Joined: 11/06/2014(UTC) Posts: 18 Location: NEW SOUTH WALES, SYDNEY
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Hi Guys, I would like to acquire some non-Marklin rolling stock but am not sure what I should be looking for to ensure compatibility with the few Marklin carriages I have. I have an analogue, M track layout - what brands should I be looking for that have compatible couplers, wheels, etc? Any clues gratefully accepted.
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Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC) Posts: 6,763 Location: Brisbane, Australia
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Hi, Older Marklin have fixed couplers, which are traditionally called Relex couplers.
Most newer Marklin (since about 1990) have couplers that are interchangeable, because they have the standard coupler box. (called NEM modelling standard).
Which type couplers are on your rolling stock?
Kimball |
HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge. |
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Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 14,875 Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
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Roco is one brand you can try, they have 3 different couplers and one of them is definitely compatible while the other is semi compatible, if you decide to add different brand carriages to your collection you always can start with the loco, 1 Märklin carriage 1 compatible coupler carriage and than use the same coupling device on the other end for the rest of your different brand carriages, preferable with coupling shafts or pockets and than using the same coupling device
John |
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Joined: 11/06/2014(UTC) Posts: 18 Location: NEW SOUTH WALES, SYDNEY
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Just us Aussies on-line at the moment, huh? Thanks for the replies, guys. I am a total newbie, replicating a Marklin layout I had as a kid 40 years ago, but hoping to grow this into a hobby I can enjoy for years to come. Anyway, I'd love to hear of any suggestions for websites or other resources that a beginner should visit for basic information (such as my coupler compatibility question) before asking questions on this forum. I don't want to hassle you guys over questions that have been answered before.
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Joined: 18/03/2007(UTC) Posts: 6,763 Location: Brisbane, Australia
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It sounds like you have older Marklin, with Relex couplers.
Some modern rolling stock will come with suitable couplers. (eg Roco, Piko). Otherwise, you can purchase any modern rolling stock with the interchangeable coupler (NEM 362 coupler box), and replace the coupler with the Marklin 72060 coupler (available in boxes of 50).
I think you may also find by experimenting, that older Lima and Rivarossi models with fixed couplers will couple up OK.
regards Kimball |
HO Scale - Märklin (ep II-III and VI, C Track, digital) - 2 rail HO (Queensland Australia, UK, USA) - 3 rail OO (English Hornby Dublo) - old clockwork O gauge - Live Steam 90mm (3.1/2 inch) gauge. |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: kimballthurlow  Otherwise, you can purchase any modern rolling stock with the interchangeable coupler (NEM 362 coupler box), and replace the coupler with the Marklin 72060 coupler (available in boxes of 50). I'm sorry, but I have to contradict: the Märklin 72060 is IMHO a bad choice for rolling stock with close coupler guiding mechanism - it can lead to problems with long consists, especially push/pull trains. Märklin 7203 is even worse. For scale rail road models the Roco Universal Coupler (40397 is a pack of 50) is a good choice. The Märklin 7203 will cause derailments as it collides with the buffers of some models, especially with long Roco coaches. @arawata: When buying new items from specialised dealers, you can have the wheel sets of the rolling stock swapped for three-rail wheel sets. I use C track. I swap wheel sets with all Piko items, but successfully run items from Roco, Fleischmann, Liliput with the original two-rail wheel sets - but things could be different with M track. |
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  |
 1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 21/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 383
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Originally Posted by: H0  Originally Posted by: kimballthurlow  Otherwise, you can purchase any modern rolling stock with the interchangeable coupler (NEM 362 coupler box), and replace the coupler with the Marklin 72060 coupler (available in boxes of 50). I'm sorry, but I have to contradict: the Märklin 72060 is IMHO a bad choice for rolling stock with close coupler guiding mechanism - it can lead to problems with long consists, especially push/pull trains. Märklin 7203 is even worse. For scale rail road models the Roco Universal Coupler (40397 is a pack of 50) is a good choice. The Märklin 7203 will cause derailments as it collides with the buffers of some models, especially with long Roco coaches. @arawata: When buying new items from specialised dealers, you can have the wheel sets of the rolling stock swapped for three-rail wheel sets. I use C track. I swap wheel sets with all Piko items, but successfully run items from Roco, Fleischmann, Liliput with the original two-rail wheel sets - but things could be different with M track. I haven't had trouble after converting all my rolling stock to the close couplers... but I don't have the space (or wagons) to run long trains |
Author of the gritty sci-fi novel 'Stories of Earth: WWIII' (featuring an awesome train chase) Avid YouTuber (XtremeTrainz and TrainzXtreme) and train person! |
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Joined: 11/06/2014(UTC) Posts: 18 Location: NEW SOUTH WALES, SYDNEY
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Thanks for all the very informative replies everyone. I do currently have older Marklin carriages with non-removable couplers, but will no doubt be branching out into other styles and brands. Thanks again! A,
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: arawata  I would like to acquire some non-Marklin rolling stock but am not sure what I should be looking for to ensure compatibility with the few Marklin carriages I have. Here's a blog post introducing Märklin Close Couplers, Roco Universal Couplers, Roco Close Couplers, and Fleischmann Profi Couplers - for those about to buy new rolling stock with NEM 362 coupler pockets for use on three-rail H0 track: http://blog.mailez.de/eblog/?p=65 |
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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