I am interested in thoughts from the group. I just bought a sizable box of Marklin items from a local toy store that the owner wanted to get rid of. I haven't fully inventoried the contents yet but among the items are 3 analog transformers, a substantial amount of M track, 7 Loks, and probably 20 pieces of rolling stock. Currently I building a small layout of C track controlled with a MS2. My intention was to sell the M track, transformers, and perhaps a couple of the Loks to finance the purchase. But as I have began to look more closely, I'm beginning to think I might just keep it all. The Loks will need a bit of work to restore while the M track looks nearly new.

My question is one of approach. Should I attempt to do a mixed analog/digital layout with a blend of M and C track or move to something fully digital adding a Central Station? If I do that, what is the best use of the transformers? Should I use them to provide separate power for turnouts, turnout lanterns, and other lighting? Maybe the answer is hidden in the ability to upgrade the analog Loks to digital. I haven't yet researched what the catalog numbers are for each so that is still a wild card I guess.

I would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, and advice. Many thanks!

Hi John,

I'd build a M track analog layout underneath your C track layout.

I would NOT convert any analog Loco's to digital.

I'm just looking for my hard hat at the moment...

Ian...

You don't state what condition the Loks are in, or what kind, so it's difficult to advise as to whether or not to digitize them. Unless its a fairly nice item, I usually use a basic decoder for this. Adding sound, functions etc can get fairly expensive and not cost effective IMHO.

I would go digital with a view to getting a CS2 eventually. I would likely get rid of all the M track because its noisier than the newer styles and all the little fitter and specialty pieces are becoming increasingly scarce to find. For example. if you want to isolate for detection purposes etc.

Ray, I had a look at my 3005 and found the picture and my loco are pretty much identical in the front, the front step is bent, a support arm from the frame to the platform is deformed or has come loose but I don't think the whole front assembly is bent., the frame does go down in the front towards the buffers., to bend this part of the loco would be highly unlikely as it is solid metal, so I would say obvious the tender is missing in the photo; the loco is for its age and usage in a pretty good shape unless I've missed something you can see I can't see.

the 3003 had a spray job and someone tried to weather it but hasn't fully succeeded and most probably you can't reverse the action without loosing all the detailed writings.

looking at all the locos most likely all of them need a good cleanup inside the motor but apart from that, I can't see any major issues and after a maintenance service they should run as new.
if you are intending to convert them to digital, it is possible and they are all using the same conversion kit (60943) which you can buy on their own or with a decoder included.

the conversion kit depends on wheather you would like a 5 pole highefficiency motor or a motor with the existing 3 pole motor and a perm. magnet instead of the coil magnet you need for DC/digital operation instead of AC operation (current set up).

to keep it within the period when they were produced the M-track would be the way to go but C-track has its advantages with a broader range of tracks particular sleek turnouts.

the other question which you haven't mentioned is how much will it cost you to buy the whole lot (I've just noticed you've bought the whole lot) ., my guess is it isn't worth more than US$ 250.00-350.00, taking into consideration buying these locos overseas including postage you could perhaps get them cheaper but again the amount of m-track and other components could come out with the same price.
there are signs the locos have been in a damp place as I can see the couplings being slightly rusty and this also could affect the armature axle getting oxidized with the metal frame, wouldn't try to run them without a thorough inspection first.
Old transformers (blue colour) always worry me as you do not know how they have been handled or stored, especially if children around these old transformers could be a health hazard (electrocution), sometimes they look alright from the outside but it is mainly the electrical cord which over years has or can give your serious trouble, also they wouldn't be suitable for digital operation.

Good luck with bringing them back to life again

regards.,

John

Hi Ian,

Welcome to the Forum and to this great hobby of ours.
As you can see many of us have different views, so take your time to think through a number of issues.
[These questions have grown for me as I progress in the hobby.]

Some answers may take time to determine and may change as you continue.
1) Time. More valuable than money IMHO. How much time do you have for your hobby?
2) Money. Making a budget isn't easy. We may not have great advice as we are addicted to the hobby.
3) Enjoyment. Do you like fixing things? Do you like running trains more? Do you like building buildings and landscaping?
Do you like working with wiring, or would you prefer things to run out of the box?
4) Purpose. For me it is also for my family and friends, and part of my art practice as an artist.
Its worthwhile asking yourself what your end goals are... without getting too serious and losing the fun of just trying things out.

For a modest financial investment you can also buy other good running locos converted to Digital on Ebay.
But its also great to have new stuff from a dealer straight out of the box with the Märklin guarantee.
Did you say you already have the MS2 or are you planning to buy one?
There are some really nice starter sets out there that work out much cheaper than pieces bit by bit together, since you are buying into a package deal.
They have MS2, C-track and a variety of really beautiful loco/train sets.

Then again there are some of us who love just running them fast.
Others, like myself, prefer them slow and running at "prototypical speeds" unless of course you have the Italian racing spirit and were raised riding in a Ferrari.
Or was it a Fiat, Baggio?

Once again, welcome and we will do our best to help you with your questions.
I have found the search feature on this forum very valuable.

Cheers,
Mark