU 6021, an Intellibox.

I started digital MRR with a Delta Control. Delta Control was fine for me with up to eight locos (two for each address).
Then I connected the Delta Control to a laptop PC with DDW to get 255 addresses and 5 functions per address.