Only old M* locos without electronics are jumpy (this should be no problem with 33xx/34xx analog and digital locos).
Some digital locos have load regulation even in analog operation (but mfx locos don't).
If you try analog operation, get a digital loco to start with!

With digital operation, even only 14 speed steps should be sufficient if you use real shunters (60 km/h maximum speed (prototype, approx. 37 mph) divided by 14 speed steps is reasonably fine).
And Mobile Station and CS use more than 14 speed steps with mfx locos.

Hi Chris,

I did just what you are asking about. I recently started with Marklin and I did some shunting puzzles. The last time I did MRR there was no DCC, so I can't compare Marklin to latest 2-rail DCC. But the Marklin digital is way better than the non-Marklin stuff I had ages ago. (of course anything might be better than what I had:) For what its worth, here's my bit on shunting puzzles with Marklin.

I started with a digital BR 86 from a starter set and have made several variations of tyme saver and ingelnook shunting puzzles. The slow speed is good. There maybe better choices for shunting puzzles than the BR 86.

I think telex is great on a shunting puzzle. 1) The less uncoupler tracks there are, the smaller the puzzle can be. 2) Less manual uncoupling needed (big hand from sky). 3) much easier to place a wagon anywhere on the tracks using telex. 4) if you are moving only one car (often in a puzzle) telex is perfect for that.

Strictly for a shunting puzzle I would look at the V60 37655, but have no experience with it. But here's why I'd pick it: 0) all new and digital, 1) its small. who wants a big engine (BR 86) for a small shunting puzzle? 2) the telex is fixed to the body. On the BR86 the coupler moves with the wheels and is not always aligned when coming out of a curve. 3) V 60 can uncouple in either direction unlike tender mounted telex in some starter sets, 4) the V 60 looks like its a mid engine design so the telex maybe far away from the motor's permanent magnet. The magnet on the BR 86 is right above the rear telex and may interfere with releasing wagons. Some people notice it, others not.

I didn't get a V 60 because I want to stick with steam. So I'm fiddling with upgrading a small telex tank engine (30321) to digital that I hope will have the qualities I ascribed to the V 60.

For shunting puzzle I prefer relex for rolling stock: more space between cars makes it easier to do lots of uncoupling. Relex seems like a simpler design intended for ease of use rather than being designed to look good (and still work). Relex also seems to be more forgiving when un/coupling near a curve. Lots of uncoupling between the two types is doable but not as reliable/easy as sticking with one type of coupler. The telex coupler, which is only on the locomotive, will work well with either relex or close couplers.

Hope this helps.

Thanks everyone for you generous replies and advice. I'll keep you posted as my plans come together.

Hi guys,

Excuse me for asking: What is a awitching layout/shunting puzzle?

I have read the above, but still I can't really figure it out [:I]

I ended up being puzzled myself [:o)]

and here's a puzzle with scenery:
http://www.smj.org/cafe/timesaver_f.htm

I agree the time saver is more expensive! and harder to prototypically incorporate into a layout.

There were some articles in a swedish book series some while ago which has inspired me much.

Basically this guy made four modules with Märklin M-track. Two modules were just plain curves with no scenery. The other two were straight modules, with a puzzle on each; one hade a Timesaver type station (with one less spur), the other had a small freight yard in an Inglenook style. The two straights had independent scenery and a scenic screen dividing them.

He could use the straight modules one by one as shelf switchers, or connect them for a larger shelf layout. He could use them with one of the curves to form a small point-to-point layout or use both curves to form an oval layout with two operators and two trains, one per puzzle. They would shunt and solve their puzzle as fast as possible, and then send the train around the screen to the other operator.

Cool links.

Turbo, I just ordered the May back issue of MRR. Thinking about subscribing, I suppose differences between USA and Germany model railroading are not too different except for the 3 rail thing. Is there an equivalent magazine for Marklin and German railroading? I'd like to see more German prototypes and layouts.

Shay, nice photo, hope to see when its done.

Trainbuff,

You have several choices of magazines that include more European content if you can read German - MiBa, Modell Eisenbahner, Eisenbahn Journal, Eisenbahn Modellbahn, Maerklin's own magazine, or the relatively new 123 Leiter Magazin, among others. If you're limited to English, Continental Modeller and the English edition of Maerklin Magazin are two options.

Most techniques - scenery, benchwork, track, basic wiring, structure building, painting - transfer. Like you said, the 3 rail track is different, and so are the couplers and some of the parts used in digital conversions.

T.

Anyone have the trackplan from this article? I would order the magazine unless postage to Sweden was so steep -- twice the cost of the magazine itself[:0]

Your picture look good.Thanks for sharing.

Very interesting site. Thanks!

Cool site.