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Offline Chris Dunn  
#1 Posted : 17 May 2016 00:40:34(UTC)
Chris Dunn

United States   
Joined: 17/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 9
Location: New York
I am a longtime O gauge guy (mostly Lionel) but am looking at Marklin because I have very limited space for a layout (39" x 76" at the moment) and have fond memories of Marklin from the 1960s. I expect that reading through this forum will answer many of my questions.

I am considering a modest double loop M track layout. Given that I have only 39" of depth to work with, I am considering using the small 24" diameter curves (5120) for the inner loop. If I do, are there older (pre-1970) engines, passenger cars, or rolling stock I will not be able to run around those curves? Can I use the catenary system on these curves?

Thanks for any advice.
thanks 3 users liked this useful post by Chris Dunn
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#2 Posted : 17 May 2016 03:59:49(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
You will not be able to run large locomotives like the 3047 BR44 / 3048 BR01 / 3021 V200 / 3039 E10, etc - at least Marklin would not recommend you do this. You will be limited to small locos like the 3000 BR89 and 3065 V60 if running with 5120 curves. However, they might run OK, it is a case of suck it and see.

You probably can put catenary over 5120 curves, but since you shouldn't run electric locos on 5120 curves, there would not be much point - again try and see what happens.

I think I might have run my 3021 V200 on 5120 curves when I was younger, but I would not have been able to run it at full speed.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#3 Posted : 17 May 2016 04:42:46(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
BTW, welcome to the forum!
Offline mike c  
#4 Posted : 17 May 2016 04:44:17(UTC)
mike c

Canada   
Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC)
Posts: 7,880
Location: Montreal, QC
I had an oval with 5120 when I was a kid in Switzerland. I got them from a Start Set with a 3029 and small transformer that we used to play with the trains while we were there. My dad had 5100 and 5200 curves at home in Canada. We used to use those curves with most of the trains we had. We had a catenary loop and no problems with powering my 3050 or my brother's Hag 180. There was a problem when using coaches longer than 24cm (overhang) and larger coaches used to hit the catenary masts. The 5120 curves cannot easily be used with switch tracks.

My suggestion would be to consider using a set up with 5100 curves all around and using the curved switches to give yourself a double track passing area at the front of the layout. You should be able to do this within your 39" setup.

Regards

Mike C
Offline baggio  
#5 Posted : 17 May 2016 04:46:51(UTC)
baggio

Canada   
Joined: 21/09/2012(UTC)
Posts: 1,729
Location: Toronto
Hi, Chris, and welcome to the forum. There are some really sharp people here who can answer all of your questions except one: "the meaning of life"! BigGrin

Seriously speaking, and subject to what I will say below, if you REALLY must go below a standard R1 curve (360 mm or 14.17 inch arc, as our friend PERZ indicated in an old 2004 post)) because of space, then use K track on the curves (295.4 mm or 11.63 inch arc). The reason for this is that these are just a bit larger than the M tracks but at the curves seem to make a real difference. I run even long wagons on this size track. With an adapter, then you can use the C track straight tracks and turnouts.

The problem with K tracks are that they may be painful to assemble when brand new, easy to come apart if you untie them a couple of times, have no ballast (you should put one on the tracks to keep them nice and straight) and the turnouts are anything but smooth. The K curves and straight tracks are fine.

That said, if you have 30" of space, then you can use the standard C track. The diameter would be (centre of track to centre of other track) 28.34 inches.

Add a tad more so that the whole track sits easily on the table and not too close to the edge, say three inches on each side, and with about 34 inches of space you are running the train without any problems. With a bit of playing around, you can probably go as far up as an R2 (17.22 inch arc). That would make the R2 track get very close to the edge of the table, maybe one inch from the edge. Doable, but a tad dangerous. Scared

Finally, at risk of being lynched, you could go 2 rail, TRIX - still Marklin, but in two rails. That would give you access to North American trains.

There are lots of choices - start small and don't spend too much money until you know that what you are buying is truly what you want.

We would all like to hear from you again with more questions. A picture or two of your layout may also help.
Offline Harryv40  
#6 Posted : 17 May 2016 22:27:47(UTC)
Harryv40

United Kingdom   
Joined: 07/08/2015(UTC)
Posts: 242
Location: Wilshire
Hi Chris
Welcome to the forum or welcome to the house of fun!
I have recently, August last yeR, started with Marklin.
I have a small area for my railway like you, I have used a Noch Layout Board to give me a better layout, I am not very good at building!

I have used Marklin C Track for my layout, I find it fits the layout Board very well, also it gives a good running connection.

Anyway all the people on this site will be very happy to answer questions or give advice.

Good luck.

Harry
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Offline ozzman  
#7 Posted : 17 May 2016 22:52:18(UTC)
ozzman

Australia   
Joined: 23/11/2007(UTC)
Posts: 1,828
Location: Sydney, Australia
Hi Chris and welcome to this great forum!

Have you considered goofing to a smaller scale? Either N (Minitrix) or Marklin Z?
Gary
Z Scale
"Never let the prototype get in the way of a good layout"
Offline baggio  
#8 Posted : 17 May 2016 23:07:10(UTC)
baggio

Canada   
Joined: 21/09/2012(UTC)
Posts: 1,729
Location: Toronto
Marklin Z? Scared

You need to have very good eyesight to even see the locos! LOL
Offline Chris Dunn  
#9 Posted : 18 May 2016 00:25:54(UTC)
Chris Dunn

United States   
Joined: 17/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 9
Location: New York
Thanks for the comments. For a variety of reasons, I prefer to try Marklin HO and to use M track. Having now looked through various Marklin materials, I see that they note in their 1969 catalog that all engines and even express passenger cars will negotiate the 5120 curves. I plan to run shorter pieces, so it sounds as if I can get away with an inner loop of 5120. I realize this is far from ideal, but life is full of trade offs.

Can someone recommend a good quality electric loco, diesel loco, and diesel switcher from the 50/60s? I'm not looking for fancy; just conventional engines of that era that are reliable and of solid quality. Thanks
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#10 Posted : 18 May 2016 03:06:10(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: Chris Dunn Go to Quoted Post
Can someone recommend a good quality electric loco, diesel loco, and diesel switcher from the 50/60s?


The models I mentioned should be suitable - 3039, 3021 and 3065.
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Offline Chris Dunn  
#11 Posted : 18 May 2016 22:26:12(UTC)
Chris Dunn

United States   
Joined: 17/05/2016(UTC)
Posts: 9
Location: New York
Thanks again for the help. A few more questions:

1. With respect to the three recommended engines, should I be looking for models from specific years or were they pretty much the same year to year?

2. Am I right in understanding that Marklin engines from the 1950s and 1960s did not have operating horns?

3. Am I right in understanding that Marklin passenger cars from the 1950s and 1960s did not have interior lighting?

4. Since I live in the US and since Marklin transformers have 220v plugs, what's the best way to provide AC power? An American transformer (like a Lionel ZW)? A power converter? A third option?

5. Is the catenary system from the 1950s and 1960s considered reliable? Do the electric engines with the pantographs reliably work when running on overhead power?

Again, many thanks for information and advice.

Chris
Offline hxmiesa  
#12 Posted : 19 May 2016 11:50:00(UTC)
hxmiesa

Spain   
Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC)
Posts: 3,519
Location: Spain
Originally Posted by: Chris Dunn Go to Quoted Post
Thanks again for the help. A few more questions:
1. With respect to the three recommended engines, should I be looking for models from specific years or were they pretty much the same year to year?

This is a science all by itself. Use the Koll´s Catalogue or internet references (http://www.hfkern.de/Maerklin/Menue.html still working?)
Generally there were much less variations than in later times. Still, models werre updated continually through the years.

Quote:

2. Am I right in understanding that Marklin engines from the 1950s and 1960s did not have operating horns?

I think it was always an extra. Never factory-installed¿?

Quote:

4. Since I live in the US and since Marklin transformers have 220v plugs, what's the best way to provide AC power? An American transformer (like a Lionel ZW)? A power converter? A third option?

Märklin always produced trafos for USA. Still does.
Marklin 6646 (or equivalent) should still be obtainable! It´s fully compatible.
It is highly recommended that you get one of the "white" trafos, as time will have eroded/damaged electrical insulation in older blue ones, making them extremely dangerous to use...

Quote:

5. Is the catenary system from the 1950s and 1960s considered reliable? Do the electric engines with the pantographs reliably work when running on overhead power?

Yes, it all really works, and is quite reliable. Great care must be taken, though, when installing, and it does make the layout a little more fragile...

Best regards
Henrik Hoexbroe ("The Dane In Spain")
http://hoexbroe.tripod.com
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#13 Posted : 19 May 2016 12:10:32(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: hxmiesa Go to Quoted Post
2. Am I right in understanding that Marklin engines from the 1950s and 1960s did not have operating horns?

I think it was always an extra. Never factory-installed¿?


Marklin produced during the 1970's the 7213 Horn that could be fitted to certain Marklin locos.

Capture.JPG

As for transformers, the 6646 120v 32VA transformer is still available - ask your favourite dealer for details.

http://www.maerklin.de/e...ts/details/article/6646/
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by Bigdaddynz
Offline artfull dodger  
#14 Posted : 05 June 2016 16:54:58(UTC)
artfull dodger

United States   
Joined: 31/08/2014(UTC)
Posts: 475
Location: Indiana, Kokomo
Chris, when I was into vintage Marklin, I got most of my stuff from Ormandy's in Medina, Ohio. An old school hobby shop, owned by a German who spoke the language and knew old Marklin by heart. I also had full catenary on my little layout made of those tight curves and I did run my class 44 2-10-0 without any issues. I mostly ran a 3005 2-6-2 and a diecast blue/cream 4 axle electric. I prefered the diecast metal engines over the plastic shell engines. Mike
Silly NT's..I have Asperger's Syndrome!!!!
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