Looking at starting in the Marklin system Share  Email this topic  LinkBack Topic URL  Retweet this Topic  Share Topic on Google+  Like this Topic  Share on Facebook  Digg this Topic  Reddit this Topic  Share on Tumblr Options  Watch this topic  Print this topic View » Normal Threaded

Previous Topic Next Topic

Train train		#1 Posted : 23 August 2025 08:13:09(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/10/2020(UTC) Posts: 11 Location: Cape town, South Africa		Hello Marklin users, I have been out of model railways for a while and having previously been a DCC 2 railer I am seriously looking at returning but using the Marklin system, but I want to know if it's actually worth it. Is there any advantage for me to use Marklin instead of just using the trix two rail instead, I have only a couple of DC locomotives and would probably convert to AC by fitting a 3 rail pickup shoe and a ESU lokpilot Multiprotocol decoder. I live in a country where you mostly have to import stuff on model railways so availability for both systems is about the same. Although in regards to Marklin brands Marklin is easier to source then trix. None of my DC track or Dcc controller have survived.
1 user liked this useful post by Train train		PJMärklin
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

	Wish to join the discussion?! Login to your marklin-users.net community | Forum accountor Register a new forum account. Or Connect via Facebook

rhfil		#2 Posted : 23 August 2025 13:25:58(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 05/09/2014(UTC) Posts: 717 Location: NEW HAMPSHIRE, Somersworth		The advantage of three rail is you can have reversing loops without electronics. Also contact reporting is simpler. As far as I am concerned Marklin is the best. I have a CS3 and love it. It is very intuitive. What you think would be the simplest way to do something turns out to be the way that works.
2 users liked this useful post by rhfil		marklinist5999, dickinsonj
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

JohnjeanB		#3 Posted : 23 August 2025 17:13:29(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 3,619 Location: Paris, France		Hi Besides the real advantage of 3 rails, Märklin offers a digital solution that is really great. It is called MFX. Not to be confused with MFX-compatible and M4 you may find. Märklin is best when used NOT mixed with other brands (Roco, Fleischmann, Piko, etc). This is a complete system that has been thoroughly tested. Having mostly Märklin keeps you future-compatible (Märklin does not tell anyone what are their developments) So, using non-Märklin decoders with a CS3 is a disaster Here is my purely Märklin layout Cheers Jean
		My layout videos latest vid marshalling yard My Layout
3 users liked this useful post by JohnjeanB		Train train, hermanvk, 1borna
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

David Dewar		#4 Posted : 23 August 2025 17:39:42(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,489 Location: Scotland		Marklin is excellent but like most systems is expensive. it is worth spending as much as you can on the controller and power pack. Go for the CS3 and you will have all you need. Locos and coaches etc can be added in time and start with a cheaper loco which allows you to experiment as you build the layout.
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
2 users liked this useful post by David Dewar		marklinist5999, ixldoc
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Train train		#5 Posted : 23 August 2025 19:48:21(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/10/2020(UTC) Posts: 11 Location: Cape town, South Africa		Originally Posted by: JohnjeanB Hi Besides the real advantage of 3 rails, Märklin offers a digital solution that is really great. It is called MFX. Not to be confused with MFX-compatible and M4 you may find. Märklin is best when used NOT mixed with other brands (Roco, Fleischmann, Piko, etc). This is a complete system that has been thoroughly tested. Having mostly Märklin keeps you future-compatible (Märklin does not tell anyone what are their developments) So, using non-Märklin decoders with a CS3 is a disaster Here is my purely Märklin layout Cheers Jean Could you elaborate on why mixing is a bad idea? I would like to know, even if they are MFX compatible decoders?
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Train train		#6 Posted : 23 August 2025 21:52:49(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/10/2020(UTC) Posts: 11 Location: Cape town, South Africa		Originally Posted by: rhfil The advantage of three rail is you can have reversing loops without electronics. Also contact reporting is simpler. As far as I am concerned Marklin is the best. I have a CS3 and love it. It is very intuitive. What you think would be the simplest way to do something turns out to be the way that works. Where I'm stuck is Marklin make a 2 rail digital system for Trix so is digital control wise are the unique advantages to 3 rail AC. Please forgive me if this sounds argumentive I'm just really stuck on deciding.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

David Dewar		#7 Posted : 23 August 2025 23:33:30(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,489 Location: Scotland		For me Marklin C track is excellent and gives good running with the extra centre rail. As said above you can have reversing loops without any problems. You can look at what is available from both systems from catalogues.
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
1 user liked this useful post by David Dewar		Train train
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

rhfil		#8 Posted : 24 August 2025 02:34:26(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 05/09/2014(UTC) Posts: 717 Location: NEW HAMPSHIRE, Somersworth		To me the main advantage of three rails is it eliminates the need for complex electronics with complicated layouts that include a reversal and also allow for simpler contact tracks. My first foray into model railroading after retiring was with ho dcc and my first layout included a figure eight with a manual reversing switch. I later found an electronic version but neither worked perfectly. And then I attended a model railroad show where I observed a Marklin CS3 in operation. It met all my goals. Three rails allows reversing without any electronics and the least complicated method of train recognition using contact tracks.
2 users liked this useful post by rhfil		Train train, dickinsonj
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Train train		#9 Posted : 24 August 2025 08:45:08(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/10/2020(UTC) Posts: 11 Location: Cape town, South Africa		Originally Posted by: David Dewar For me Marklin C track is excellent and gives good running with the extra centre rail. As said above you can have reversing loops without any problems. You can look at what is available from both systems from catalogues. Thank you
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Drongo		#10 Posted : 29 August 2025 08:21:02(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,262 Location: Sydney, NSW		Yes C track is great, however, the Marklin turntable for C track is an absolute dog - under no circumstance get one. The TT in Jean's video is not the C track TT but another one from Fleischmann which has been modified for the 3 rail system.
		Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

BenPerr		#11 Posted : 29 August 2025 17:35:51(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 19/07/2023(UTC) Posts: 34 Location: North Carolina, Charlotte		Originally Posted by: Drongo Yes C track is great, however, the Marklin turntable for C track is an absolute dog - under no circumstance get one. The TT in Jean's video is not the C track TT but another one from Fleischmann which has been modified for the 3 rail system. Can you expand on why the C-Track turntable is a dog & what are the fixes if any? I bought the 74862 and would like to know more before I assemble it on my layout. Thanks
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#12 Posted : 29 August 2025 20:54:42(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,315		Originally Posted by: Drongo Yes C track is great, however, the Marklin turntable for C track is an absolute dog - under no circumstance get one. The TT in Jean's video is not the C track TT but another one from Fleischmann which has been modified for the 3 rail system. There is Roco turntable that also can be use with Märklin tracks.
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#13 Posted : 29 August 2025 21:05:19(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,315		Originally Posted by: Train train Hello Marklin users, I have been out of model railways for a while and having previously been a DCC 2 railer I am seriously looking at returning but using the Marklin system, but I want to know if it's actually worth it. Is there any advantage for me to use Marklin instead of just using the trix two rail instead, I have only a couple of DC locomotives and would probably convert to AC by fitting a 3 rail pickup shoe and a ESU lokpilot Multiprotocol decoder. I live in a country where you mostly have to import stuff on model railways so availability for both systems is about the same. Although in regards to Marklin brands Marklin is easier to source then trix. None of my DC track or Dcc controller have survived. There is various to control model railway layout. Märklin K or and C tracks can also be use with DCC systems and Märklin have nowadays DCC protocol in the new digital locomotives and not only mfx can be use. It depends if you want have total control of the Märklin trains like to configure mfx protocol and in this case you have to use CS3. Märklin tracks are expensive and it will be fine to use two rail with the CS3 and use mfx protocol too. Trix do also have mfx protocol in the sound decoders. I use two rail and found out that Peco code 75 are excellent to use with the Trix trains too.
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Copenhagen		#14 Posted : 30 August 2025 12:43:15(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 23/04/2019(UTC) Posts: 506 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark		The problems with mixing with other brands: Usually engines/locomotives from the big brands like Roco, Piko and Esu run fine on three rail. I've had issues with smaller brands where tolerances and stuff can give problems. When talking about rolling stock. Other brands than Marklin usually come with isolated axles so if one wants detection isolated wheels can be an issue. I don't use detection but other brands than Marklin usually have smaller wheel flanges which can cause problems with derailments. I usually adjust the wheel spacing a smidgen down on non Marklin cars. Like if it comes with a spacing of about 14.5 millimetres I shorten it to around 14 to 14.2 mm. Sometimes you can get AC wheels for non Marklin cars which can also solve the problems.
1 user liked this useful post by Copenhagen		marklinist5999
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Train train		#15 Posted : 30 August 2025 13:37:13(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/10/2020(UTC) Posts: 11 Location: Cape town, South Africa		Im aware of the advantages of easier wiring and much easier to make reversing loops, although I don't think I will have one on my layout. How does setting up Marklin track compare ease wise to setting up DCC two rail C track with trix?
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

ocram63_uk		#16 Posted : 30 August 2025 13:44:25(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 07/01/2015(UTC) Posts: 736 Location: England, Suffolk		I started with 2 rail many moons ago. Returning to Marklin at a later stage, mainly when DCC came along. I've mixed, after converting, 2 rail locos with Marklin locos and most DCC decoders. I've sold the 2 rail locos and am now in a 'limbo' deciding what to do with my trains but the idea is to stick to Marklin locos and nothing else in order to avoid the need to convert them to 3 rails which is cheaper and better. Coaches of different manufacturers might need tweaking especially with the wheels and the tolerance on C track. Trix locos can be quickly converted to 3 rails just by plugging in the correct 'slider' pickup shoe. I never bothered with reverse loops and all the other stuff as it is too 'nerdy' when you need to start with Marklin and they are inherently 'out of the box'. Enjoy
1 user liked this useful post by ocram63_uk		marklinist5999
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

David Dewar		#17 Posted : 30 August 2025 17:07:41(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,489 Location: Scotland		If you are starting again then I would stick to one manufacturer and not have a mix. In time when you are happy with Marklin controls etc then buying from others is fine. My view is spend most on the controller and power pack with C track and build from there. Dont rush in but take time and you will get plenty of help here as you move forward.
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
1 user liked this useful post by David Dewar		marklinist5999
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Train train		#18 Posted : 30 August 2025 19:19:35(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/10/2020(UTC) Posts: 11 Location: Cape town, South Africa		Originally Posted by: David Dewar If you are starting again then I would stick to one manufacturer and not have a mix. In time when you are happy with Marklin controls etc then buying from others is fine. My view is spend most on the controller and power pack with C track and build from there. Dont rush in but take time and you will get plenty of help here as you move forward. Thanks. Would it be okay to apply this Advice but just convert the one 00 2 rail locomotive I have and don't get anymore until I am familiar with Marklin controls?
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

DasBert33		#19 Posted : 30 August 2025 21:46:31(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 21/01/2004(UTC) Posts: 1,284		honestly i would stick with 2 rail if i were you, mainly because of slidernoise, 2R rails looking better and having more choice in rolling stock and track material.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Drongo		#20 Posted : 31 August 2025 08:24:40(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,262 Location: Sydney, NSW		Originally Posted by: BenPerr Originally Posted by: Drongo Yes C track is great, however, the Marklin turntable for C track is an absolute dog - under no circumstance get one. The TT in Jean's video is not the C track TT but another one from Fleischmann which has been modified for the 3 rail system. Can you expand on why the C-Track turntable is a dog & what are the fixes if any? I bought the 74862 and would like to know more before I assemble it on my layout. Thanks Firstly, there are tiny plastic clips which are inserted at each track exit. 2 types of pins, one for an occupied track and one for an unoccupied track. These pins can easily fall out, or the TT can jam on them. The precision of the TT being laid on your layout is extreme. The slightest misalignment and the TT will jam. Secondly, getting to run on a CS3 is complex, or if your using another controller, like an ECoS then it's a nightmare. Thirdly, if your layout is run by TrainController, then you've got Buckley's of getting it to work. This is my experience. Regards Greg
		Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

David Dewar		#21 Posted : 31 August 2025 16:34:54(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,489 Location: Scotland		Originally Posted by: Train train Originally Posted by: David Dewar If you are starting again then I would stick to one manufacturer and not have a mix. In time when you are happy with Marklin controls etc then buying from others is fine. My view is spend most on the controller and power pack with C track and build from there. Dont rush in but take time and you will get plenty of help here as you move forward. Thanks. Would it be okay to apply this Advice but just convert the one 00 2 rail locomotive I have and don't get anymore until I am familiar with Marklin controls? I would purchase a new mfx loco. Marklin have a cheap steamer I think the number is 30000 which is all you need to get started and experiment. Keep things simple and also buy the Marklin book on running their system. ignore turntables etc and keep this type of item for later. As said spend most on the control sysytem which will last for years with locos and coaches being added later along with signals etc. Doint too much at the one time when starting is not great so go slow and understand the system as you go along.
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
1 user liked this useful post by David Dewar		marklinist5999
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Train train		#22 Posted : 31 August 2025 18:06:27(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 14/10/2020(UTC) Posts: 11 Location: Cape town, South Africa		Originally Posted by: David Dewar Originally Posted by: Train train Originally Posted by: David Dewar If you are starting again then I would stick to one manufacturer and not have a mix. In time when you are happy with Marklin controls etc then buying from others is fine. My view is spend most on the controller and power pack with C track and build from there. Dont rush in but take time and you will get plenty of help here as you move forward. Thanks. Would it be okay to apply this Advice but just convert the one 00 2 rail locomotive I have and don't get anymore until I am familiar with Marklin controls? I would purchase a new mfx loco. Marklin have a cheap steamer I think the number is 30000 which is all you need to get started and experiment. Keep things simple and also buy the Marklin book on running their system. ignore turntables etc and keep this type of item for later. As said spend most on the control sysytem which will last for years with locos and coaches being added later along with signals etc. Doint too much at the one time when starting is not great so go slow and understand the system as you go along. Thanks, maybe I will try this and save the conversions for later down the line.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Users browsing this topic

Guest