Mr Ron,

No worries from me!

Rule #1: It is your railroad, run what you like!

and, co-incidentally, just a few days ago...

https://www.marklin-users.net/fo...3findunread-American-ICE

Rule #2: There is a Prototype for Everything!

Just do what you love most

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

John

One thing good about this hobby is that none of your passenger cars and freight cars that you have purchased years ago get outdated. Video games get outdated and thrown away. Take a look at this Marklin layout with mostly US trains by Alsterstreek. The layout seems to use very little space, very compact, but I love how it runs with many different US trains. https://www.marklin-user...-Desmaigne-Project/page7
I have Metal M track, K track and a few C track all connected together on my layout, so none of the old tracks are outdated. I still use my old trusted 6021 controller.

A good point is to try mixed layout with both 2-rail and Märklin tracks.
I have seen layouts in real and in the Youtube.
You can use Märklins new digital system CS3 and mfx protocol in both 2-rail and Märklin track.
Yes even alone to use DCC protocol.
The list are long and you do what you feel best.

Thank you for your kind endorsement. I ask many questions and although I have been interested in trains off and on for at least 75 years, one might think I should be well informed. That is not the case. You can never know all there is to know. I am still trying to understand DCC. I probably won't go the DCC route and stay with DC and AC Marklin. I like the idea of combining AC and DC trains on the same layout. That would settle the arguement (in my mind at least) of which system to use. When in doubt, go with both. I know I ask a lot from this forum and my questions may sound dumb, repetitive or both, my aim is not only to learn, but also to pass on whatever knowledge I possess to others. I have learned over the years that as future model railroaders come on the scene, they will need all the help they can get, hence the repetitive questions. This hobby needs future model railroaders in order for this hobby to continue to grow. I have seen the progression of interest in trains over the years. Trains were of interest in areas where real trains were running. With the lack of trains in an area due to car, bus and truck transportation, trains have taken a back seat. The old timers are still out there, but age takes its share, leaving the younger generation that has grown up with much less exposure to trains. I grew up in an area (New York City) where trains were all around me. I couldn't help but not have an interest in trains. Now that I am retired on the Mississippi gulf coast, I never see a train and that explains the lack of interest in trains. Video games hasn't helped. They occupy kids minds. Trains are the last thing on their mind. Where I live, there is one(1) model railroad club. I visited it but found it was unlike any big club, like those featured in magazines. It did have a small HO layout, but also a lego railroad layout, an outdoor ride-on train for children and a small G gauge layout. I must commend them for addressing children as they may be future model railroaders, but little encouragement for old timer railroaders. There are NO model railroad shops in my area of the country. The big box stores carry children's versions of train sets, but if you want other train parts or accessories, I have to order it on line. If this hobby is to survive, we need new model railroaders. I notice model railroading is more popular in Europe and in Great Britain. That, I surmise, is due to the extensive passenger rail systems in GB and Europe. Not to leave out the U.S. trains are still of interest in major cities where there is still some train activity going on, but in the small rural areas of this country, train interest is dead.

Mr Ron clearly says that he doesn't intend to spend more money, so it's just a matter of getting going with what he already has - which is perfectly fine.
Just having a simple layout and running with what you have is quite pleasing.