Hi.

I am about to start a new HO DCC layout approx 3 x2 metres. I will be using smaller German/Austrian Era 3 locos and rolling stock.

I am struggling to decide if I should use the Marklin C or the Trix C track, and would be grateful for members thoughts on which would be best and why.

very many thanks

Alex

In addition to the advice above, also consider that Trix C track does not have the full range of pieces that the Marklin range has. I don't quite know why this is, but i was surprised when I saw some of the items not in the Trix track range.

But the other thing to consider if you are seriously considering 2-rail is that you could then use Peco or any other similar range of track instead. The Peco range has some items that are not available in the Marklin range (such as Y points and flexitrack) and would probably be a lot easier to cut if you wanted odd angles on curves. The flexitrack would also mean you are not restricted to the curve radii that Marklin make.

There is the obvious 'problem' of reverse loops with 2-rail, but Trix (and many other manufacturers) have an autoreverser to swap the track polarity when needed.

Trix C-tracks rail are made of nickel silver.
Märklin C-tracks rail are made of "ädel stahl" which means rust free steel.
I have seen Trix layouts with C-tracks and they have good contact on the rail.
I recommended Peco code 75 or Tillig Elite code 83 tracks since they have more excellent turnouts and flexible track.

You mentioned that you were interested in the smaller locos of Era III. I run Era I and II and those eras have smaller locos and rolling stock. I think Era III trains are fairly large. One problem you might encounter is that new products are mostly more recent. Older stuff is available but on auction sites.

Thank you everyone for your responses and advice.

One of the reasons why I chose either Trix or Marklin was that having used Peco track on my last layout, now sold, I found that the points were a major problem so I felt that a track with the point motor mounted under the trackbed would be a lot easier and a big improvement. Also a bonus is having the track ballasted which cuts down on a lot of work.

My understanding is that the Marklin C track is a 3 rail AC track with presumably the centre pins providing the power and the outer rails acting as the ground. As commented this will eliminate a lot of issues on loops etc., against the Trix C.

I have three locos which I kept from my previous layout: one that will run either AC or DC, so that is not a problem; a Piko railcar of which I have the DC version; and a Trix BR75.4 which is only DC. It might be that I can convert these, else I will try and sell them and get the AC versions.

Since so many, both on this site and others, seem to recommend the Marklin C track, I think that is what I will go for. Now to start designing the layout

Once again, thanks for everyone's input, it is much appreciated.

Alex

There is pro and cons with Märklin tracks too.
Even Märklin do have contact problem on the tracks like K and C track.
I did had Märklin layout and found some problem like to use ballast to simulate pro.
Yes there is also cons by use two rail, but it depends what mistakes you have done?
Peco code 75 do have major problem but it seems Peco do change tracks by design again to solve problem.
It is up to yourself by choice but think first and study before you buy C-tracks.
They are very noise and you must cut holes on the underground to get service with motor install under the C-turnouts, if not less you rips up the tracks to service turnout.
C-tracks are expensive!
A piece of C-curve cost like a flexrail 890 mm!!

This is a possible layout that I have come up with. Based on a template that I found online


Screenshot 2022-12-31 at 20.01.39.png (1,758kb) downloaded 58 time(s).

At present I will probably extend the grey line around and join up with the inner (green) loop at the far end; then treat it as a branch line with a couple of small stations.

In the longer term, I might have an opportunity to extend the layout to the right, and so wanted to have a convenient way of getting ing the track over there without disturbing the main layout.