I have the Piko Set with all 11 units. I am waiting for delivery of my Maerklin Basic Set. I have all three of the supplemental sets on order.
The Maerklin set has the two pilot coaches, plus the central section with the restaurant and adjacent coaches. The additional sets fit between the central section and the respective pilot coach.
There were some aspects of the Maerklin model which appeared better rendered than the Piko version. The headlights seem more prototypical on the Maerklin version (to name one).
There are some elements of the Maerklin model which appear disappointing.

The initial train announcement is for the section between Milano and Como. Secondary announcements (next stop) incrementally play for the route between Como and Zurich. It was reported that the destination signs however, state Zurich to Milano, which is the opposite direction of the announcements.

It was also reported in some German forums that some printing (coach number) is missing on one of the two pilot coaches.

I am hoping that this was corrected with later models and the model that I will receive will have this rectified. With today's prices, a return to the dealer would be very costly.

This video (German) shows how figures can be added relatively easily:

Regards

Mike C

Mike, I think maybe Marklin got the announcements correct. One in German says Milan-Salzburg, one in Italian and one in German says Como San Giovanni, Chaisso, Belinzona, Lugano, Zug, Zurich main station. Another; "Welome to Eurocity service to......" is in Italian, and English

What is written in the train is only 1 way or is it ok for 2 way travel?
If it is only way way and the audio recordings are for 2 way, but in different recordings/mfx functions then I see no problem.
It is not so interesting if the announcements are just for 1 way and the boards in the train advertise the other way.

A better option is to have the station announcements coming from the station and not from the train.

If what is written in the train is just for 1 way travel, better not care so much or you may end up having the train just moving in one direction, because travel in the opposite direction is not according to what is written in the train.

Miguel

It is cool to have station announcements (platform announcements) built into your station (Einfahrt/Abfahrt Gleis 3), but what do you do about in train announcements (naechste Halt XYZ)?
I always found it funny that they design it so that you can hear a dining room conversation from above the layout.

The destination signs on the 39810 supposedly say Zürich-Chiasso but the announcement says Milano-Como-Zürich. Other announcements say next stop XYZ and provide sequential stops on the northbound route as well as which side the passengers should exit. It advances each time you play it.

The main announcement is only valid for the Italian segment of the route ("next stop Como SG").

They should have compromised and chosen maybe Arth-Goldau or Bellinzona, as these two are major points in both north and southbound traffic and can be used in either direction and cover approaches from either side.

I will do a full comparison between the Piko and Maerklin models once I have received my 39810

Regards

Mike C

The Marklin says Arth Goldau in one announcement. I didn't notice replay progression, so I'll listen again. Yes! Announcment 2 progresses in stops 5 or 6 times.