 Joined: 23/01/2014(UTC) Posts: 4 Location: USA
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New to the board and I'm hoping for help. I have a marklin train set I picked up in Europe when I was a kid and my son is very interested in model trains and I'd like to introduce him to model RR.
The problem I'm having is my setup is european, transformer etc... which will not run my train here in the US. I went out and purchased a Bachmann transformer but this just resulted in the trains running slowly in reverse. Could not get trains to run forward.
Hoping someone can provide advice on how I can get my set up and running, what transformer should I buy or get either the bachmann or old EU transformer to get my trains to work?
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 1 user liked this useful post by nuhusky
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Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 2,533 Location: VA
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Hi and welcome,
You will need a Marklin transformer (or at least and AC transformer). Marklin trains also have a special reverse mechanism, so to change the direction the transformer will also need to be able to issue a reverse pulse.
Most US model trains (such as Bachmann) run on DC (direct current). Marklin run on AC (Alternating Current). DC transformers will not work.
The easiest thing to do would be to buy Marklin 6646, a modern Marklin transformer that will work with pretty much every Marklin train made since the 1950s. You can buy 6646 brand new (6646 is 120v for the USA). Otherwise, you could look on eBay and see if you could get a slightly older model used (next best choice would be 6627 and then 6667).
You can order the Marklin transformer online, you probably will have trouble finding one locally. There are a few good dealers in the US, Ajckds.com seems to have it in stock.
-Brandon |
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2 users liked this useful post by BrandonVA
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 Joined: 10/08/2009(UTC) Posts: 3,443
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Originally Posted by: nuhusky  New to the board and I'm hoping for help. I have a marklin train set I picked up in Europe when I was a kid and my son is very interested in model trains and I'd like to introduce him to model RR.
The problem I'm having is my setup is european, transformer etc... which will not run my train here in the US. I went out and purchased a Bachmann transformer but this just resulted in the trains running slowly in reverse. Could not get trains to run forward.
Hoping someone can provide advice on how I can get my set up and running, what transformer should I buy or get either the bachmann or old EU transformer to get my trains to work? What is the Marklin productnumber of the train set? If it is AC (as Brandon pointed out) a DC trafo will not work! Cheers, Paul. |
Have more than you show,speak less than you know (Shakespeare). |
1 user liked this useful post by NS1200
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 Joined: 19/03/2004(UTC) Posts: 976 Location: Gorizia, Italy
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Hi nuhusky,
Welcome to the forum.
As already said, you need an AC (Alternating Current) transformer to operate trains and change the direction (a 24 V AC impulse is given to the reversing relay inside the loco to do this).
Cheers
Renato
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1 user liked this useful post by Renato
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Joined: 23/01/2014(UTC) Posts: 4 Location: USA
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thank you all. I will check out the transformers suggested. I think I have an old 6627 but its 220v. will see what I can find on the 120v spectrum from marklin
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Joined: 23/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,597 Location: Beverly, MA
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Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 2,533 Location: VA
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Originally Posted by: nuhusky thank you all. I will check out the transformers suggested. I think I have an old 6627 but its 220v. will see what I can find on the 120v spectrum from marklin I think the 220v number was 6631. Other than the plug, it should be marked on the front/top (see attached image). I don't know which is cheaper, a step down transformer to plug a 220v into, or a replacement Marklin transformer. Seems like 6627 do not go for too much on eBay when they pop up (under $60 USD). -Brandon BrandonVA attached the following image(s): |
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Joined: 23/01/2014(UTC) Posts: 4 Location: USA
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I'm just going to try and find a 6627 on ebay as prices are sub$60 and see how i get on from there. providing me those transformer numbers has been a huge help
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Joined: 09/12/2011(UTC) Posts: 2,533 Location: VA
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It may not be a concern, but just to note...if you plan to buy new locomotives with digital decoders you don't want to use 6627. It's possible that the reverse plus is too high, and would damage the locomotive decoder. However, if you have a 6627 you can always use it to power accessories (lights, turnouts, etc) if you acquire some digital locomotives. 6646 is the best analog transfomer to power digital locomotives in analog mode.
For getting your current setup running, 6627 will most likely work perfectly.
-Brandon |
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