I've kept control of my turnouts, signals and uncouplers through the old style of control boxes. This also allows me to use the layout in analogue mode without any complicated switching arrangements for the solenoid devices.

I think digital control with the MS2 is feasable for a smallish layout with a handful of turnouts, but certainly no more than 10 or so. For a larger layout I would seriously consider upgrading to a CS2.

I see next to no "practical" use for a MS2 in the context of signal/turnout control on an "operational" layout.
- As a tool for setup and testing ... yes
- for a demo "carpet-bahn" ... yes.

At the very least I would look for a 2nd MS2 to dedicate for turnout/signal use (even with only 2 points). But even then I would wire it separately from the track so that turnouts/signals may be switches while the trains are off (recovery from a short/pending collision)

Until Marklin make a "keyboard" that works with the MS2, I agree the bluebox manual method is best. Check costs though
(3rd party and home made devices are available if you are interested in getting into that)

Presumably you would want to reserve one controller for the trains/locomotives themselves.

Also you can actually have 10 MS2s connected together so the equation might become 10 locos or 20 turnouts/signals or some combination in between

It certainly makes sense to go for the "two MS2" approach if you are considering the MS2 for solenoid control.

The CS2 is a better solution for a layout with many devices, but of course not everybody is willing to pay the high cost of these top end controllers for a simple 2m X 1m layout.

I have 30 turnouts on my layout, and must admit its a pain in the proverbial to find the right turnout at the right time on the MS2....I have connected 5 of them to control boxes so far....and my 20 uncoupler tracks are all connected to connecter boxes; far easier to control!
Joe

CS2 would the way to go.....am considering it also, depending on the budget this year!! Have already ordered the Italian cl 897 (ex 94.5), and those lovely set of coal cars from Luxembourg 46083......and loads of preiser and noch "people"!!
I normally buy thru Modellbahnshop-lippe, but they not able to supply the branch line coaches 43058 and 43059; reserve bookings already full!! Do you know of any Marklin dealers in Netherlands that I might contact to see if i can place a reserve on them - they expected to come out Q4 this year...
tx, Joe

Modelbahnshop-lippe is also my usual place for purchases. I would not know a Dutch alternative that's as cheap.

Only 478.91euro outside of the EU but add 10% for P&H and credit card fees

Those Prussian Cars are not yet produced but you could ask Lokshop if they have some available for ordering ! In any case if you want them you should order them from somewhere to avoid missing out Joe, mention to Lokshop you will order a CS2 if they can supply the Prussian Coaches

They are nice and I could imagine very popular, even tho they were produced originally 15 or so years ago by Marklin IIRC
I have them in the era II version which will do for me in the Black Forrest region