 Joined: 19/02/2024(UTC) Posts: 2 Location: Ontario, Waterdown
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I am new to marlin trains and I would like to know how the electrical pick up works
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Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,243 Location: Montreal, QC
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I presume you mean Marklin or Maerklin and not marlin.
As far as electrical pickup, are you asking about the power system or how the models pick up the power from the tracks?
Maerklin traditionally works on 3 rail AC. The live is delivered via the centre (3rd rail) and the two rails serve as return (ground). The transformer delivers a max voltage of 16VAC. A momentary surge of 22-23VAC activates the direction change mechanism in the locomotive.
Today's digital Maerklin now uses DC power instead of the original AC. This enables the operation using the original Motorola MM (Maerklin-Motorola) digital system or the more common DCC and Maerklin's recent Mfx which allows for greater functions than the original MM. The power is still delivered via the 3 rails. Most older digital locomotives with a Motorola decoder will work with the DC power of the Mobile or Central Station.
Analog locomotives still require the classic 16VAC transformer
The locomotive is equipped with a slider which collects the live from the centre rail. The locomotive ground (return) is via the chassis and the wheels and axles to both rails. Coaches equipped with lighting have a slider mounted to collect the live and work on the same principle.
Regards
Mike C
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 2 users liked this useful post by mike c
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 Joined: 10/02/2021(UTC) Posts: 3,961 Location: Michigan, Troy
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Also, the outer rails are both ground conductors to the axles of trains. The wheel sets are not insulated from the left side and right as with a 2 rail system like Trix, and Roco. Roco also makes many models for 3 rail. A three rail system also eliminates the reverse loop mini short which can sometimes cause a pause in a trains motion as it passes over it. The power current polarity is sort of interrupted at the opposite side of where the transformer or power supply is connected to the track.
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 Joined: 23/10/2010(UTC) Posts: 2,061 Location: FRANCE
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hello, just to illustrate what was said...   Best Regards Joël |
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2 users liked this useful post by TrainIride
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