According to Märklin manuals and web site, this should work if you buy an adaptor cable. The adaptor cable is unfortunately not released yet. So you will have to wait for the adaptor cable to be available from Märklin before you can do it. The article number for the adaptor cable is 610479. The list price for this cable on the Märklin web site is 16.14 Euro.

John,

Have you actually been able to get hold of that cable ? For a few bucks only ?

But do they really have it ?

One IB for 400euro will let you control two loks ot once.
Two Loks for 100-300eu, and you get a system with more features.

Hi there,

I can recommend you to buy the 29820 (in the US: 29821) starter set (unless you want american type trains), as it contains 2 engines WITH the latest type of decoder (mfx) and sounds in them. My doughters prefer these engines compared to those bought for them... (just because they sound like trains - especially the steamer). If you then need a 2:nd Mobile Station either go for another starter set (to get som more tracks) or get a single unit (either on eBay or in a shop). In case of another starter set - keep that loco for yourself until converted into the same "standard" as the others.

I surely will have to retrofit my kids engines with the LokSound mfx-decoder to regain control over MY locos!!! . Unfortunately that won't happen until after Christmas...

Regarding pricing - as I live in Sweden it has always been cheaper to buy directly from Germany, either by a shop or from eBay. Even if the prices has gone down here, they still don't compare to those in Germany (unless I need a few tracks, as the postage then eats the price I gain).

Then again - I would prefer to buy in Sweden as buying abroad I have no personal link to the seller... which I really lack.

On certain expensive items though there is no possibility to obtain them in Sweden, as I can save 100€ buying abroad...

So - you must feel yourself, on every item: "-Do I want to pay that price they ask for, or should I buy somewhere else."

Some support for a local dealer should be obtained though - as they're good to have there...

Fredrik.

I agree with Fredrik regarding the starter set and although it may cost more by buying from a local dealer you will have the back up to help with questions you may have etc. Thereafter when you are familiar with Marklin you could look at the German retail sites for better prices. Be warned when you start you just keep on going!!!
David

My guess is that the cost of maintaining a shop in NYC is much higher than Germany.. I wonder how many sales per hour you would have to make, just to pay the lease\mortgage\rates etc..

The value of land there must be atronomical!

Yup, welcome to New York!
I have been to both places mentioned.
This is why, even though I live less than 4 km from them, I was on a quest yesterday to find a dealer that I can deal with.[:(!]High rents are not an excuse for poor customer service.
Good news[:o)]
So I took a Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal to Croton Falls (a 75 minute trip). Got off the train and literally steps away from the station found a small shop (RJF trains) with M* signs-looked just like some of the small shops in Europe.
Walked in, got a big hello and a handshake. Was offered donuts and a tour around the shop. This was an open house so the local M* rep was there, but I got the grand tour because I got there 15 minutes after open.
Small shop with not a huge selection, but all the basics were there. The owner is really into digital and had a shop layout with all M* locos, rolling stock digitally controlled with IB (he was careful not to push Uhlenbrock in front of the M* rep). I loved to see a converted 3067 and an old beatup Rangierlok running around the layout.
Everything in the shop was clean and the owner obviously into this hobby. He gave me his home phone (he apparently does this a lot, must drive his wife nuts)in case I have a loco emergency in the middle of the night.
Spent a couple of hours there-talked to a bunch of customers-serious collectors/operators from all over the region.
Bought the 29751 start set-he checked everything and made sure I knew how to set it up. He threw in a big M* tote bag to carry it home when he heard I was taking the train.
Price on start set about $30 US above online. No complaints there-well worth the extra. He is apparently trusted to do lots of digital conversions.
This is what I have been looking for in a dealer, and this guy will definitely see more business (and more profitable business) from me in the future.

I don't know the list price in Germany. The US M* site listed the 29751 start set at $259 US the last time I checked (not including shipping). Online prices varied from $198 (this was the preorder price, don't know if still valid)to $289, with several in the $210-220 range-not including shipping. I paid $239 plus tax. BTW the local M* rep told me that US dealers price (the price they pay)is guaranteed for a year so exchange rate fluctuations should not be used as an excuse to boost the price. I am happy with the purchase and would have paid the list for this item with this dealer.

RJF is a good dealer. Even online, I have had no problems from Texas. I bought my first IB from him, and several adapters and things since. When I push IB, I am also pushing RJF as US Dealer.
[:p]

Good dealers do good business, as customers are happy and buy more. (Darwin at work here)