Hi all, i am new here and possibly these questions have been asked before but here goes,
can a digital ho engine be run on analogue? if so what controller would you suggest.
Also i understand the digits in the box code mean something, so for instance what does the box code 3752 signify?
Finally for now, to go digital is it best to get a start set and possibly end up with an unwanted loco and stock or get individual components? thanks Rob

Thanks Renato, do the start sets contain the full digital system or a cheap version? Cheers Rob

Hi Rob,

A good choice is to buy a Start set including the MS2 (60653) and power supply, tracks and of course locomotive and wagons.

This controller is better than the infrared controller, as the MS2 can control digitally also the turnouts (you have to buy also the motors and the decoders for the turnouts).

Cheers

Renato

As above, just be aware also that any digital 'features' of the loco such as Headlights, Telex, Smoke etc will not work under analogue.

I'll further confuse the issue by noting that in some cases (depending on the decoder), the headlights on certain decoders may operate just like they do in analogue, ie they will change direction, but will also increase or decrease in brightness depending on the speed of the loco - if I recall, some decoders have a setting to activate this mode.

Cheers

Steve

Early yes, but at least it's high-efficiency 5-pole, it 'could' be worse and be a 36xx item - first generation digital.

37xx is still first generation but performance definitely improved over 3-pole (poles referring to the motor armature, the more there are the smoother it runs).

Assuming what you have is actually 3752, this was a one-time item produced in 1995, and among the first of the Swiss 460 Loco models with very distinctive and colourful advertising, there were a large number of different models produced and collecting them all would require quite a large display cabinet (and an even larger wallet!) - I've seen a large collection of them and it's pretty impressive.

3752 is the so-called "Alpine Loco", attached below is the page from the 1995/96 catalogue with the item info... (hope it's interesting)

Cheers

Steve

Thanks for all the replies, yes I do own a 3752 as I thought the livery was so bizarre I just had to have one. At the time they were hugely expensive, to me anyway, and rather thin on the ground so it's taken the best part of 20 years to cure that itch. Would I be correct in thinking that all Marklin digital controllers would operate it ok or do I need to match one of a similar age? Cheers Rob

Hi Kevin,

I suggested to run a digital H0 locomotive on analogue using the new white transformer, as this is electrically safer than the old blue transformers.
The decoder installed in the locomotive is of the older type and not an MFX one, so the old blue transformers could be used.

Do you agree?

Cheers

Renato

Hi Rob,

Good choice !

You will have some sounds to operate.

Cheers

Renato

Hi Renato!

Hi Kevin,

I suggested to run a digital H0 locomotive on analogue using the new white transformer, as this is electrically safer than the old blue transformers.
The decoder installed in the locomotive is of the older type and not an MFX one, so the old blue transformers could be used.

Do you agree?

In a way,if checked there is nothing wrong with the old transformers,then they can be used. As I don't have any mfx loks better safe than very sorry ,I use to set up an oval of M-track and 'break' in my 37XX locs and use a smaller transformer from my 2955 started set. I then got a couple of M 280's off eBay,one was used to update my IB on the desktop away from the layout and the other was used for model lighting on the layout.

Best,Dirt.

Thanks Stephen, cheers Rob