I use all Viessmann signals. I have never tried the Marklin ones, though. I like the construction and the reliability of the Viessmann ones so i have not looked elsewhere. Actually, I stared with Viessmann because I got one for free at a train show in Munich when I bought a catalog, so I just stayed with them.

Obviously not the same but I am (or, rather, will be) using just Viessmann signals. Actually the modern Marklin Z scale signals are made by Viessmann anyway. I don't know where you live but there is a hobby shop in the UK that is selling off all its Z stock at really good prices (like my signals were about 40% off. Address can be supplied is any interest.

To answer you query, I find them very realistic and fragile. They have a much larger range than Marklin (in semaphore anyway).

Best wishes,
Chris.

I use Viessmaan signals (semaphore) for a long time now. They are reliable.
The Viessmann semaphore signals are much better looking. The M signals are not as detailed and the Viessmann signals move slowly and have no visible power unit. You only need a 12 mm hole in your table.
For the semaphore signals you need about 10 cm free space under your table.

Most Marklin and Viessmann signals are just the same. They are both made by Viessmann, with only small changes.
Whatever you choose, it doens't matter that much.

Hi Piet.

Well, certainly the Z scale signals are identical to the Viessmann ones except that they were green instead of Viessmann's black. I am surprised that they didn't do the same with HO. Whatever, they are certainly a lot more realistic than the older versions.

Best wishes,
Chris.

Hello All:

Just my 2 cents worth.

I'm sure that Viessmann is constructing some items for Marklin, but I'm not sure about the light signals. As of yet, I haven't seen Marklin's newer light signals being offered under the Viessmann label.

Part 1: Semaphore Signals
When it comes to the semaphore line of signals, for me, it has to be Viessmann all the way. The detail and the slow motor mechanism is the greatest. To be fair to Marklin, though, they really haven't tried to upgrade their semaphore signals, concentrating on their light signal product line. Viessmann offers a larger variety of semaphores as well.

Part 2: Light Signals
When it comes to the light signals without a doubt it has to be the newer line of Marklin signals. The thing about them, for me, is the slow (prototypical)transition color changing that is most appealing, plus the fact that the wires are hidden within the mast. Viessmann's light signals have the wires visibly running through the mast assembly.

My layout reflects the era III / IV time period in Germany and so my signals a transitional. For the mains, I primarily use light signals while on the branch lines, Semaphore's can still be found.

I agree with the Marklin new light signals being the most reliable and atractive choice. Also modeling the era III/ IV transition period in Germany and am replacing marklin / Viessmann semophores as fast as I can afford to.

Tex