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scraigen		#1 Posted : 19 November 2025 16:40:40(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 29/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 307 Location: Sheffield,		Hi, I've found myself dissappointed with MS1 and MS2's limited number of locos that can be stored, and am scared off by the cost of CS3. Is there anything inbetween? Cheers
		Must build something
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David Dewar		#2 Posted : 19 November 2025 16:54:50(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,523 Location: Scotland		Originally Posted by: scraigen Hi, I've found myself dissappointed with MS1 and MS2's limited number of locos that can be stored, and am scared off by the cost of CS3. Is there anything inbetween? Cheers CS3 is costly but will last for years and give you everything you need. Also it works well with Marklin items. Better to spend on good control items which are essential. You could sell your MS to help with cost.
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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mvd71		#3 Posted : 19 November 2025 18:31:28(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 09/08/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,971 Location: Auckland,		Is you don’t want the expense of the CS3, an option could be a used CS2. If you want new, alternates are the ESU controller, or Uhlenbrock’s intellibox, of which there are two versions to cater for varying needs.
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osoraku		#4 Posted : 19 November 2025 18:59:10(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/01/2025(UTC) Posts: 84 Location: Setubal, Palmela		Dear Stuart - Another possibility is to run your locos using a computer and a train control program (e.g. Rocrail, but there are others). You can operate them using the gleisbox that comes along with your MS2 and some extra DIY hardware. This is not exactly an out-of-the-box solution, but it is cheap and then you are only limited by your train control software. Examples discussed in this forum that I know of are the solution by the locoduino group for those facile with electronics and my own efforts involving less electronics knowhow. Apologies if you've already considered and discarded this route. Osoraku
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H0		#5 Posted : 19 November 2025 21:27:28(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,535 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: scraigen I've found myself dissappointed with MS1 and MS2's limited number of locos that can be stored, and am scared off by the cost of CS3. The MS2 has a limit of 40 locos, but supports up to 10239 addresses. If you have more than 40 locos, you can work with loco cards, assuming that not more than 40 locos will ever be on the layout at the same time. The old 6021 has a limit of 80 locos. The Intellibox can handle 9999 addresses. There are other options if you look beyond Märklin.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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Goofy		#6 Posted : 19 November 2025 21:55:32(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,344		MS2 are sucks sometimes because of the soft program which are dumb. MS2 are depended of the CS3 to upgrade soft program. MS2 don´t have program track output. MS2 are bored to use but are friendly to use(sometimes).
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
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Martti Mäntylä		#7 Posted : 20 November 2025 03:02:27(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 15/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 435 Location: Uusimaa, Helsinki		Originally Posted by: osoraku Another possibility is to run your locos using a computer and a train control program (e.g. Rocrail, but there are others). You can operate them using the gleisbox that comes along with your MS2 and some extra DIY hardware. This is not exactly an out-of-the-box solution, but it is cheap and then you are only limited by your train control software. Examples discussed in this forum that I know of are the solution by the locoduino group for those facile with electronics and my own efforts involving less electronics knowhow. I concur. In addition, there are commercially available alternatives for hooking the Gleisbox to computer, such as the CAN Digital Bahn product suite that I am using. I would not be able to run my trains the way I like it with a CS3.
		- Martti M. Era III analog & digital (Rocrail, CAN Digital Bahn, Gleisbox/MS2, K83/K84), C & M tracks, some Spur 1
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Goofy		#8 Posted : 20 November 2025 05:38:35(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,344		Originally Posted by: scraigen Hi, I've found myself dissappointed with MS1 and MS2's limited number of locos that can be stored, and am scared off by the cost of CS3. Is there anything inbetween? Cheers Have you checked Pikos new start digital WLAN? Anyway better than Märklins MS2. You can download Pikos new WLAN to read and study before to buy it.
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H0		#9 Posted : 20 November 2025 07:20:15(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,535 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: Goofy MS2 are depended of the CS3 to upgrade soft program. Bovine scatology. So far, updates also come via CS2. Updates can be passed from MS2 to MS2. You can get updates from friends or from dealers. If an MS2 is still limited to 11 locos, an update is long overdue.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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scraigen		#10 Posted : 20 November 2025 10:13:50(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 29/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 307 Location: Sheffield,		Originally Posted by: H0 The MS2 has a limit of 40 locos, but supports up to 10239 addresses. I checked the Marklin website before posing the question and it states "11 locomotives can be controlled with direct access." I took that to mean it will remember 11 that I program into it. Originally Posted by: osoraku Another possibility is to run your locos using a computer and a train control program (e.g. Rocrail, but there are others). You can operate them using the gleisbox that comes along with your MS2 and some extra DIY hardware. It's an option I would certainly consider, I might need help narrowing down the DIY choices as there seem to be a lot out there.
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H0		#11 Posted : 20 November 2025 11:25:47(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,535 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: scraigen Originally Posted by: H0 The MS2 has a limit of 40 locos, but supports up to 10239 addresses. I checked the Marklin website before posing the question and it states "11 locomotives can be controlled with direct access." I took that to mean it will remember 11 that I program into it. That's correct - but they show outdated information. The German text reads: "40 Lokomotiven im Direktzugriff steuerbar*." They forgot to update the English text in the product database. The actual limit is 40 locos as of version 3.55 and higher.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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scraigen		#12 Posted : 20 November 2025 14:30:46(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 29/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 307 Location: Sheffield,		Originally Posted by: H0 That's correct - but they show outdated information. The German text reads: "40 Lokomotiven im Direktzugriff steuerbar*." They forgot to update the English text in the product database. The actual limit is 40 locos as of version 3.55 and higher. Thanks, 40 locos is probably enough to satisfy my needs: which are basic control only. I just get fed up deleting and re-entering locos on the MS1. I'll keep an eye on eBay for a 60657.
		Must build something
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David Dewar		#13 Posted : 20 November 2025 20:39:12(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,523 Location: Scotland		MSL Will send a CS3 to the UK for about £460 and will add 3% bonus to your account. THis comes tax free so you take the chance of it coming through our customs free of VAT which although over the limit can happen and being busy near Christmas could help. Buying Marklin for Marklin items saves problems in the future amd mine is now about 10 years old and no problems.
		Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
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BenP		#14 Posted : 21 November 2025 17:13:32(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/02/2021(UTC) Posts: 541 Location: USA		I have looked at options as I only need a passthrough box running Rocrail, but found nothing easy and inexpensive. I have used an old intellibox w rocrail, which worked perfectly fine, except no mfx recognition. Just assigned codes and working fine, including S88s feedbacks. However, the cs3 is just a better (but pricey) interface and has safety controls that protect devices. Ben
		Digital M track layout with vintage rolling stock and accessories controlled by CS3+Rocrail; small Z scale layout. https://youtube.com/play...0kgVYbh0CeDTF-bYXoD_2-V9
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Pasquiles		#15 Posted : 21 November 2025 19:01:19(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/06/2019(UTC) Posts: 62 Location: Luxembourg, Luxembourg		I was reluctant once to buy the CS3, but know I must say I do not regret it at all. It is a huge step from the MS2.
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Goofy		#16 Posted : 22 November 2025 10:01:12(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,344		Originally Posted by: H0 Originally Posted by: Goofy MS2 are depended of the CS3 to upgrade soft program. Bovine scatology. So far, updates also come via CS2. Updates can be passed from MS2 to MS2. You can get updates from friends or from dealers. If an MS2 is still limited to 11 locos, an update is long overdue. Nope! I did had MS2 and when it was time to upgrade I was force to pay 5 euro to the dealer to upgrade via CS3. It was that time before I did get a CS3. I found out that MS2 are terrible by use so I did sold MS2. If you want to upgrade standard MS2 from a WLAN MS2 you have to buy it because there are no WLAN at the store to support yours MS2 with upgrade soft program.
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Goofy		#17 Posted : 22 November 2025 10:06:55(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,344		Originally Posted by: scraigen Originally Posted by: H0 That's correct - but they show outdated information. The German text reads: "40 Lokomotiven im Direktzugriff steuerbar*." They forgot to update the English text in the product database. The actual limit is 40 locos as of version 3.55 and higher. Thanks, 40 locos is probably enough to satisfy my needs: which are basic control only. I just get fed up deleting and re-entering locos on the MS1. I'll keep an eye on eBay for a 60657. Be attention about MS2! If you shall change a locomotives value the loco must stand alone on the track. It depends that MS2 are program on the main track too. So that means you must use switch contact to alone track from the main track.
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
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H0		#18 Posted : 22 November 2025 19:49:29(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,535 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: Goofy Be attention about MS2! If you shall change a locomotives value the loco must stand alone on the track. That's not true for mfx locos using mfx.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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dave55uk		#19 Posted : 23 November 2025 11:37:12(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 15/09/2023(UTC) Posts: 110 Location: Ely, England		Seems like several people don't like the MS2. I do like it, as it enables me to move around the layout room still controlling the train. A CS3 would mean I would have to sit at a desk. I am a one-man band though so controlling one train at a time is enough for me.
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xxup		#20 Posted : 23 November 2025 11:52:10(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 15/03/2003(UTC) Posts: 9,686 Location: Australia		I agree. I can't control more than two or maybe (after a can of coke) three locos manually. I only recently got the MS2 (and C track) to use for testing repaired locos, and while I don't find the MS2 very intuitive to use, after you read/study the manual it does work pretty well. It stores 40 locos, but it can be a bit of a challenge scrolling through the list to find the second loco before it crashes into the first one! In that case, I strongly recommend a second MS2 to control the second loco. I really don't recommend trying to run three locos manually on a small layout.
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H0		#21 Posted : 23 November 2025 12:14:59(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,535 Location: DE-NW		With one MS2 Hub 60122 you can use up to 6 MS2 with a single trackbox, allowing you to use more than 2 MS2s when running more than 2 trains at the same time or when performing complicated shunting tasks involving more than 2 locos.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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Copenhagen		#22 Posted : 23 November 2025 17:36:03(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 23/04/2019(UTC) Posts: 536 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark		Originally Posted by: dave55uk Seems like several people don't like the MS2. I do like it, as it enables me to move around the layout room still controlling the train. A CS3 would mean I would have to sit at a desk. I am a one-man band though so controlling one train at a time is enough for me. The MS2 is fine for sure. I like the MS2 that I have connected to my CS3. With an extension cable the range can be increased if needed.
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dave55uk		#23 Posted : 24 November 2025 01:19:37(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 15/09/2023(UTC) Posts: 110 Location: Ely, England		Originally Posted by: H0 With one MS2 Hub 60122 you can use up to 6 MS2 with a single trackbox, allowing you to use more than 2 MS2s when running more than 2 trains at the same time or when performing complicated shunting tasks involving more than 2 locos. Now that's very interesting. Shame it's not made anymore.
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H0		#24 Posted : 24 November 2025 12:07:58(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,535 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: Copenhagen It's made under the number 60145 now. Unfortunately, that's not true. 60145 is the dark replacement for the 60125 terminal for any CS, but neither 60125 nor 60145 can be used with the MS2 trackbox. 60122 has no dark replacement yet. Some dealer may still have it. I bought one this year new from dealer.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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Copenhagen		#25 Posted : 24 November 2025 13:14:47(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 23/04/2019(UTC) Posts: 536 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark		Originally Posted by: H0 Originally Posted by: Copenhagen It's made under the number 60145 now. Unfortunately, that's not true. 60145 is the dark replacement for the 60125 terminal for any CS, but neither 60125 nor 60145 can be used with the MS2 trackbox. 60122 has no dark replacement yet. Some dealer may still have it. I bought one this year new from dealer. Oh yeah! Sorry for the misinformation. My mind was on connecting mobile stations to a central station...
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Pasquiles		#26 Posted : 24 November 2025 19:34:42(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 04/06/2019(UTC) Posts: 62 Location: Luxembourg, Luxembourg		Originally Posted by: dave55uk Seems like several people don't like the MS2. I do like it, as it enables me to move around the layout room still controlling the train. A CS3 would mean I would have to sit at a desk. I am a one-man band though so controlling one train at a time is enough for me. I also use the MS2 to control my trains, while connected to the CS3. It is very convenient.
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Purellum		#27 Posted : 24 November 2025 21:39:27(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,537 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse		Originally Posted by: dave55uk Seems like several people don't like the MS2. I think most of us likes the MS2, and the very few that doesn't uses every chance they get to tell us that they don't like it Per.
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H0		#28 Posted : 25 November 2025 08:20:35(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,535 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: Purellum I think most of us likes the MS2, and the very few that doesn't uses every chance they get to tell us that they don't like it I like the MS2. I don't really like the CS3 and use (almost) every chance to mention that. Before buying an expensive controller, I highly recommend getting your hands on it and using it for a while. The longer you are addicted to MRR, the more money you are willing to spend on a controller. So, sooner or later, the CS3 might be within the budget range. When starting with MS2, the CS3 would be in the upgrade path. MS2 can be used with an ECos, too, but with limitations.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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