 Joined: 31/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 234 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
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I am building my first permanent layout. After having laid the tracks, I am considering installing light signals. However, the prices of the Marklin digital signals seem expensive. Before diving into them, looking for advice on alternative brands which are better value for money.
I see many options like Viessman, but not sure how to compare. I am looking at around 10 signals to be installed, mainly block/entry with without distant.
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Gautam
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 Joined: 04/12/2013(UTC) Posts: 2,261 Location: Hobart, Australia
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Originally Posted by: biswasg  I am building my first permanent layout. After having laid the tracks, I am considering installing light signals. However, the prices of the Marklin digital signals seem expensive. Before diving into them, looking for advice on alternative brands which are better value for money.
I see many options like Viessman, but not sure how to compare. I am looking at around 10 signals to be installed, mainly block/entry with without distant.
Thanks Hello Gautam,  I do not have any digital light signals on my (digital) layout. The vast majority are simple Brawa metal light signals but alas they have not been produced for some years now. As an alternative I have since used simple Viessman signals (not digital signals) which I have found to be quite satisfactory, I expect they would well suite your purpose. Some sample pics of some of my six Viessman light signals (all my other signals, including all the block signals remain as the old Brawa metal units.) :     (Oops! due to other projects in this area we haven't had the planting ceremony for the tree yet  ) Regards, PJ 
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 2 users liked this useful post by PJMärklin
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 Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,589 Location: Spain
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I use Viessmann signals. They just consist of the plastic, the leds, diodes and resistors for the lighting, but nothing for the changing the aspect or cutting track-power. (-So in the end they are not really that cheap.)
They are even available in DIY kits, of which I have assembled some too...
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1 user liked this useful post by hxmiesa
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 Joined: 13/02/2008(UTC) Posts: 811 Location: Kirseberg
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I have bought many Märklin signals and I think that are awesome. The older versions were bad work cables and the distant signals had to short cables and the cables to the main signals were soldered to the PCB.
The newer generation has much better solutions and also the MFX allows you to simulate light bulbs with fading of the lights. They are worth the money alright that are on the expensive side. |
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2 users liked this useful post by klarinettmeister
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 Joined: 15/11/2009(UTC) Posts: 300 Location: Silver Spring, Maryland USA
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Hello,
I have found the combination of an M84 decoder (60842) and "Startup" (a.k.a. Hobby) signals (74371 or 74391) to be a more economical way to implement digital signals. Besides track power and the home signal, the M84 can also control a 74380 distant signal. Current online calculated per signal price is:
(1 x M84 @ $72.90 + 4 x 74391's @ $21.99) / 4 = $40.22 per signal
This compares favorably to the 74691 home signal @ $81.90.
The other thing I like about the M84 is the ability to connect sensor tracks (circuit or contact) and use them for automated route control without the need for a central station. My son's layout uses this method for block control with his MS2.
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Rob
Mackenrode Wende Bahn |
3 users liked this useful post by rrf
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Joined: 31/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 234 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
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Thanks for all the helpful replies. Maybe I will start with the Maerklin hobby signal range. As a newbie, I am also looking for some advice to the different kinds of signals (Home, entry, block, distant), their usage, and placements. In Switzerland, I understand that the masts are on the left of the track. Wish you all a better 2021.
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Gautam
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