Hi, Mike!
Set 29000 includes an MS2, not an MS3. We don't know what an MS3 will be able to do ...

MS2 can control 99% of all Märklin digital items. Some 49xx coaches like the famous waiter coach are not compatible.

6647 is OK. It was discontinued and so they list the current 66470 instead.

When switching between analogue and digital, make sure the MS2 trackbox is disconnected from the track.
For club meetings I have several feeder tracks and switch the feeder track when switching between analogue (with 74046) and digital (without 74046).
74046 is the radio interference suppressor for analogue operation - trains also work without it. If you happen to have a 74046 do not use it for digital operation.
A switch - preferably a two-pole switch - can also be used to switch between analogue and digital without replacing the feeder track.

Some older locos need different smoke generators for digital vs. analogue operation.
The track voltage of the MS2 is so low that you can take the risk of using "analogue" smoke generators even when "digital" generators are recommend for digital operation.

Thanks Tom! Well I don't have a radio


So the MS3 is not out yet? Ok. I just bought that 29000 set and a few extra tracks and 250 ml of dampfoel which is probably enough to reduce the visibility in here to zero

The dealer did me a deal on the 66470 because he did not have an old used one and bidding on a cheap trafo and paying shipping just for that made no sense.

So I guess that everything I need to test some locos will be on its way shortly.

My desk is big enough for a small layout, the problem is I need to be able to type and where do I put all the junk that makes it difficult to see a lot of the desktop......

Shame I don't have a steam loco with sound yet because it would be hilarious to have that sound in the background when I have people on the phone

Thanks! I had seen that before but it was a good reminder to put it on my list. For now I think the starter set is slightly more fun.

More realistic looking track as well as the flexi stuff and I suspect that it will cost less using those 900mm pieces as much as possible.

I wasn't planning of getting rid of any of my old stuff but wasn't planning on using the M-track I have either. I always found it quite noisy.

Good plan. If doing controlled turns in a helix, especially with many turns, the simplicity of C-track may be a good application there though.
I'm thinking the layout I'm planning will be mostly C-Track (not having to futz with balasting in the switches while getting uniform look, seems like a good thing) but plan on inserting some flex k-track on some stretches to allow for some sweeping runs.

K track on cork is a lot quieter than C track. I have both on my permanent layout and regret having started with any C track. The C track turnouts with the undertrack turnout solenoids that frequently fail are a real pain compared to the attachable solenoids for K track.

I think C track is ideal for temporary layouts or any layout that gets changed around a lot. However, for a permanent layout, K track functions and looks a lot better.

Cheers
Peter

I'm not aware of any under board turnout machines for C track. That option exists for K-track with the 7548 part, but for C track?

No I have not added cork below the C track. It already has too high a profile, so to match it with my K track would make it look real strange or cause some significant changes to my roadbed.

Little by little I am replacing all of my C track with K and only using the C wherever possible in yard tracks.

Cheers
Peter

True, Märklin doesn't have a canned solution. There are motors/solutions form other makers or one can use servo based solutions to drive the switches.. that of course adds on the cost and need for different sorts of decoders, etc. Reading comments on the German boards, digitally driven systems have had the motors castrated (modified to eliminate the end-position switches which are problematic in shutting off the current to the motor too soon and eventually burning out relay contact surfaces inside the motor assembly) and some have run for 15 years fine, while others die after 2 years. So you never really know how long till a motor may crap out or what its problem is. One report of a motor failure led to a finding of a short circuit to ground inside the assembly; apply electrical tape and its back in service.

Seems as though cutting in the maintenance access hole from below in the benchwork floor is the best option if one wants to stick with the simplicity of c-track turnout motors from Märklin.

Blending different track usages can be a challenge, no doubt. Luckily I'm not to the point of putting track down yet, so I can still design and build in the necessary bedding. If I end up with c-track and k-track flex, I'll put enough cork (or whatever bedding) below the K to get it to the right level relative to the sound-isolated c-track level. Its position above the benchwork isn't an issue as the level of the 'scenery ground' can always be raised with inexpensive materials (foam etc). For those adding to existing installations, such choices are likely more limited or difficulty to implement.