Hello marklin users!

My name is Takis. I am from Athens, Greece.

Although I have a thing with train models since a little kid, I didn't get the chance until recently to start working on my first layout.

I already have the 2920 HO S kit (since the early 80s!) and I am planning to expand that a little bit.
I am using a track planing software called SCARM.

The kit I have, has tracks with numbers 51XX. That works perfectly in SCARM.

I just got from a friend some tracks with numbers 5076, 5039, 5070 etc. witch I can't find in SCARM.

Are these numbers from a discontinued series? Is there a chart with their equivalents, if any?
Or is there any other (free) track planing software that includes all marklin tracks?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Hello Steve

Thanks a lot for your reply.
They match perfectly with my other pieces yes. As far as the detail they seem equal to me, except the base color.

That would be typical of Primex track, it has a creamy colour compared to Marklin track.

Hi Harvey,

PRIMEX was brand used by Märklin mainly for self-service stores. The railway products were made by Märklin with Märklin - tools. At the track the only difference is the missing of one colour. Other products were simplified other ways.

Regards

Marksu

Harvey,

Bottom line is all Marklin metal track is 'old' track' - Marklin or Primex which are equivalent. If you care about the overall color match, stick with Marklin. If not or you want to redo a whole section, then Primex is fair game. Just look for pieces in good condition that match what you have and don't overpay - about a buck each for regular straights and curves, more for shorts and $15+ for a decent turnout.

Some select pieces have extra trouble. I have had many 5120 narrow radius curves 'go bad'. They work at first and then can overheat, have the plastic holding the center rail/pukos shift, and short out. Get enough to keep replacing these if you have a problem. Also 5142 curved turnouts can be a problem. Remember these are metal tracks. Bend the whole piece up or down (some got stepped on). Bend the rails with pliers at the joints until you have a good fit.

Another thing to try is to rub down the rusted track with teflon - silicone lube from hardware store. The rust won't come back and the track will look great for years. Getting rid of paint is another story.

Mike