Hello all, just received a Marklin starter set with the NYC Alco pa and it’s definitely a very nice set. However I can’t get it to run as the Mobil station is constantly showing a stop sign in center top of screen. Not much in way of info for this mobile station and not a whole lot on line. The look of the loco and also the running stock is incredible but would really be nice if I could get it to run. Checked all the track and the connections seem fine. Any info or advice would be much appreciated. Joe

I presume this is the set? https://www.maerklin.de/...s/details/article/29575/
or https://www.maerklin.de/...icle/29571/1/?no_cache=1

1) Is the set new from dealer or second hand (used/near new) from seller?

2) Is this your first Maerklin set or do you have other material?

3) Connect the MS to the track box. Connect the power. Does it still show the stop sign? What happens when you press the 'Stop' button?

4) The next step. Put together three or four straight sections and your track box. Connect the Mobile Station and Power.

Plug in the Mobile Station. The main Mobile Station must be connected to the left 10-pin socket on the track box.
Connect the transformer or power pack wires to the track box. Let it power up

a) Does it still show the stop sign? If yes, there may be a problem with the MS or Track box
- If it works now, you can place the locomotive on the track and see if the MS recognizes it.

b) If it works, you can now check the functions and see if the locomotive moves back and forth (slowly)

If it works as a test track, you may have had some issue with the way you set up the track.

Starting with the track box, add straights or curves until your layout is set up. You can test the MS after each section to see if there is a short.
Once you have the track set up, check to see whether the MS works and if yes, place the locomotive on the tracks.
If it works, you can add the cars and off you go...

If you are still having issues, you might want to consider this as an option
https://www.reynaulds.co...ducts/Marklin/29000.aspx
It is a set of track with a MS2, which would replace the older MS and track box with the most recent version.
If you bought the PA-1 set used, you can ask the seller for a partial refund if it turns out that the MS1 and box were somehow defective.
If you bought it new from a dealer, perhaps they will give you a discount on the 29000 or on a MS2 and track box in exchange for the one that may not be working.


If you are still having issues, bring your set, or at least the locomotive, MS and track box to either Euro Model Trains (Union Beach NJ) or RJF Trains (Katonah, NY). In either case, you should contact them in advance to arrange a visit. They can hopefully diagnose and explain your issue and offer you a solution.

Regards

Mike C

One note, that probably everybody know; the mobile station always starts up in "Stop" mode. So you have to press the "Stop" button to get going. If it goes into Stop mode again after that then there is some kind of problem or fault (which often is a short circuit). You also use the Stop button to stop actions either planned or in case of emergencies.

Thanks again for the info. There does seem to be a problem with the stop button as it seems to be depressed all the time. In another word it seem to be pressed down all the time with no bounce to it. All the other buttons have bounce and you press down and they bounce right back up. And I am definitely looking into a ms2. Be nice if they came with manuals. I still think this is one of the nicest train sets in any scale I’ve ever seen.

Going for a CS3 is a huge step when you just have a starter set. Right now Jmass needs to be able to run his train. I don't know if the MS1 can be easily fixed or if the starter set can be returned for a refund so that a functioning set can be aquired. A used MS2 could also be a solution. Normally they come with written manuals but you can search online for a manual in pdf format.

AFAIK the Mobile Station always starts in "power on" mode. In contrast, the Mobile Station 2 (not discussed here) always starts in Stop mode.

Well I just purchased an ms2 and am looking forward to actually running trains. I had also purchased an mth gp 35 in nyc paint scheme. I know brawa produces gp 30 and would definatly be looking to purchase one in the future. As far as layouts go I will keep it simple. A double track loop with a passing track and a left turnout branching out to two businesses. I’ll talk to the seller about a refund on just the terminal track.

Yes it came complete. Even had an instruction manual.

Joe,

this might help you understand your mobile station a little more:
https://www.maerklin.de/...a/produkte/bda-60652.pdf
https://www.maerklin.de/...att_ms-aktualisieren.pdf

Those are the two documents from the original MS still available.

This was the one from the Start Set:
https://static.maerklin....105b3ea65e1434541789.pdf

Right Click and select "Open in New Tab" or "Open in New Window"

I hope that this helps

Regards

Mike C

Hello, the system I picked up comes with the controller, the box that the controller plugs into to which also has the leads that connect to the track and the plug which has an adapter for 120 volts. Also has three manuals. The part that connects to the track is 60116. Might be a newer model. Joe

60115 is the box for K track for use with Mobile Station 1.

60113 is the box for C track and Mobile Station 2. 60112 is the same except for the space connectors for I gauge.
60116 and 60114 are the darker and newer versions.

Mobil station 2 just came in, hooked up and everything’s running fine.

Thanks, now the real fun starts. Buying more track and freight cars.

My first break from a basic oval was to add two extension sets. They were M track with four electric turnouts. Two curved, they came std. With lanterns. That added a station siding, and a diagonal bridge crossover so trains could reverse direction on the oval. This was on a 4' by 8' layout. You'll have enough room on that size for two full oval runs of R4, 3, 2, and or 1 radius with siding, spurs, depending upon how much scenery relief and structures you want. The 29000 set includes a C track plan book with extension set layouts and free lance ones.
C Track, bridges, ramps, and piers are in short supply still. I have items back ordered. There is track on eBay, but be advised, if it's old C track, it became brittle and it cracks very easily. The connections are then weak. You can use it if it is screwd down and has good current conductivity. The tracks slide in under the edges of ramps and bridges. That keeps them rigid and in line.

my original layout plans would be a double track loop with a passing track and a left turnout leading to at least two industries. Nothing fancy.

And there is of course the digital ESU SD40-2 for Märklin AC, which doesn’t match the Alco PA era-wise...