Quick question from a complete neophyte: My father recently gave me his Marklin train set from the early 1950’s, which he would pull out at Christmas. While I used to watch it run as a child, I hadn’t paid much attention to its operations.

I set it up for Christmas to keep the tradition going, and have been on a steep learning curve of electrical wiring principles and components to get the train running. I’ve got it running for the most part, although I am still having to work on a couple of switches and lights.

Here is the question: I have a stretch of track between two turnouts that I would like to be able to turn off and on. In other words, I would like to be able to have two locomotives on the layout, with the ability to have one lie idle while the other operates. The idle train would be on the un-powered section of parallel track, while I have the ability to choose which track will be powered.

The switches themselves (7072) do not seem to dictate power, but only which direction the switch is set.

Is there another technique that will allow me to activate or deactivate sections of track? I see there are two other control box devices (7210 and 7211) but my limited experience is making it difficult to understand the differences between them and what they ultimately accomplish.

Sorry for the basic question, thanks for any assistance!

Hello FT

The easiest way to do this would be to get one of the manual signal kits #7339 which included a signal mounted on a half section of M track as well as a second half section with an isolation in the centre rail. This set enabled basic users to have a manual signal that could shut off power to the tracks between the signal and the isolation track.
Alternately, as above, you could separate the tracks into two zones with separate transformers (ie mainline and side rail, shunting, etc). You have to isolate the two sections, but make sure that the train is completely within one zone, because if the slider is stopped over the isolation zone, it will transfer power to the other section and potentially the other transformer might yield voltage back to the mains via the plug.

If you can find the 7339, or set up one of the more complicated signals, this would be your best option. If you decide to use a side track with one or more tracks for holding trains or passing, then you might want to consider a second transformer, either alone with isolation, or with a 7339 or other signal between the two zones.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/M...t-Nr-7339-/110979450318?
http://www.marklin.com/tech/SignalManual.pdf

Regards

Mike C

Hello,

All of the answers above are really good for your question. Just for a really simple setup:

You track gets power from the red and brown cables (marklin label them o and b). Red is positive (+), Brown is Negative (-). The positive power is delivered via the middle "rail", the outer two the wheels of the locomotive sit on are both negative.

So, to isolation a section, you need to do exactly as stated and prevent the + connection to each end of this track, so no power is passing to it. With M track, you should even be able to put a piece of electrical tape on the correct contact to do this (more of a temporary solution). You then need to deliver the positive to this isolated section with another wire from the transformer. You could go through one of the Marklin control boxes listed above (which is probably best for temporary setups), or if you're in a hurry you could even just use an on-off toggle switch like you would find at an electronics store (or even radio shack or an auto parts store).

If you're searching the forum, this area would often be referred to as a block. As suggested above, signals can also control this area (manually or automatically). If you're interested in setting that up, Marklin have a good signal manual. The part number (0340) is above (its discontinued), but Marklin still have it on their US site for download:

http://www.marklin.com/tech/SignalManual.pdf

Good luck!

-Brandon

Thanks so much. Great and very helpful responses. I will have a hack at it this week and see if I can get it working based upon all of your advice!

It's funny: It's easy to set up a simple circle for a model train, even for a beginner. But to escalate the layout even modestly can quickly turn into an intimidating proposition.

Thanks for having this resource here. Without it, restarting my Dad's old hobbies probably would not be possible.

Hi and Welcome to the forum, TheFatTick.