Not sure whether this is the right place to ask this or not.I am considering installing a set of staging yards on my layout. I wonder if this setup would work, i think it would but probably quite wrong. A onntract track, (wheel activated), connected to a s88 which goes to an cs3, cs3 linked to k83 which would activate the signal or turnout. Am i dreaming? Thanks in anticipation, i cannot find this option in any Marklin publications. Ted

Thanks for that, i am using analogue signals and turnouts, so I presume I need decoders on each of these>

Hi Don

It is up to us to make our dreams come true.
Not sure if it would help, but on my layout I have 3 hidden fiddle yards to store trains in shadow stations.
Here is the layout during the testing phase without any landscape


In my case, I use Rocrail, a Märklin CS3 and train detection by occupation zones which are scanned by the CS3 and then the info is shared with my laptop on which Rocrail is installed.

Rocrail operation
- RR follows in real time where is each loco / train and can execute complex decisions based on train length, train type (electric, diesel, steam) train category (slow good, express, international, railcars, etc
- RR allows to declare (not obliged but this is an added possibility) each loco and wagon length, which wagon making each each train
- this allows to avoid sending a train in a block that is too short.
- in complex track arrangements, RR allows to reserve itineraries to avoid collisions

What is the difference between RR management and a set of events programmed on a CS3
- one major difference is that a CS3 is blind (does not know which loco is where. The result is to control trains by signals using stop and slow-down sections
- on RR, because it knows which loco / train is where, to stop or slow down a loco at a block, NOTHING is needed (signals relays, track insulation) except the detection zone. The result is a simplified wiring.
- because trains are controlled by digital (and not by switching off the current), the result is ANY train can be pushed from the rear (Shuttle operation) and STILL obey signal location (stop at the right place w/o complex slider inversion relay, etc.

Here is another video of the RR train management
Notice at the end of the video, the marshalling yard operation


Notes:
- RR is easy to learn PROVIDED you start small, use the provided demo layout.
- RR allows can provide support with its forum (also in English)
- RR allows a fishbowl operation (all trains go where they can depending on track avaliability, permissions, length etc
- RR allows to create schedules (at a specific time, Train Y goes from A to X through blocks B? C?D?...
- RR starts by being simple with little parameters to enter and then offers you additional possibilities with more parameters

Sorry for being so long but there is no real limit to your dreams

You may start with RR, your usual PC and a cable (CAT5 in my case) and you pay RR ONLY when you are satisfied (what you want when you want)
I am just a regular RR user (not selling anything here
Just for the road, another video about shadow stations and Faller Car System

Cheers
Jean