66045 can switch the F0 (lights) function on older digital loks (6080-6090 decoders) to "on", and can put out the full 45 VA "juice" as the 6021 can to the tracks, if you have the proper transformer for it. The 6604 can only put out max 30 VA and does not have that loco lights on/off function.

What it practically means is that you can run one lok less simultaneously with the 6604 due to power limitations, as well as older digital loks will always run with lights off... Newer digital locos (60901 decoder + C-sine) will run with lights on. Delta locos will have working lights in either case...

The 6646 transformer is able to supply about 30 VA, so from that viewpoint, there would be no difference except the lights function.

I have seen the new Delta starter set for under $230 here in the USA.

Here is why I think that would be an excellent way to go:

Comes with the $100 plus transformer that will always be of use, also in digital operation. It is the same transformer as in the most expensive $1500 plus Big Boy digital set.

Comes with a very nice, telex equipped, Delta loco that will work in Digital operation, and offers a lot of play value because of the remote uncoupling feature.

Comes with many extra cars, lots of fun for the kids, comes with lots of C-track, always handy, even comes with a full line Marklin Catalog.

Comes with a new Delta 4f digital controller, to me the best way to get younger kids into Digital.

I think the track, locomotive and transformer alone will set you back $300, when purchased seperately.

I think it is a bargain. I even know where to get them that cheap...[:p]


Charlie

It is the 29538 set. In Europe it would be a 29537...

I don't know this loco. But it's fairly common for Märklin to have have a removable top of one of the steam domes, and under it, a screw. But plastic tops might also be snapped on. If it were a Trix model, the buffers should often be removed; but I don't think it is. Surely you can't find the leaflet describing it, bypacked in the start pack? It normally describes both the open procedure, and the setting of the adress.

/Lars

i have the 29816 i paid 300 euros
and i have an excellent metal steam loco which will be converted to digital i have the very expensive rotary crane
4 marvelous wagons a trafo
and a useless delta control
not to mention the rails
i was intenting to buy the ice delta set but the new digital set
cancelled that purchase

by the way Lars i have visited your site
very good one but i wish u had pics from all of your locos

Hi Thomas,
I agree with you about costs of 66045 compared to IB, but when you go beyond 4 Loks, Delta Controls become limited.
The reason of the abrupt stop when you use 6604 could be the way it shuts power off. After you set speed to zero for all Loks, Delta cuts power off in 2 seconds. If you have a longer delay set in your 6090s, they go out of power before they stop. Maybe the new 66045 work in a different way.
Grüsse aus Buenos Aires,

Another difference between the 6604 and 66045 is that you have the speed regulator on the same box as the loco selector with the 66045. This means you can hide the trafo and only have one box visible next to your layout. A bit surprising that Märklin even bothered to release the 66045, but I suppose it was a desperate move to keep customers from using a cheaper digital set from other brands. Delta is really a crippled system!