I hope someone can help me with my problem, please.
I had an almost brand new 37181 Maerklin locomotive, but because of an accident I could'n continue using it; I also had an analog locomotive (BR 80) that was part of the 2866 set.
I decided to take the electric motor and the mfx deco from the 37181 to replaace the BR 80 motor and analog controller.

Finally, after about two hours os work, I finally replaced the 3 poles original motor and controler by the new 5 poles and mfx decoder. The only problem I had was I hadn't enough space inside the BR 80 to install the speaker, so I just cut off the wires and didn't install it.

I am using a CS2 to control my Maerklin trains, and my rails are "C gleis".

After finishing my work, I put the "digital BR80" on the lines, and the CS2 took about 15 seconds to recognize its mfx deco, and show it as a 37181 mfx loko, as planned. Everything was going fine, but when I tested my new "digital BR 80" I realized it only moves backwards. The ligts turn on in the rigth direction (front or rear), but it only moves when I select the backwards direction. When moving back, it responds correctly to the speed, but when I select the front direction, it turns on the front lights, but doens't move at all.

I will be very grateful if someone help me to determine what's the problem, please!!!

Hi Tom,

Thanks a lot!!! I really appreciate your comment.

You're right, I bought the 37181 some time ago and paid a Märklin representative to install the mfx deco to it. Now, and according to your opinion (the deco seems to be defective) some events start to make sense to me...e.g. sudden fast runs.
Yeah, I made it run with the body off with the same symptoms.

Seems to me the en of the story...I will have to replace the deco (but keep the 5 pole motor installed!).

Just an additional and final advise: What deco you wold recommend me to buy? (I will try to buy it on eBay)


Best Regards,

Dan

Hi Tom,

As you said, not much room inside the BR80. I will try the Märklin 60492, mainly because of your recommendations: I want to change the brand (the one I have now is not Märklin, but a "sealed" one with a black plastic envelope), and because it has pins to be able to change the deco if a new desaster come across. The deco is posted in eBay for about US$49, and I think it is worth it to buy and try!!!

Thanks a lot again. You have been more than kind advising me in this matter.

Regards from Chile!

I'm not sure if the board from 60942 will fit into the BR 80. Maybe someone else experience?

There also is Märklin 60962 - a decoder in a black plastic tube. So maybe your decoder is from Märklin.

You can use the CS2 to determine the manufacturer of your decoder (see post #165):
https://www.marklin-user...y-models.aspx#post478819