Well, this is all just my opinion:

I like the MS. If for no other reason than, I can move about the room with the controller. Sure it has its limitations, but M* is headed in the right direction.

As far as running 10 Loks, …..with the CS you probably can. Lets face it, a lot of things that you would assume the MS would be able to do, you can’t do until the CS comes out. (We hope)

I was in the hobby shop yesterday looking at the 37726 DOUBLE UNIT DIESEL. If you read the advertisements, you are supposed to be able to run the two loks, together in a consist.

My thinking: ah..... a previously undocumented feature

Open the box and read the instructions yes the MS is referenced, (as a limitation). However, you can run them together as long as you do not have the MS. Same scenario with the Sound Post Wagon.

I think that M* suffers from what most business people refer to as: “Not invented here” syndrome. When you look at what is available in DCC, (Lenz, Digitrax, etc.) and compare that to the new MS and what I have heard about the CS, M* is playing catch-up.

I use a Digitrax system for my N-Scale and US HO stuff. Consisting, lots of functions, two lok controls on the hand held controller and Plug and Play decoder replacement right out of the box. As far as consisting is concerned, with Digitrax and I assume with Lenz, and I believe with the IB, is extremely simple.

Sure there will always be backwards compatibility issues, but I have to believe that if M* had partnered with Lenz or Digitrax, they could get a solution to the marketplace faster and cheaper.

I mean 600+ US$ and June delivery, “Maybe………”

If I was running Marklin, I would stick to making loks, rolling stock and track, etc. I would leave the electronics to companies that do this as their primary line of business.

Just my opinion.

Frank

Having used the Lenz system for several years and run Roco etc I am completely happy about changing to Marklin. Their products are better quality and the only problem I can see is the way the bisiness is being run.
The MS I find very good to use and with the starter set is excellent value. It is clearly stated by M that this is an entry level controller and the number of Locos you can run is also stated. The previous digital M system may not have been ideal but it did run trains and was reliable and easy to use. Given time I see no reason why the new system will not prove the same.
I like many of us am not happy with the Insider Club and the delay in the CS but I still consider that M is the best manufacturer of model rail and I can not understand why those who do not like Marklin join this group which I presume is for Marklin enthusiasts.
I can understand why David wishes to run more trains but as said this is made clear from the outset. Perhaps the more powerful MS is a poor excuse to increase sales but that is the same for most products these days. Lenz bring out new decoders every year or so hoping we will all change to the newer model.
Unless the layout is split as I suggested I find I can only control about three locos at any one time so I do not see a problem.
David

David: Agree. You're so right, again ...

John

Hi all,

I couldn't agree more with David Dewar.

It is all a matter of personal taste I would like to add.
After comparing Märklin products with those of other manufacturers I came to the conclusion they still have that special quality.
I'm confident they will develop a nice CS ,maybe after some teething problems with the software ,like so many automobile and aircraft manufacturers have experienced.

Best Regards
Guus

I have no problems with anything Marklin is doing frankly, and being new to digital, I am quite excited about expanding on it. My only beef is with the Mobil station in the starter set being completely and unnecessarily castrated compared to the stand alone model. That is poor marketing in my opinion, hardly a reason to quit modeling the worlds finest model trains.

Gus: - but you know what I meant ...

John

Please don't misunderstand me, I agree 100% with what Sam said...

"I have no problems with anything Marklin is doing frankly, and being new to digital, I am quite excited about expanding on it. My only beef is with the Mobil station in the starter set being completely and unnecessarily castrated compared to the stand alone model. That is poor marketing in my opinion, hardly a reason to quit modeling the worlds finest model trains."

Yes I have looked at the other brands, and guess what, I would rather pay more and have a quality product than pay little for a s***ty one...

I guess I'll keep doing what I do best... Looking for a solution to this problem, checking out this boards, helping whenever I can....

That's a problem Märklin doesn't have to worry about,as most trains run below the treeline already...

Best Regards
Guus

I thought that the way the new MFX decoders worked was that each decoder had its own unique serial number and the decoder and MS or CS just talked back and forth using the serial number? Consequently there is no "Address" in the conventional sense, to have conflicts.

John, have you reported this to Marklin?

I think everyone would be interested in the cause of your problem.

Regards,

Frank

Frank, reported problem to two different dealers - they've burned the midnight oil but unfortunately no one knew a solution for this. Reporting to M is useless, just ask our David Dewar - for his numerous mails he never received a single answer ... [xx(]
BTW, only BigBoy is MFX - Mikado is equipped with standard 6090 decoder.

Best Regards
John

David, that's what I (and dealers) have tried. New address on Mikado is no problem at all, but NO icons available, then ...
Thanks for your offer - please tell me your findings

Many Thanks
John

Frank, thank you - very kind. Since all items are brand new and M dealers are generally very nice and helpful guys (never met an ugly one) - everything's covered.

Best Regards
John

David, just returned from dealer, they exchanged the faulty MS. Now it works.

Many thanks for being so helpful
John

Thank you, Ira - it adds to the skill. And to the thrill

John

David - seems you're greatly impressed by it.

Well, there's still a long way home. Should they really release it in the last quarter 2005 it will become 2006 til we get our hands on the very first production run. Those customers will be M's $500 guinea pigs. I'll wait and see ...

Best Regards
John

Looks like I too will be a Guinea pig, as I just placed a pre-order for one from Ajckids.com.... I like the Mobil Station a lot, but the 1.2Amp limit is it's biggest problem, and the CS should have no such limit! I figure if I'm gonna be digital, I need to do this 100%..