Hi

There are some things that you must have in mind before the decoder
1. the 3034 BR 141 is realized four times

a. 3034 (1) 1960-1968 Relais SFCM IIIE41 024 DB blau
b. 3034 (2) 1969-1975 Relais SFCM IV141 005-9 DB blau
c. 3034 (3) 1976-1980 Relais DCM IV141 015-8D Bozeanblau/beige
d.3034 (10) 1991-1997 Relais DCM IV141 278-2D Bozeanblau/beig

The data are from http://www.hfkern.gmxhome.de/

As you can see the first two versions have a SFCM motor so the 60760 set does not fit. You need a 60943 motor and an Marklin or ESU decoder

2. 3043 has a LFCM so again the 60760 does not fit. You need a 60944 motor and whatever decoder

3. The 3556 has a DCM motor so a 60941 motor is OK. Is a difficult conversion you can have an idea in my conversion of 3352 who has exactly the same frame and body

https://www.marklin-user...dile--Digital-Conversion

Regards

Costas

I think that 3035 has a SFCM that means 60943 motor but a foto of the inside will help a lot

As for the decoders

1. 60760 kit is coming with 60941 DCM 5pole motor, for older DCM 3pole or 5star and an fx decoder. The decoder is a very basic fx decoder with only f0 function (lights front- rear) and two hidden functions f3 ready for use and f1 TTL+ level (needs amplification) (you have to unwrap the decoder and solder wires on it etc).
In general is a cheap solution for DCM motors with poor performance in most cases.

2. Then we have the 60972 and 60982 (different connection) same without sound and f0 plus 4 AUX functions (mfx mLD3 decoders). Recommented for most of the cases and I prefer the 60972 if space is available. The base plate is very convenient and latter you can change the decoder for a better one or one with sound without any soldering.

3. Then there are the sound decoders 60975-76-77 and 60985-86-87 (mfx mSD3 decoders)

Same as the 60972 or 60982 plus sound for steam (60975-60985) diesel (60976-60986) or electric (60977-6978) locos.
the sound decoders are coming with two speakers one small and another larger so they can fit in almost every locomotive.

All mLD/3 and mSD/3 decoders can be reprogrammed with more functions or other specific sounds with the use of CS2 or CS3 or the 60971 programming tool. (Are complicated procedures but can be done)

For locomotives like 3556 croco I think that you have only one choice the mfx with or without sound for the others again you can use the fx decoder from 60760 but you have again to buy the motor (60943 or 60944) so the is better and cheaper to use the combination of the appropriate motor and and mfx decoder

Hope that you are not very confused and if it is your first conversion my advice is to start with 3035 or 3043 and not with the more expensive and beautiful 3556

Regards

Costas

One more question: other than additional function outputs on the fx decoders do they have any benifits over the decoder from 60760?

The 3035 has an SFCM

The motor in the 60760 kit is actually the 60941 and is OK

The decoder in the 60760 is not available separately, is an fx basic one and has poor performance but any way does not fill your needs.

The 6021 can not do function mapping or sounds modifications

I suggest that you must put targets what exactly wants to do with each loco, what is your budget, then we can have a better discussion.

If you have only old deep switch decoders the performance of those varies depending of the type (6080, 6090, 6090x etc)

Costas

I converted my 3034 of similar vintage with a Lokpilot V3 and Hamo magnet. It also runs very sweetly!

BTW my 3035 FS E424 came with a DCM motor not a SFCM. One should always check physically before ordering the wrong motor kit!

Hi,

I have the 3556 and had Walter at Eurorail Hobbies do the Digital conversion with sound last year. He used a ESU V3 sound decoder. It works very nicely except the Swiss headlight function does not work. Apparently if you can fit an ESU V4 decoder in there, there is a way to utilize one of the aux wires to enable the Swiss headlight function, also with adjusting a few CV's.

Cheers,

Thanx Ray! I fitted the 60760 in my very old 70's br24 about 6 years ago and never thought of adjusting the acc and dec to minimize the obvious steps in speed. Works a treat! Thanks SO much 👍🏻
Joe

thanks John for the tips.

Am i able to fully set up the decoder like you say (using multiple addresses etc) with just a 6021 or do i need a more advanced controller/the USB programmer?

I'm good with small electronics and soldering so i should be able to handle the LED conversion if I choose too. It seems like there is enough room for something larger than a surface mount LED in the 3556.

Does a pinned daughter board style decoder fit in a 3556? maybe only in the Cab? It seems like the typical installation location is in under the one hood.