 Joined: 11/11/2012(UTC) Posts: 107 Location: Maroubra
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Hi All,
As I assume most of you would have encountered, the 74491/2 turnout mechanisms have been far from reliable, most only operating in one direction after a short amount of use (I actually believe the less you use them the more likely they are to fail, probably because the microswitch corrodes). I have returned them in batches and Marklin, to their credit, have always replaced them.
I just received a new one that I bought from MSL and was pleasantly surprised to see it looks like Marklin has finally upgraded it with what looks like different internal workings. I hope this solves the reliability problems with them.
Is anyone aware if these are in fact a new design and if it has solved the 'working in one direction' problem?
Cheers
Paul
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,253 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Hi Paul, I've been sending these motors back as well and they've replaced them with 74491's - not the 74492's. If you are correct and they have addressed the problem of reliability then that is great news.  However, why haven't they advertised this fact or have I missed their promotional material. I have about 100 turnouts and the most annoying and disappointing aspect of my layout, is the unreliability of these motors. I recently bought a few Viessmann units to try out and so far they are proving to be much better then the 74491's. I must try these 74492's. Regards Greg p.s. I live on the other side of the bridge. Lane Cove |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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 Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,481 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: Cyborg  Hi All,
As I assume most of you would have encountered, the 74491/2 turnout mechanisms have been far from reliable, most only operating in one direction after a short amount of use (I actually believe the less you use them the more likely they are to fail, probably because the microswitch corrodes). I have returned them in batches and Marklin, to their credit, have always replaced them.
I just received a new one that I bought from MSL and was pleasantly surprised to see it looks like Marklin has finally upgraded it with what looks like different internal workings. I hope this solves the reliability problems with them.
Is anyone aware if these are in fact a new design and if it has solved the 'working in one direction' problem?
Cheers
Paul While I was in Australia recently I helped a mate of mine sort out his 74991 motors by shorting out the microswitch with a big blob of solder. He had a half dozen or so of them that were giving him problems. I was interested to see that one of them had some surface mount components associated with the switch terminal. I don't know if Marklin are trying spark suppression of the terminals in an attempt to sort out the reliability, but this one was iffy as well.
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Joined: 11/11/2012(UTC) Posts: 107 Location: Maroubra
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Hi Greg,
Just to clarify, I actually bought a 74491 which appeared to be a new design internally. Time will tell if it is an improvement.
Regards
Paul (from the southern side of the bridge)
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 Joined: 03/08/2011(UTC) Posts: 1,571
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Hi Paul,
Any chance you could post a photo?
Thanks!
Brgds - Lasse |
Digital 11m2 layout / C (M&K) tracks / Era IV / CS3 60226 / Train Controller Gold 9 with 4D sound. Mainly Danish and German Locomotives. |
 1 user liked this useful post by Danlake
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,446
Location: DE-NW
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Hi! Originally Posted by: youngagain I must try these 74492's. Same as 74991, but comes with a different cable. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
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 Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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Originally Posted by: Danlake Any chance you could post a photo? Reckon that, I would very much like to see a photo. I have given up upgrading any of my points because of the failure rate of this drive. New hardware would be great news! |
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1 user liked this useful post by sjlauritsen
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 Joined: 27/12/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,165 Location: Western Cape Cape Town
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Would love to know if there has been an "upgrade" to the mechs - given up sending them back to M, postage prices are horrific from SA to Germany; so here's hoping!!
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,253 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Originally Posted by: H0 Hi! Originally Posted by: youngagain I must try these 74492's. Same as 74991, but comes with a different cable. Thanks Tom. I won't bother to buy any of these. Regards Greg |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 11/11/2012(UTC) Posts: 107 Location: Maroubra
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Hi All,
I'll send a photo when I get home from work. I am aware the 74991 and 74992 are the same unit other than the cables, but this new 74991 is different to other ones I bought earlier this year or were supplied as replacements from Marklin.
regards
Paul
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1 user liked this useful post by Cyborg
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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*crossing fingers*
I really hope this is what I have been waiting for. Allthough really like the Viessmann unit, I would much rather have a separate decoder. With the Märklin drive out of the picture there is no real alternative for me. :-/ |
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1 user liked this useful post by sjlauritsen
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,446
Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: Cyborg I am aware the 74991 and 74992 are the same unit other than the cables You are - but many people assume it's a new, improved item because there is a new number. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS |
1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 11/11/2012(UTC) Posts: 107 Location: Maroubra
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Hi again, Attached is a photo, it doesn't really show much other than the circuit boards are different. (The top one is the older one). Obviously I have not dismantled it to check it out. Paul Cyborg attached the following image(s):
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3 users liked this useful post by Cyborg
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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Thanks for the picture! Hmm. To me that looks to be exactly the same drive. The only thing I see is a new product label. Until I see the layout of the board inside the box, I am pretty sure that is the same drive.  |
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1 user liked this useful post by sjlauritsen
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,253 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Originally Posted by: sjlauritsen Thanks for the picture! Hmm. To me that looks to be exactly the same drive. The only thing I see is a new product label. Until I see the layout of the board inside the box, I am pretty sure that is the same drive. I agree. I think I'll keep using the Viessmann units. |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 03/08/2011(UTC) Posts: 1,571
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Thanks Paul,
In recently also got a supplied of these from Lokshop.
I think it's the same type, but I will open it and have a look.
But to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if Marklin issued a new improved version without changing the product number, as they never publicly acknowledge issues with the mechanism.
Brgds Lasse |
Digital 11m2 layout / C (M&K) tracks / Era IV / CS3 60226 / Train Controller Gold 9 with 4D sound. Mainly Danish and German Locomotives. |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,446
Location: DE-NW
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Hi! Originally Posted by: Danlake But to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if Marklin issued a new improved version without changing the product number, as they never publicly acknowledge issues with the mechanism. The new 74991 hardware was sold in 74990 boxes for a while. The 60215 hardware was sold in 60214 boxes for a while. Changes come silently - a new ref. number may follow. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS |
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 Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC) Posts: 15,870 Location: Gibraltar, Europe
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Changes to products are not always advertised, and may be due to updates and improvements, which most companies do as a matter of course, or because parts become unavailable and new suppliers have to be found.
This is not surprising to me.
Of course, any changes should not deviate from the published specifications, unless it improves them. |
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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We will know when Lasse has flipped the thing open and had a look (and given us some pictures) :-) |
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Joined: 03/08/2011(UTC) Posts: 1,571
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Originally Posted by: sjlauritsen We will know when Lasse has flipped the thing open and had a look (and given us some pictures) :-) Unfortunately I am at work in Qatar and will be some works before I return home to the man cave... Brgds Lasse |
Digital 11m2 layout / C (M&K) tracks / Era IV / CS3 60226 / Train Controller Gold 9 with 4D sound. Mainly Danish and German Locomotives. |
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,253 Location: Sydney, NSW
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I bought 4 Viessmann 4554 units to replace the Marklin product and so far they have been very reliable.
When you compare the prices there is very little difference between them, however, the mechanisms are totally different. I've ordered some more and I'll keep you up to date with the results.
The only difficulty, is the programming of the Viessmann unit, however, when you get the hang of it, it's quite simple. I've written my version of the instructions and if anyone is interested I'll post them .
Regards
Greg
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Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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2 users liked this useful post by Drongo
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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Originally Posted by: youngagain When you compare the prices there is very little difference between them, however, the mechanisms are totally different. I've ordered some more and I'll keep you up to date with the results.
The only difficulty, is the programming of the Viessmann unit, however, when you get the hang of it, it's quite simple. I've written my version of the instructions and if anyone is interested I'll post them . Yeah, programming it can be a bit fiddly with having to attach several wires and so on. I bought one drive a few months back and it works very well. My only thing with the Viessmann drive is the fact that they come with a built-in decoder. I would much rather have a seperate decoder (e.g. m83 or similar with motor controls). In case something goes wrong, only the drive needs to be replaced and I will not be left with a useless decoder. I did a review on the Viessmann motor on my website: http://railway.zone/post...smann-4554-turnout-motorEdited by user 09 March 2015 15:15:42(UTC)
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1 user liked this useful post by sjlauritsen
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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Originally Posted by: Cyborg I have returned them in batches and Marklin, to their credit, have always replaced them. How does that work? Do you need to show proof of purchase or something? Because some times a motor fails within a day, some times within a year and some other time over a year. Living in Denmark, I could live with sending mine back to our neighbors for replacement and have a buffer storage at home. |
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Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,528 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
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 Quote:How does that work? Do you need to show proof of purchase or something? Because some times a motor fails within a day, some times within a year and some other time over a year. Søren, I went to "Togcenter Gentofte" with 12 brand new 74444-sets, each having a 74490 + a 74460 in the box. I asked Theis if he wanted to buy them for their "Used parts shop", but he wouldn't. But even if I clearly told him that I didn't buy them in his shop, we opened all 12 74444-boxes, took out the 74490-boxes, and he sent the 74490-drives to Märklin for replacement. This really confused me, since they where brand new and never taken out of the boxes, and thus never failed. Also, I think it's 6 or 7 years since I bought the drives, from a German eBay shop. He said that Märklin had so far exchanged every drive he ever sent them, and it also happened for me, a few months later I got a text message ( 31-03-2014, I just checked ), telling me that the drives where now ready to be picked up. I even wrote about this in a famous Danish forum, a few days after I handed the drives to Togcenter Gentofte: http://baneforum.dk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=925The new drives I got are 74491, at least it says so on the box. No cost for me at all.  My plan now is to keep my new drives until Märklin has made a reliable drive, and then repeat the procedure. Per. |
If you can dream it, you can do it! I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.  |
1 user liked this useful post by Purellum
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Joined: 11/11/2012(UTC) Posts: 107 Location: Maroubra
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Hi,
All my invoices are kept on my computer so I just dig up one of them to prove the purchase (I have only been into this hobby for 18 months so all my items are still under warranty as I bought them all new). The postage for me is not much, a single 74491 costs me less than $3 Australian to send back airmail. I just wrap in a bit of bubble wrap and place in a normal envelope with a letter and copy of the receipt. Every one of them has got there and been replaced! Apart from the snails pace in processing repairs, I have found Marklin to be excellent in supporting their products with everything I have sent back either being replaced or repaired under warranty (locomotives, mobile station and of course turnout motors). On one occassion they even replaced 2 turnout mechanisms without me having to send them back after I sent them an email expressing my frustration at their continual failure.
cheers
Paul.
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2 users liked this useful post by Cyborg
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Joined: 27/12/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,165 Location: Western Cape Cape Town
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Indeed, I had the same experience as well - there were times M would simply send me replacements without me sending the faulty ones to them: once they even sent 2 in return for one failed mech.
I figure they know they have problems, so are quite OK with replacements - I just SO wish they would get it right real soon; such a hassle breaking up the ballast and scenery!!....and with our current almost non-existent postal service in SA, there's not much we can do but solder the switches as they fail...bummer!!
I echo Paul's comments about the very good warranty service from M....
Joe
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2 users liked this useful post by Joseph Meiring
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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Thank you all for your comments. Do you just contact Märklin service to get a repair code or number or some kind of agreement? |
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Joined: 11/11/2012(UTC) Posts: 107 Location: Maroubra
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Hi Soren,
I just send them with a covering letter and copy of the invoice to the service centre address. Usually I have the replacement back in Australia About 2 months later.
Paul
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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Originally Posted by: Cyborg Is anyone aware if these are in fact a new design and if it has solved the 'working in one direction' problem? Unfortunately, I can now confirm that nothing is new about these "new sticker" point motors. I have had two failing me today. They are about six months old. Oh well, hopefully new ones are on their way to the shops. |
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Joined: 27/12/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,165 Location: Western Cape Cape Town
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Oh dear, that's rather sad news! my only hope is that 6 months go they still were selling the "old?" ones in the shops...??
Frank Mayer from M wrote me again and said to send all my mechs that I wanted to, and they will be replaced by the new generation ones.
And you still cannot buy any 79441 from Lokshop nor Modellbahnsho-lippe. I hope this means the "new generations" mechs are still only available from the M factory??
Otherwise, Viessmann 4558 here I come!
Joe
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Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC) Posts: 1,081 Location: Denmark
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Originally Posted by: Joe Meiring And you still cannot buy any 79441 from Lokshop nor Modellbahnsho-lippe. I hope this means the "new generations" mechs are still only available from the M factory?? The ones I got was from a store about the same time that somebody else got the same "new sticker" motor from Lippe. I have noticed that they have been out of stock for quite a while, so you may be right. I hope you are, otherwise I will have to go with Viessmann. |
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1 user liked this useful post by sjlauritsen
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 Joined: 31/05/2011(UTC) Posts: 868 Location: Brazil
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Originally Posted by: Joe Meiring
And you still cannot buy any 79441 from Lokshop nor Modellbahnsho-lippe. I hope this means the "new generations" mechs are still only available from the M factory??
That's the question left behind... How do we know "guaranteed" at the shop which mechs is new or old? Meanwhile, almost all my turnouts (+50) are soldered... no issues after... Cheers, Walter
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