Hello Marklin Users,

I need help from the experts on the site regarding digital control needs for a new C track I am planning to build. I built a 4x8 Marklin C track layout about 28 years ago. So I have the track from that time to reuse and the transformer and Delta unit .

After much review of the C track plans on the Marklin magazine website I have decided on the plan shown in the 6/2009 issue. Here is the link: https://www.maerklin.de/...ads/MM_0609_Download.pdf` Here are my questions so far:

1. This layout has 2 schattenbahnhofs; since I know very little about train operations I am wondering if I need to have the Central Station or would the Mobile station be sufficient? Especially for operating these switches; it has 9 turnouts. I see that the mobile station can handle the switches and more locomotives than I will ever have. I don't want to be cheap but also don't want to buy the Central station if it is really not need to run 2 or 3 trains (in near future).

2. I have been debating whether to buy a starter set to get the Mobile station plus another train and I can use the track from the set as well. Or do I just buy everything separately? I know the starter sets are marketed as being a good deal, etc.

3. For the referenced layout, do you think I will need a booster?

I know I will have many more questions, but that is all for now.

I do appreciate any help and advice.

Best regards,

Ben

Yes, the CS3 has a powerful booster in it.

If happy with the cost then the CS3 will give you more features for the layout. The Marklin book 'Running Trains Digitally' is worth buying.

Hello Ben,

first: I can give an opinion, but if you ask to 10 persons you may get 11 answers and not two are similar...



Well... I do not like very much the MM plans, they have fundamental fails - in my opinion. But if you know these fails and they do not disturb your railroad fun, it's fine.
What are these fails ?
first, the tiny curves. R1, R2 - have you seen a 141 (282 in american) Steamer in such curves? A 28cm coach? You can see the middle rail besides the car...
second, the very short lanes in the stations. The hidden station is made for trains of 1,20m maximum. That's 4 coaches and an electric locomotive, or three coaches and a steamer. But double rail line, so it's not a branch line...
third, not on all layouts but here it's hard : the spiral on the right with just 10 cm of height between entry and exit, on 1,25 rounds - your locos will scrap the wood above.




It's clear, the MS2 is not made for switching, it's possible but ennoying. But... you do not want to have automatic effects ? So, why not use analogical commands for your switches? Your switch motors gain in fiability when used on AC - but decoders provide DC.
If you want to switch by digital, then you may think about the CS3 - or about other systems to command your switches that may be connected to the MS2 system.
As long as you make run 3 trains max., you will not need more power than what provides the MS2.



They are - if you like the train in the starter set. Once you buy a train that will never roll on your layout, the starter set is a bad deal for you.



I do not think so. If you needed a booster, you could not use a MS2, since it's not made for feeding a booster.
But if you want to be sure, you may think about separating the electrical circuits as if you had a booster, but you connect all to the same - CS or MS. The day you see that you are at the limit, you will separate the connections and install a booster. Then, with a CS3 or other central.

Never forget: all you may read in forums can enlargen your horizon, may help you to see clear - but may add more fog to your thinkings, too. And finally, it will be only your layout, not mine nor of who may have answered. You need no excuse for not following other people's opinions.

Wolfram, many thanks for your thoughtful and helpful advice! I obviously have a lot to learn!

I am glad you took a look at the 6/2009 layout. I assumed these published layouts in Marklin Magazine were exemplary and were without flaws. Or at least near perfect. I considered designing my own on Wintrack but I really don’t know enough really to do that at this point. So this 6/2009 layout seems to have some serious flaws especially with short station lanes and curves. I liked this one mainly since the shape fits nicely in the room I have and it had 3 levels which looked like interesting action. I am not interested in turntables or industrial settings. I am looking for a mountainous setting with small villages; countryside maybe with vineyards and of course castles and ruins are a must. :)

So maybe I need to go back and look at other layouts and come back and see what you think. Or I could dive headlong into Wintrack and try to come up with my own layout. Opinions welcome on this too.

Your comments on my digital questions are very helpful as well.

Again thanks so much and I will be grateful for any further thoughts.

Regards,
Ben

David,

I think your advice is excellent. Even my wife thought I should design my layout myself, and without software!! I mean, how are you even doing that without software. Do you have a template? I realize layouts were designed without software prior to computers.

Well, I do respect your opinion on this and I would be proud to design myself but I just feel clueless and might make a lot of mistakes unless I do a lot more research on how long the platforms should be, radius for long consists etc. Maybe I am saying I am lazy! Lol.

I am going to do some thinking on this. Thanks again for making me think.

Best regards,
Ben

Ben you don’t need software for anything in model rail. Build a baseboard an d draw on paper what you would like. Then lay some C track and it only takes minutes to have an oval then add sidings. Then see where you want a station etc. That is a start from where you can add or start again. If you try software you may find it difficult if you want to run a railway with it. make sure you have the control you want by just running a loco round an oval before anything in else. Remember this is an expensive hobby but I feel it is important to start with the best control items then you can build layouts. I would not rely on software to build and run a layout which is more a computer hobby than running trains. However this is just my view and not all will agree.

David

Yes, I have gotten good advice from all. It has helped avoid making some big mistakes with regard to platform lengths and curves radii. So I have abandoned the layout I previously referenced. I may end up doing a hybrid taking ideas from track plans and merging together, if possible.

I am looking at Wintrack trying decide whether it is worth it and wondering how much time it will take to get up to speed.

Thanks again, gentlemen.

Ben