Bachmann has the better model Pere Marquette #1225 (HO 2-8-4 Berkshire)


Looks like 2 rail to me. Will that be a problem. They say C track will allow 2 rail operation but will it allow operation through switches etc.

I am a 3 rail purist so would not contemplate using a 2 rail loco.

Dereck

If you can, go to a shop that sells Bachman and take a Marklin loco and some vernier calipers. Measure the dimensions of the wheels. Marklin locos run over the points on there inside flange discs, [ remember the shiny metal pieces at the bottom of the rails in the points. ] I think some systems have wheel discs which are too small. Also, some have a different distance between the disc flanges. There are other threads on this forum which have discussed this. I once bought some Lima wagons and coaches and I had to push the wheels closer together so they would no derail on the points. The guide piece adjacent to the gap in the rails, guides the opposite wheel along the rail so the inner wheel does not ride up on top of the rail and derail.
I have even had to bend the guide rail on the 5140 m track points to help marklin rolling stock negotiate the points easier.

Dereck