Hi (not sure who to call you, but I think Jeff)


Yes, K tracks does look nicer than M track and you could use M track for some sidings until you get things converted. (I use my old M track is my display cabinets.)

I found that using the 2205 flex track was cheaper than using the sectional pieces. It may be worth it to order direct from Germany.

Depending on what your modeling goals are you may also want to place the K-track in some ballast and I particularly like the Merkur ballast. This has to be ordered from Germany.

I have a small writeup about Merkur at https://cabin-layout.mixmox.com/2015/11/merkur-ballast.html


If you do plan on going digital you should also explore the various control options before you lay too much track as you will likely need to build sensors into the track in order to provide feedback to the control system so it knows how far the trains have progressed.

Hi Dale and Mjn2ts,

Couldn't agree more about K track and Merkur (there, I've said it again ) and at risk of sounding like a gramaphone record :

https://www.marklin-user...kur-track-bed#post629213

Hi Mjn2ts (funny first name!)

All the Märklin rail choices are OK. Here is how I see them:
M-Track
+ easy to find and cheap but inspection of 2nd hand purchases necessary.
+ goes real well with an historic flair to layout (like in the 50s)
+ perfectly compatible with digital operation
- difficult to make long detection stretchs
- may rust in humid environments
Note: avoid large lantern track pieces

K-Track
+ flexible track allows any elegant curves
+ track geometry allows more compact layouts than with M or C track
+ under the table switch motors (option
* must ballast the track: allows for more realism but more work
- contact issues when ballasting with glue
- rail size and general track design very much dated (like 20 years ago or more). Huge rails code 100
- motor fixation to switches very unreliable (except for fixed layouts

C-Track
+ by far the best: more realistic, more reliable allowing for very nice layouts
+ in full sync with latest Märklin designs
+ can do any long detection stretchs
+ the only offering intelligent switches (motor and decoder in track bed).
+ rolling qualities simply not comparable with M or K tracks: trains just go straight and smooth (no dancing on rails but pure translation)
- more expensive
- no flexible track
- no sleek double slip switch

I have used all 3 types and even have some pieces of Modellgleis 3800 and 3900 but now I stick to C Track
Just my viewpoint
Here is a short glimpse of my layout (sorry for the mess )



Cheers

Jean

Hi Jeff,

I know what you mean about sentimentality of things from your dad.

I have used all three types of track too. At present I have opted for k track with Merkur roadbed. It costs a little more than a combo like cork underlay and hand ballasting. However as a cost per metre it is not a big difference, and it gives a fantastic look.

Quality of running is entirely down to how you lay the track, and being patient and setting yourself a high standard is the key to success for all track types. I’ve seen bad running and roughness in all types.

I don’t find the code 100 to be a real issue for me, especially if the sides of the rails are weathered. Also the code 100 does allow you to run early models with larger flanges that were not designed for the smaller rails of c track. This may be a issue for you depending on the models you are inheriting from you father (on c track some models have the flanges hitting the sleepers).

I have recently moved into mostly Roco 1:87 passenger coaches, and with the longer length geometry of the k track and flex track just makes sense to me.

Cheers….

Mike

The 3015 may need the larger track profile, so k track will be perfect.