Hi guys..

Im about to invest some cash in new loco's.

Had alot of analog years ago, but all have been sold and want to make a fresh start with the digital world.
And i still want to focus on 3rail :)

But then i am reading some issues about Marklin not delivering a good enough quality, Roco having trouble making money and so on, and so on...
Whats up with all that?

I am aiming for a mixed german era.
Big steamers, Diesel like the 210, 216 and 218 engines, and some modern electric powerhouses.
I really like the 210 and 218 class of diesel engines from Marklin. Really HEAVY build and very powerfull. Great details.
But i am a bit afraid of buying engines from 2010-2012 as i have heard rumors a Zink plague and faulty mechanics.

Where do i get the best build and running quality of each class, and the best details?

Ray, I also come from the Analog world of Marklin and other brands of trains. I have dabbled with digital in the past but stuck with analog on my past little portable layout. But this time around I am going digital The ease of wiring, not needing to "block" engine storage tracks to be able to park engines and the fun of sound in a couple models. Nothing I have engine wise has sound yet, but I will be getting one soon that does. So far I have my little BR24 from my branchline starter set, its the new version of the classic little 2-6-0, really runs nice once run in a bit(was a little stiff at first). Mine is the non sound version but has the MFX decoder in it. Then I just traded some analog stuff and other non Marklin stuff for a pair of diesels, a 212 and 213 that came as a double engine set. Both have MFX decoders from the factory. Its so nice to just set each one on the track, one at a time, and have them auto register with my mobile station 2! I also have a BR216 that someone is sending me to add to my stable. I also have a BR86 but its off to a repair center with a decoder problem(keeps frying them). I bought it cheap as a problem child and am letting a Marklin repair center get her back up to snuff. I love the new C track over the older tinplate M track. Its wonderful not to have to wire each turnout back to the control panel, or even have a control panel. Just install a switch motor and decoder in each turnout and control them right from my mobile station. If I had a larger layout, a central station would be much easier for turnout control, but mine is only 4'x8'. I can highly recommend the newer engines. If you have doubts about a certian model or if it has known issues, do a search here or just post up what your considering. Only ones I know to stay away from is the Seetal kroc during a certain time frame as the frame has issues with zinc pest. I believe this was around the time that Marklin was in trouble and prior to new owners taking control. So quality control at the plant in China was probably not the best at that time Some models are made in Hungry, some in China like my little BR24. But I can say it runs like a fine Marklin should. Mike

I need to start looking for an affordable second hand CS2 so I can set up consists. One thing you cannot do with just the MS2. And he is right, any older M lok can be upgraded to digital control. Mike