07421 Electrical Manual - Controlling, Switching, Running has arrived. And it does the trick for me, mostly.
The book is a hardback in landscape layout with just over 100 pages, divided into five sections, copyright 2007. Production values are high, but the editing and translation could have been better. Sometimes the English is difficult to understand and some of the diagrams have not been translated from German.
Having bought this book to answer a number of questions, and having read through the book once, I can confirm that almost all my questions were answered. The book give all the basics of electrical operation in analogue mode, and, by going through the development of the Marklin digital products, it explains and positions all the various products, what they do and what they work with. Up to page 23, the discussion is of analogue operation, then Delta, 6021 (and all its related modules); why boosters are needed and what they do; Mobile station, connections and the reason for different power supplies; Central Station and its basic connections.
Section 3 deals with Solenoid accessories - analogue for all three track types; turnout decoders, k83 and k84 decoders; Signals (analogue and digital operation, their control boxes, etc.).
Section 4 deals with electrical accessories and the controllers for them - the difference between 72730 and 72740 and where to use each. Also special accessories - transfer table, turntable, grade crossing, rotary crane, mobile crane.
Section 5 is about automating a layout, the tools and how to use them. Reed switches, contact tracks, block operation, braking module, etc.
Every section has lots of big, clear wiring diagrams that really illustrate how to incorporate each element into the overall circuit and its control. With a little more attention to detail in the editing and translation, this would have been almost perfect. As it is, for a native English speaker, there are occasional phrases and sentences that are a little difficult to interpret, but still comprehensible. The diagrams are superb.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who isn't entirely clear on how to wire an analogue or digital circuit. It will also help those starting with digital to determine which pieces they need and how they go together.
Thanks for the recommendation, Webmaster (should I bow, your lordship?) ;)
