Armando: I guess they aren't listening to us. Telex is a perfect technology for that application. I don't understand either.

Hello,

Sander I think you mean Exclusive # 4
as issue # 3 has been out some time now,,,

No room in this lok. And the price. Lokshop sells this lok for 165 euro.

#4 is out already.

Ron,

it is not clear (at least to me) how your statement relates to the V60 Telex.



As can (easily) be seen from the above picture, the Telex as it existed for many years in different Märklin models does BY NO MEANS fit into a loco like the V90; the "good old" V100 (middle) is even worse. Simply speaking, the/any "Drehgestell" construction makes it rather difficult if not impossible to install a V60-like Telex.

The next evolutionary step was/is the new tender telex as can be found at a number of steamers and the tunnel rescue train.



Now, there is still quite some difference how this new telex is mounted in a tender chassis and what would be needed for mounting it into the chassis of a loco like the V90.

I know that Märklin has investigated that already, but the design was not yet ready in the timeframe for the V90 delivery.

Price is another point/issue. The loco had not to exceed a specific limit at introduction; therefor and (again) due to space problems the sound decoder were and still are omitted.

Recently I had asked Märklin about the conversion/upgrade of the V90 to sound and the clear answer was NO; they would neither do it themselves nor recommend it. Just take yourselves a look at the 60932 (other mfx decoders with a different shape would fit even less) and you'll know that it is not anything to be done with the "snap of a finger".

You can try installing a Krois telex; but even that one has its very own specific boundary conditions (I'm trying to avoid saying "problems").

It's easy to demand some new functionality (maybe even combined with "but not cost any extra") opposed to the good, reliable and long lasting implementation of such a feature.

Point taken, Lutz, however the 3065 is 30 years old. I can't believe that the wizards at Marklin could not come up with a soution.

OK, found it (German only):
http://hgh-esn.ath.cx/index_jsm_moba.htm
Goto Umbauten-nach Zeit-2006. The 290 is (currently) 4th from the top.

I agree with Armando, though - they should have put in Telex from the start. With those tiny NEM-compatible Telex units that are available these days, it would have been very easy for them. I believe these new Telex couplers are already in use in some of M's tender locos, so why not?

Perfectly well, Ray

A solution to this dilemma is to issue two versions of the same model, one with all the bells and whistles, and the other with some basic functions. Some companies are already doing this.

Armando

Please keep in mind that there is a VERY big difference between such a "little private project" thing and whether it is offered as product or accessory by a manufacturer; especially in the case Märklin. Development, testing (testing, testing), manufacturing and support - all functional areas are affected/involved in order to assure life long customer satisfaction.

As can (hopefully) be seen from the second of my above pics, the newer tender telex is NOT NEM pocket compatible (as said, Märklin is working on that).

If someone wants it already now (including the V90), he/she may take a look at Krois. http://www.krois-modell.at/produkt/digikupp/

The "drawback" is that all affected Märklin short couplings must be changed (metal to brass). This might be a/the reason why Märklin doesn't offer or publicly recommend this coupling; despite the fact that they apparently cooperate with Krois.

Maybe the following picture (taken just some days ago) illustrates some of the comments regarding the value of telex couplings. By the way, even that loco (294 842-0) has an automatic coupler ("telex") and is being remote controlled by the guy walking aside the track (no, it's not me! ). You can also see the activation of remote control by the white lights on each side of the loco's cabin. Needless to say, the automatic coupler doesn't help much in the case shown here.



Personally I have no objections for or against models with telex. I don't see it neccessarily as a product "must" criteria. If it is there it should just work (most reliable). On my layout(s), especially when built with a head station, I have usually mounted uncouplers two tracks ahead of the buffers; likewise at certain key locations in the shunting yard(s). Other than that, this wonderful "shoe spoon" supplied with each pack of Märklin/Roco short couplings is a perfect uncoupler - and still gives me the feeling that my trains still need some "hands on" by me from time to time!



One nice shunting example of a passenger train was always for us to replay the LH Airport Express loco change in Stgt Hbf on one of our past layouts. Maybe I find some time to set it up again temporary in the near future and take pictures again for you.

Shunting is truly fun!

Credit cards?
Mike

Hi John,

6090 replacement: Basically Yes. Differences: programmable instead of DIP switches; smaller; switchable delays (f4); optional 1(2) additional function outputs - requires removal of shrink tube = loss of warranty.

Turnout decoders switchable with MS: No! (the sentence you probably refer to means "By this you get a digital turnout which can immediately be used as well on temporary built layouts; i.e.tables, floor, etc.").

To control such a turnout digitally, you (still) need either a CS or a Keyboard/Memory and/or Interface+PC+SW connected to a 6020/6021. An IB or alike would be ok too.