Hello, Everyone:

I realize that that K track can be used for the dual purpose of running Marklin and 2 rail trains. However, for reasons I discussed in another discussion, I don't like K track and in any event not all parts of it and certainly not all turnouts can be used for dual usage.

As a result, I ask:

Would it not be nice if Marklin made a series call "D track" where all the components could be used for running both Marklin and Trix/2 rail trains?

I doubt there is any real impediment in having this type of dual track ballasted (if that is the technical word) so that it would look like C track. So WHY is Marklin not doing it?

Any feedback or thoughts on point would be welcome.

One of the big advantages of the 3 rail system is the increased electrical contact provided. This would be cancelled out by isolating the two running tracks from each other.

Another reason for not making the track common to both types is that once you put a 3 rail train on it the two running tracks would be shorted together through the train's wheels, thereby possibly overloading a two rail supply which may have been left connected across the two outer rails.

In my opinion it's best to choose one system and stick to it, or have two separate track layouts, one for 3 rail and the other for 2 rail.

No, you have to make the connection with the feeder track.

A three-rail train in a section wired for two-rail will set the controller to STOP. This shouldn't damage the controller.

I would be interested in C track for dual operation. This would require modified turnouts only - I can live with cutting the connections between the outer rails.

This would make transition to non-Märklin two-rail systems more easy - and I think this is why Märklin will not make such a track.
If it was a backdoor for Märklin to sell more products to two-rail fans who still have old Märklin locos from their childhood days, then it would be profitable for Märklin.

Just guessing - market research has to determine if it was profitable for Märklin in the long run.

I also am considering running 2 and 3 rail on the same track. Currently I have two separate loops but I have on Lok and another one coming that will switch between 2 and 3 rail. (ESU Engineering edition)

I know that I cannot run 3 rail cars and loks on 2 rail but I can run 2 rail cars on 3 rail. ( I have a bunch of Trix cars)

Yes you can lay a bunch of Marklin C track down and isolate one rail and have a master switch to either send power to the center or side rail.

The issue is the C track turn outs. The Trix C-track has better frog and point rail isolators and that is the key. If we want, we can cut isolators in the rails and power feeder bars in the ballast.

In Marklin's defense, they rather have a rugged track system rather than one can can be accidentally lose connection to make the 1-3% of us that want both 2 AND 3 rail happy.

I looked at it a few years ago but after watching some guys in my club go through the work of hand laying track...I think I can modify the switches to dual power....but on a permanent layout! The wiring will be extensive....

There will also be logistical challenges...making sure no Marklin 3 rail goes onto 2 rail. Trix cars can easily go on both 2 and 3 rail. But that is the fun.

Personally, I think this would over complicate what is an easy to understand system. Better to stick with dedicated 3 and 2 rail systems.

Sorry if I sound too matter of fact but I think the answer is no.

For those that must have a dual system, it can be done with K Track as evidenced by ETE SF who have a Marklin day and a DCC day on their modular layout, alternately at some shows, Euro West at least

As for C Track, it's not impossible to modify but for the general public let's keep it simple, there's Marklin tracks for three rail and Trix for two rail ! That's it