Hello everybody!

Now even Märklin suggests using the Mobile Station to run the trains and the old trustworthy 6021 for accessories... (In the latest Märklin Magazin). If the accessories are wired separately this seems like a nice solution. After all, the 256 addresses of accessories last for a while, and all the old equipment can still be used.

However, this seems to be a tactic to keep Digital users from changing to other alternative brands... The Mobile Station is even in the 2A version quite limited. As far as I can see it can't be used with a booster (unless a Central Station is used as well) and that means the size of the layout will be limited to 5-6 locos. Track length will also be limitated, as you can only connect at a single point.

Some options: use your 6021 connected to the Uhlenbrock 6021-Loconet-Adapter to have 256 accessories addresses available with IRIS remote control.
Use Delta Controls as boosters with Mobile Station, they replicate the digital signal from the main section to their owned section of the layout. No feedback in this case, but anyway useful to increase the power available on the tracks.
Regards,

I for one would be very surprised if the central station will be delivered this year... The Mobile is at least one month after schedule already...

Regards,
Lars

I think M will deliver OK. Lets face it what Model Rail manufacturer ever delivers on time (OK no need to answer I am sure someone does
Most of this stuff in pretty low tech by todays standard with decoders being considerable bigger than they need be. All model rail equipment has high profit margins due to being classed as toys and low turnover. Dealers selling TVs and DVD players etc would be over the moon if they could get the same profit levels.
In order to produce at a low cost there will be delays but Marklin has always been known for quality and in order to compete with Lenz etc they must move on with the times. I know there are fans of the IB but with virtually no dealers in the UK and certainly none in Scotland it is not something I would like to invest in. This is not to say it is not a good piece of equipment but I would like to have a local dealer in case repairs etc are required.
It will be interesting to read the first post from the member of the group with the mobile station, probably overload on the net.
Off now to Thanos brewery for a lager and a lie down
David

Hi All,

Track length is not limited by the Mobile STN, yes it only has one point for the MS to interface with the track, but nothing is stopping you taking supply off the feeder track and spreading it all over your layout.

According to LokShop, the German Mega set is now out to Q3 2004 and the Swiss is Q4 2004, both originally May (now). So I think we have heaps of time for more speculation, gossip, etc.

I joined the Marklin Club via the USA two weeks ago, and two days ago my first box of documents arrived. Very imppressed with the service. Reading the magazine, it looks though M intend to sell the 6021 for a while yet. Can't see it though for all us "Aware" users as frequent this great site...

I wonder how many dealers might offer the gruntier MS in their starter sets, and try to flick the smaller one off on it's own. We are going to have to be carefull on what we might be looking at...