Hello!

I have just purchased the 29625 starter set as my first set to get started into the Marklin world!
1) I purchased it (maybe a bit impulsively? ) for about 300$ (shipped) in "new in box" conditions... did I make too much of a bad deal? It seemed to me that it had a nice, all metal, BR 41, and quite some amount of C-tracks
2) Do you have any advice to get it starter, or things I should pay attention at in the first runs?

Thanks for any tips and advice!
Andy

That is a really nice set and you should get a lot of years enjoyment from it.

In the future the loco can be upgraded with a newer decoder and motor if you wish, but in the meantime it will run quite satisfactorily as is.
It can have a smoke unit fitted if you wish.

In the first instance I would recommend reading the loco maintenance instructions and then set up the layout by the book. Run the loco, and see if it makes any funny noises, fails to move (but lights come on and it makes a humming noise), or anything else weird.

The loco may well need a service before you really get going as the factory oil may have gone hard, and need re-lubing.

Cheers….

Mike

Thank you all for the precious feedback!

And PMPeter, I am sorry for your experience... I really hope my set won't have as many problems as yours...! If that turns out true, where else should I get started, or what else should be my next step? Maybe purchasing a more recent entry-level starter set?

Hi Andy… welcome to the forum!

I purchased this set new years ago from Obletter Spielwaren after dabbling in N and Maerklin MAXI for a short time and it remains a favorite. I recently had the Delta module replaced with an ESU LokPilot and am sure it will still be running well for years to come. I’ve never had any issues when operating in reverse, but then I’ve never reversed over a turnout. The only thing I would recommend (as Peter mentioned above) is replacing the included C track with newer production pieces as the original track was brittle.

Enjoy the journey! (BTW: the first tourist train I rode back in the day was pulled by a BR 41.)

Peter, thank you for the clarification, I was not aware of that. Does it mean that I will not be able to run the train in the set at all, or that some functionality will be missing, or something else? Does this also imply that the set is not in "new" conditions as advertised?

Thank you

Märklin's product description reads: "Das DELTA-Control 6604 (Steuergerät)ist nicht in der Packung enthalten, gehört jedoch zum Lieferumfang."

Meaning: "The Delta Control 6604 is not included in the box, but is part of the set."

So you only get a complete 29625 if you get a Delta Control in a separate box. It looks as if there was no room in the styrofoam of the box for the Delta Control.

My set came with the analog/conventional transformer. The Delta module was present in the locomotive that allowed for multi train operation (if you had the corresponding components), but the Delta controller itself was not part of the set.

Here is the link from a previous thread regarding all of the problems with the BR41 locomotive:

BR41 Problems


So in summary for me this was not a good purchase 10 years ago:

- No transformer or Delta controller supplied
- All the C track pieces and switches ended up in the garbage years ago due to the brittle track problem
- The loco is shelved due to constant derailing
- I have 5 starter set freight cars at approx. CAD$58 ea.

So as someone else pointed out, don't expect too much from this set and look for something newer with an MS2.

Also, if operating the locomotive in analog mode, be sure the dip switches on the Delta module are in the “off” mode.

I got the 29815 or 29816 set;
BR41 with white trafo and Delta unit.
With K-track and the classic electrical metal-crane.

A nice and sturdy lok, which I dont remember having any problems running backwards. (I will try this when I get the chance!)
The look looks nice with blackened wheels, but has no outstanding pipes along the kettle.
I think my model is an early epoch III, as it only has 2 front lanterns, and the huge Wagner windblecke.
I think you can say it is inbetween vintage 80`s and modern 2000´s style.

One of my "daily runners" in the sense that it is always present on my layout. Currently with a string of Hecht-wagens. Previously with freight.

@andytrain;
It´s not a good starter-set today. You definetly need something with an MS2!
You locomotive should be quite OK though, both for Analog, Delta and MS2 running.
(Although you might have to move some dip-switches inside of it, in order to configure it for your type of control)
The most delicate theme is with the tracks; You need to find out if the plastic has gone brittle, or if you are in luck and they work.
If the track is bad, you should try to return the set, or at least demand a hefty refund!
If track is good, you should try to get hold of an MS2, or even better; Get another starter-set with more tracks, waggons ans a loco, as the MS2 will be good for running multiple trains from a single controller.

Before trying to run the BR41 loco, you might want to check for hardened oil, which could cause the hold thing to bind and result in bend rods if you try to force it.

Good luck!

Based on the photo of the pick up shoe, I would conclude that the loco has been used.

What are your options? Did he offer a full refund if you return it or just the $75 if you keep it? Who pays for the S&H if you return it?

In my opinion, unless he has offered you a full refund, I would test it all before you accept the $75. If the transformer works and the loco works then $225 is not that bad.

As far as the track is concerned, if 3 pieces arrived broken you can count on all of the connectors breaking when you click it together or take it apart.

Peter

In my opinion... You are being ripped off, and should demand to return the whole thing.

In detail;
Loco might be worth around 100,-. I wouldn't worry about the wear on the slider, and the light is an incandescent light-bulb that can be changed, or maybe it just need to be reseated.
The 5 waggons are worth 10,- each. I wouldn't worry too much about the broken handrail. It's annoying but it happens.
A 50% refund would be adequate, if you really want to stay with the set, and avoid the hassle of returning it.

The rest are bad things; You were not supplied the DELTA controller unit. Track is brittle and practically worthless.
The trafo has some value, but will be worthless once you get an MS2. (Trafo will again have value, once you build a permanent layout, where it can be used for lighting and other stuff.) It´s value would be around 20,-.

What bothers me the most, is the suspicion that the seller acts in "bad faith". The set misses parts, has broken parts, looks used.
Yet I understand that it was sold "as new", albeit old???

Also, I am extremely sorry for your experience; A hobby like this is supposed to REMOVE frustration from your everyday life, not ADD MORE of it.
I hope the whole thing won't take away your interest in the hobby and this brand in particular.

Whether or not you stay with this particular set, you should try to get hold of a starter set with a BR24 or BR74 and sound. It should cost less than the BR41 set anyway...


Edit; I just realized that I am referring to prices in EURO´s, from the point of view of an european, where the stuff is somewhat easier to come by.
I don't know what percentage my price-suggestions should be adjusted with...

I agree with what both hxmiesa and cintrans are saying. Basically you were mislead by being told the set was new/old stock. It was used, maybe only slightly, but the marks on the loco slider and the wheels definitely show this as well as the broken C-track. The track does not break sitting in the box. It breaks if it is dropped, connected to each other, or separated.

The $75 offered refund should be sufficient to buy a new oval, but will not pay for 2 new switches. The switches will be suitable for manual operation, but based on my experience, any attempt to mount the switch motor and decoder will lead to the mounting posts breaking off the minute the mounting screw is inserted.

Regarding cintrans' comment about C track after 2000 being OK, I disagree. I have 2003 C track that breaks just as much as the 1990s track. For any C-track to be considered it needs to have the new CE-ASA stamp embedded in the plastic. Every piece should have that and if it doesn't I wouldn't buy it.

So if returning the whole set at the Seller's cost for a full refund is not an option, here is what I would do:

1. Test the transformer with a multimeter to check if you have the proper AC voltage across the fixed output terminals and have the variable AC voltage across the track power terminals. If that is OK then go ahead and connect the red wire to the B spade connector of one of the track pieces and the brown wire to the O spade connector of the track.
2. Build the oval with the supplied C track and don't worry about the breakage. The electrical connections should still be good. Be careful with the curve pieces since that set comes with 2 pieces with a different radius.
3. Open the tender of the locomotive and ensure that the dip switches are set for analogue operation as per the loco photocopy that was included.
4. Place the loco on the track and see if it operates with the transformer control.

Good luck.
Peter

It could well be factory running, or dealer demonstrations on their layout or other circumstances.

Regardless, it looks like minimal use to me and I think it could legitimately be considered new as advertised.

I would be more likely to judge on the amount of crud built up on the wheels. If they are clean, be happy.

Could be... I think it is pretty normal for the old style 3-pole field-coil motors.
If you can remove the old oil it would be perfect. -But it could also be that it just need a good running in. -And maybe a drop of oil.
Running it for 2*20 minutes (each direction) at a medium-to-high speed should do it...
My BR41 runs very smoothly, for such simple and old technology. (albeit a little too fast... )

I have always used the 7226 unit on digital/delta with no problems.

Any of the br41 loco user manuals will give enough info for basic maintenance. If you want to know all the digital address options, a google search will give you a list of them in a table.

The 7226 was designed for analogue, and I have run it for years on digital with great results. Far better the the Seuthe units recommended for digital.