 Joined: 27/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 36
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I recently re-inherited (long story) the Marklin equipment that my father purchased circa 1953 when we were stationed in Germany. I'm trying to get it working but there are no manuals or instructions in the footlocker. These may have disappeared while my brother (RIP) had possession of the equipment.
My google-fu is not working well because I'm coming up blank. Does anyone know of a source for instructions and manuals for the older equipment?
For instance, the transformer is a model 280A. I would like to make sure the insides are good to go, but I don't know the trick to get the cover off, or how the transformer is supposed to operate. A check with my voltmeter shows that, unless I'm doing something seriously wrong, there is 120 coming out of the B (train) connections on the back instead of the 8-16 volts the information plate says it should be. This transformer has two plugs (red and brown) each for the B, L and W outputs. The powered track sections each have two wires and plugs, red and brown, that I'm assuming plug into the transformer.
The switches, on the other hand, have three wires. I'm confused.
Thank you for any suggestions.
Cheers,
Richard
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 Joined: 08/03/2006(UTC) Posts: 1,042 Location: Gold Coast, Australia.
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D.A.Banks |
 1 user liked this useful post by Dave Banks
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Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
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Originally Posted by: rg1911  I recently re-inherited (long story) the Marklin equipment that my father purchased circa 1953 when we were stationed in Germany. I'm trying to get it working but there are no manuals or instructions in the footlocker. These may have disappeared while my brother (RIP) had possession of the equipment.
My google-fu is not working well because I'm coming up blank. Does anyone know of a source for instructions and manuals for the older equipment?
For instance, the transformer is a model 280A. I would like to make sure the insides are good to go, but I don't know the trick to get the cover off, or how the transformer is supposed to operate. A check with my voltmeter shows that, unless I'm doing something seriously wrong, there is 120 coming out of the B (train) connections on the back instead of the 8-16 volts the information plate says it should be. This transformer has two plugs (red and brown) each for the B, L and W outputs. The powered track sections each have two wires and plugs, red and brown, that I'm assuming plug into the transformer.
The switches, on the other hand, have three wires. I'm confused.
Thank you for any suggestions.
Cheers,
Richard
Have a look here. https://dermodellbahnblo...andbuch-anleitungen.htmlThere are books in German and in English, like these ones http://s341536299.online...iature-railway-h0-en.pdfhttp://s341536299.online...33-service-manual-en.pdfBy these old transformers I would be very cautious. The cables are old and brittle. You have to expect that they are damaged and dangerous. I still have them too, but I do not use them any more. They are about 50 to 60 years old.
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Joined: 27/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 36
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Originally Posted by: Dave Banks That seems to be it; it has three pairs of outputs in the back. I had skimmed that thread. Perhaps I missed something important. Thank you, Richard
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Joined: 27/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 36
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Originally Posted by: TEEWolf Thank you! I'm glad some are in English; I only speak a little Stuttgarter and Schweizer German and do not have the technical vocabulary. The Marklin site lists a number of books, but then says they are not available. I have written to Marklin to ask if they have any transformers that work with the older equipment. Tchuss, Richard
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 Joined: 04/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 1,291 Location: Port Moody, BC
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Hi Richard, You would probably be better served by buying one of the newer style transformers on eBay. Currently on eBay.com there are a few listings for various wattage rated units for North America: 32 VA16 wattPeter
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Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC)
Posts: 2,465
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Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,233 Location: Montreal, QC
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Originally Posted by: rg1911 I recently re-inherited (long story) the Marklin equipment that my father purchased circa 1953 when we were stationed in Germany. I'm trying to get it working but there are no manuals or instructions in the footlocker. These may have disappeared while my brother (RIP) had possession of the equipment.
My google-fu is not working well because I'm coming up blank. Does anyone know of a source for instructions and manuals for the older equipment?
For instance, the transformer is a model 280A. I would like to make sure the insides are good to go, but I don't know the trick to get the cover off, or how the transformer is supposed to operate. A check with my voltmeter shows that, unless I'm doing something seriously wrong, there is 120 coming out of the B (train) connections on the back instead of the 8-16 volts the information plate says it should be. This transformer has two plugs (red and brown) each for the B, L and W outputs. The powered track sections each have two wires and plugs, red and brown, that I'm assuming plug into the transformer.
The switches, on the other hand, have three wires. I'm confused.
Thank you for any suggestions.
Cheers,
Richard
Hi Richard, simple response. The old metal transformers should not be used due to the risk of electrocution and short circuits. There is a risk that the insulation of the cord has worn out, possibly allowing the mains voltage to transfer to the metal body or to the mechanism inside. The plugs on the back on the transformer should be red (live), brown (return) and yellow (accessories). The red and brown provide power for the rails. The brown is a common ground and the yellow is the constant live for use with signals, switch lights, etc. The switch tracks have three wires. the yellow is for connection to the accessory terminal and the other two (brown) are for connection to the switch box (7012) which allows you to active the solenoid for straight or turn. One should be connected to the red button and the other to the green button on the switch panel. This was confusing because if I remember correctly, those wires were all blue and the only difference was the color of the plugs. Getting back to the transformer, you should replace the old one with a 6646 (120 V) as seen here: http://www.ajckids.com/products/Marklin/6646It will work fine with your older models. The only thing that you will have to do is to remove the brown and red plugs from the ends of the wires, twist the wire ends and to connect them to the new terminals. If using multiple devices that need to connect to the brown and yellow terminals, you can use a terminal strip connected to the transformer to link all the cables. and if you were actually looking for instructions for Marlin, try here: https://www.sportfishing...marlin-teasing-them-boatRegards Mike C
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 Joined: 04/08/2015(UTC) Posts: 74 Location: Stockholms Lan, Stockholm
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Search on Ebay, any Marklin transformer with plastic housing should do the job 6627 is older and blue 6646 is newer white, and safe with digital locomotives. Available new from Marklin.
No marklin transformers are designed to be opened by end users , the manual gives no information about this, the ask you to return the item for service
Henrik
Do you need any more manuals please ask in the thread
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Joined: 27/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 36
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Originally Posted by: mike c Hi Richard, simple response. The old metal transformers should not be used due to the risk of electrocution and short circuits. There is a risk that the insulation of the cord has worn out, possibly allowing the mains voltage to transfer to the metal body or to the mechanism inside. The plugs on the back on the transformer should be red (live), brown (return) and yellow (accessories). The red and brown provide power for the rails. The brown is a common ground and the yellow is the constant live for use with signals, switch lights, etc. The switch tracks have three wires. the yellow is for connection to the accessory terminal and the other two (brown) are for connection to the switch box (7012) which allows you to active the solenoid for straight or turn. One should be connected to the red button and the other to the green button on the switch panel. This was confusing because if I remember correctly, those wires were all blue and the only difference was the color of the plugs. Getting back to the transformer, you should replace the old one with a 6646 (120 V) as seen here: http://www.ajckids.com/products/Marklin/6646It will work fine with your older models. The only thing that you will have to do is to remove the brown and red plugs from the ends of the wires, twist the wire ends and to connect them to the new terminals. If using multiple devices that need to connect to the brown and yellow terminals, you can use a terminal strip connected to the transformer to link all the cables. and if you were actually looking for instructions for Marlin, try here: https://www.sportfishing...marlin-teasing-them-boatRegards Mike C Mike, Thank you for the information and for the link to ajckids. I have ordered two of the 6646 transformers. Cheers, Richard
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Joined: 27/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 36
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Originally Posted by: TEEWolf TEEWolf, Again you have provided information I need. I have downloaded the files and will get to the Modellbahn Blog. I grabbed my father's German-English dictionary but all the German words are in the old script (Kaiserschrift?) so I'll need to buy a more modern German-English dictionary. I need to do this, anyway, since I have a number of books in German that I would like to read again. (My German used to be much better.) And, as I told Mike C, I have ordered two of the 6646 transformers so I can get the train to go around the base of the Christmas tree. Cheers, Richard
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 Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,772 Location: New Zealand
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This may be of help. I would also certainly recommend you obtain a newer white cased transformer - much safer.  Eckert Marklin wiringbooklet.pdf (170kb) downloaded 72 time(s).
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Joined: 27/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 36
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Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz This may be of help. I would also certainly recommend you obtain a newer white cased transformer - much safer. Eckert Marklin wiringbooklet.pdf (170kb) downloaded 72 time(s). Thank you. And I have ordered two of the 6646 transformers. Cheers, Richard
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2 users liked this useful post by rg1911
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