No problem for analog operation. You need M to C transition tracks. Because of the metal roadbed of M track, it may not be the best choice for newer digital operation. A derailment can cause a short much easier because the wheels ride on the metal roadbed. That is grounded to the digital controler, signal decoders, etc. It can take longer for an MS2, CS2, or CS3 to fault stop.

Hi Pedro, welcome.

Adding to what has already been said above, you asked about required Transformer.

The basic rule of thumb is that a single 10VA controller is what comes with a typical basic start set, and would be fine for the 3029 or the 3078 but only a relatively small layout. ie the track the set came with, plus a few extra lengths, or a siding/passing track or two.

The 3005 will 'probably' work ok, but it does have higher power requirements.

If you don't have any lights, or powered accessories then you will be fine. But powered turnouts usually also have a lamp, and if you try to change a turnout, while a Loco is running the turnout may not switch reliably. But of course it might be no problem. Good wiring is the key, and additional feeds to the other side of the layout is always a good thing so you are not totally reliant on the track joins.

Good indication is if the Loco runs well close to the power feed, but then drops off as it gets further away, or slows on an incline, you need to check the track joins are tight and probably add power feeders.

Your next step up is a 16VA controller, this gives you just over 50% more power available but unless you could pick one up really cheaply, you're probably better off to look for a 30VA which is the next step up and would most likely give what you need.

Alternatively, if you have two ovals, you can isolate them where they join (with an electric switch) and have another controller for the second oval, and perhaps even a third if you have a shunting yard etc so you can run and control two or three locos at the same time without going the Digital way. Plus of course you have your battery powered train also.

Hope this helps you. Plenty to learn, but this is the place for it

Hi Pedro,

Welcome to the forum!

Just adding to all of the above - from an electrical point of view, you can regard your C tracks just the same as M tracks. The C tracks are just more electrically reliable.

As Cookee suggests above you can have multiple transformers controlling independent sections of track. You leave the outside rails connected, and just isolate the centre stud connector. Great fun and simple to do, and the trains can still drive from one transformer section into another, often causing confusion and excitement. Also back in the 1970s my Hornby-owning school friends would be blown away by the working catenary (overhead wires), and being able to independently control two locomotives on the same section of track!

While you still have analogue, all of the old M-track principles still apply, including the old Marklin documentation. A site that I really like is http://www.lctm.info , for example if you go to their Marklin library:

http://www.lctm.info/Sec...lioteca/Libros/index.php

this gives you all the information you need on wiring, signals and transformers while you stick with analogue operation.

I especially like this old book:



https://mega.nz/file/04V...cC5LstvUzDWyUvL3N5JFDkUM

which gives you the operating principles of railways as well as some tips for a Märklin layout.

The only thing is, use the newest analogue transformers you can afford, and preferably new white ones if you can. Don't ever use the old blue metal ones, unless a qualified electrician has replaced the power cords.

Herman

Hello to everyone,

Thanks so much for such good tips. I've dived so much in info, handed by you and searched ones. Thank you all for the help.

Because I don't want to put aside the old M's, I even started to buy semaphores, lights and more tracks. I already found how to run several locos. And you now something, since a started to introduce this hobby to my 12 year son and made some investment in the C layout (he's from digital era, so I decided to go digital with c track.

Now our project is to have the C layout running parallel to my old M. not connected because M will be analogue and C digital. My son's in charged of the C and myself, stick to the old M that a I love so much!!

I will send pictures of the project...long time project tough!

This forum is like talking with friends we don't know...but looks like we are tuned up.

Greetings and thanks again.
Pedro

i run big steam engines if you are to use this track do not have it after a corner my be 2 track lengths before converting after staring my track with c i brought m track to use out of sight in my personals experience M track is better as long as its in good condition if using in shed or any where with damp use c track i only use c track for long blacks of contact track


hess

Is that an official Märklin warning or is there another source?

Märklin wrote: "Generell kann Märklin digital natürlich auch mit dem M-Gleis zusammen eingesetzt werden."
=> Generally Märklin digital can also be used with M track, of course.

German Märklin file here:
https://www.maerklin.de/...faq/Technik-Tipp-403.pdf

Official from the Digital club and Marklin!

Any links to PDF files?
Digital club? Are you referring to the Marklin dudes?