Hi!
You can use circuit tracks and switch tracks.
For better answers, please share what you want to achieve. Analogue? Digital?

YouTube has a number of instructional videos on that subject. Not sure what exactly you want to accomplish but I would guess that you need an M84 and some kind of track sensor. The simplest is a circuit track but the most common is a contact track.

Hi Carlos

Like my friends, I am not sure about what you need.
Here is a video explaining how to use a CS3 to operate your trains automatically


Also, once you get more experience on train (digital) control, then the next step is a PC control software (Rocrail or its equivalents)
So, if you start with digital, it is for a little later but PC control brings a leap forwards compared to digital, similar to the leap of going from analog to digital.
Just look at the video below of what is possible with digital + PC control

If I mention this PC control, it is because:
- wiring is simplified
- possibilities are immense (huge compared with what you can do with an Ecos or a CS3)
- cost is small and even lower in some cases (Using Rocrail, your laptop and a CAT 5 (Ethernet) cable+ donation to rocrail of the amount you whish, WHEN your wish.
- How could cost be so low? Because, with Rocrail, you don't need signals, relays, slow down sections. All this is done by Rocrail. Signals are cosmetic so you add them when you wish and only in visible sections
- layout arrangement is a little different: train detection, no stop sections, no slow-down sections
- If you like automation, this is the way to go.

The big difference between a control with a CS3 / Ecos and a PC control is:
- PC control knows in real time where each of your trains and wagons are and can direct trains depending on type of train (electric/ diesel /Steam, Main road, local train)
- Because of this PC control can send direct digital orders to start / stop trains without requiring insulated track sections and signals
- PC control generates all the routes and interlockings (incompatible routes). All you need doing is enter the track plan.
- PC control can provide Aquarium mode or Scheduled mode or a combination. Aquarium: trains runs where permitted in random mode. Schedule: trains run according to schedules and times.



I hope this helps
Jean

Edited by user 10 December 2022 02:09:35(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi,Very interesting this book, I will take it into account.

Thank you, Regards.

Carlos

Hi Jean Pierre

No dumb question.
The set-up is
- cs3 (60226) powered by 60101
- Ethernet cable between the CS3 and the PC. Manual IP adresses. Alternately a WiFi router can be connected in-between
- because I use a Turntable with DSD2010 decoder and many tracks, I have an RS232 link between the PC and the decoder. In most cases this RS232 link is not needed

Cheers
Jean

Hi Jean-Pierre,

I made a video on how to connect Rocrail to your layout with Mobile Station 2. This is extremely cheap way to do it using Can Digital Bahn, also mentioned by Martti above.



This is what you need for computer control. However, if you want to do computer automation, you will need a few more things: Contact tracks (can easily be selfmade, or bought from Märklin) and ground detector devices. If you wan't to go with Can Digital Bahn, the product is Gleisreporter Deluxe. You will also need Startpunkt 2 device to connect everything together. But this is for automation. Manual control with computer, everything in my video above is enough and cost under 100 €.

BR,
-Eino

Hi Jean Pierre
Sorry I have no experience using the ESU ECoS detector.
Chances are it is better to stick with the family to avoid troubles, I think
I am a big fan of the Märklin family of products.
Cheers
Jean