Greetings all from a newbie from Australia.

I'm VERY new to Marklin and have inherited an old analogue system.
Probably a basic question to the initiated but what I'd like to know is if you can run a Digital locomotive on an analogue track?
I've the opportunity to pick up a digital loco (with carriages) at a good price - but no point in doing so if it won't work.
All advice appreciated.

If, amongst the stuff you have inherited, there are blue plastic controllers that look like transformers marked either 6600 or 6699 do not use them with anything digital.

It is unlikely but you never know...

The best thing show us a photo of the transformer(s) and than we can get you an accurate answer., from what you've described the transformers you've got are not suitable for digital decoders and as 1 member already explained when using the reversing option your decoder will be destroyed.

John

Eeek, that's the 280A transformer (the middle one with 280 on the faceplate), which due to their age are an electrocution accident waiting to happen if they have not been checked by an electrician.

See https://www.marklin-user...me-a-huge-230-Volt-shock

The 30va 6166 transformers either end of the picture are better in terms of their insulation, but best to have them checked. Probably not best either to use with digital locos.

I wouldn't bother with the small 278A, best to bin it but if not then the same warnings for the 280A apply.

The plastic case transformers talked about are at the top of the picture.

The problem with these transformers for digital use is they can give too high a voltage when their reverse function is activated. The situation is made worse when a transformer rated for 220v is used on a 230/240v supply and likewise a 110v rated transformer used on 120v supply.

Best to get a white case modern 6647 / 66470 / 66471 transformer, which can be used with digital locos.