Hi, this controller is very basic. I would recommend you to get a starter set with a MS2 wich is basic but allows you to program decoders and control also turnouts. An analog engine cannot be controlled by means of any digital device. In digital the track is always powered and commands travel via electric pulses to the loco decoder, so, an analog engine will run at full speed, with no control in a digital controlled track.
Regards

AJCkids(where I get most of my brand new M from) has both full starter sets, or you can get a track and mobile station 2 set for $159. I think the least expensive starter set with a MS2 is either a German or Austrian diesel powered set that comes with the MS2. The C track turnouts are easily converted to powered and an internal decoder(2 seperate items). Then you can control the turnouts right from the MS2. This is what I do. Mike

Hi, Zoomtrain, and welcome to the forum.

A few personal observations:

1. Do NOT buy a set that comes with a WIRED remote control as the one you showed us. I have one and do not like the wired remote at all. It is a cheap piece of plastic that Marklin should not have put on the market. The track piece it attaches to is even worse. Looks like a home-made job.

2. Having said that, very similar sets exist that have a WIRELESS remote control and they are very good. I have two full sets of remote and control track and I love them. So does my grandson (3).

You can also buy one or more wireless remote controller(s) (not expensive) and then you and your kids can each control a train on the layout.

These sets have one issue, though, they automatically shut off after three minutes. You need to have this "feature" (I call it a defect) fixed so that does not happen if it bothers you (it bothered me). There is lots of info on this forum on point.

3. As for buying a set with an MS2, maybe. The MS2 (do NOT confuse it with the old MS or MS1 as it is called) is a fairly complicated controller to use, at least for me. Unless you are certain you will go ahead with Marklin digital, it may be quite an initial expense, even in a starter set. Please note that you cannot use the wired remote if you use an MS2 (or MS1 for that matter).

4. I would not worry about digital turnouts for now. Unless you have turnouts far from where you are sitting, they are not necessary. I had to buy a separate set of digital turnouts that work very well for this reason, but otherwise, why pay the additional money?

5. Blue transformers are a fire hazard - please do NOT use them. You can read up on point in this forum. Buy a used white analogue transformer and you will be free from these concerns.

5.1 These transformers can blow the decoder in your digital loco.

Bottom line:

In your shopping list I would put, in this order:

A. White transformer for analogue locos (you CAN run digital locos in analogue mode with these transformers without fear of putting the house on fire or blowing the decoder), see below;

Transformer

b. Wirelesses remote controller set; and

c. One or two extra wireless remote(s).

Happy train running.

Is it possible to run these controllers [http://www.westendtrains.com/html/29166.html ] in conjunction with an MS2.
Dereck