Hello!
after 40 years i found that i have to start over again with Märklin .....just cant get rid of the fascination.
So , here i am with the "real" analog setup ...
the only thing thats missing is the knowledge in signals..well i found tons of it on pdf.s and in you tube..but the question still remains...
- how do i get in my own, facility to work??
I want to run 2-3 trains with double track layout in large areas...
So...
I also want this "automatic" start and stop function on special areas...

and...what to procure???

do i need 2 transformators?

how many of these contact special rails do i need?
im not intrested in those "7036" signals or so, because if its unessay its no good?
Just want a simple setup so,,,one train stops ....for a time...
The danger is that i gonna buy a lot of parts thats for no use...
is there a simple way to explain?

Best regards lucas

Hi Lucas
Thank you for joining our community and the Märklin fun.
Here a Märklin fan from France who started with M track in 1961
The basics (usual approach really) are:
- one transformer per loop (unless it is very large) so two in your case and usually one 30 VA Transformer for max 2 trains)
- a "Block System" is used in each loop to maintain multiple trains at safe distance (avoid collisions).
- Block Systems are made of signals usually turning on and off the power on an approx 36 cm (2 rails) length
- there must always be one more signal than trains in each loop (3 signals for 2 trains, 4 Ss for 3 Ts, etc)
- each signal is commanded by track pieces and in analogue mode, best is to use slider-operated track pieces ("Switching tracks") 5146, 5147, 5213)
- how many of these switching tracks? The best is to have 2 per signal: one to turn it RED just after it and a second one to turn it GREEN when reaching the next Block.
- you may combine one switching track to control 2 signals (first signal RED and previous signal GREEN. It works BUT then the signals are not independant anymore.
- it must be noted that when using lighted cars with their own slider, everything becomes more complicated (a trailing coach with slider may contradict the logic by turning a delayed GREEN or RED order.


Which signals to use?
- along with M track, the family of signals (semaphores)7039, 7040, 7041 (and luminous) 7186
- advance signals are there for improved decoration (no fonctionality in starting, stopping trains) 7036, 7037, 7038, 7187
Here is a simple manual of these signals (1961)
CatMarklin-Signaux_modeles 342 (1961).pdf (15,178kb) downloaded 5 time(s).

Cheers
Jean

- 2 switching tracks (5146) per signal (per block)
- 3 blocks per loop (for 2 trains)
- so a total of 3 semaphores (7039) per loop

Yes there are tricks where you lessen security of trains but this is not real train operation.
E.g.: install a train spacing block and let 3 trains with one signal. If for any reason one train is slowed down or stopped then collision is inevitable. So the question is Dangerous fun or normal train security (one train stopps, all others will stop one at each preceeding block.
Cheers
Jean

thanks for your replies!!
so they have the same task? 5146 and 5105? but different construction?
thanks !!
lucas

Hi Lucas & Willem
The slider operated rails must be adjusted properly and used with adjusted sliders (rest position 2 mm below the rail level).
When sliders press too lightly on the studs, the slider may take-off on the rocker (and stop the loco at low speeds) and the contact fails to be delivered. (this may also happen when someone has "fiddled" with the switching rail contacts (too far away from the contact and calling for a very strong push by the slider)
When adjusted properly (factory adjustment) then they are very reliable

Adjusting those 5146 rails is easy but you MUST:
- remove gently the transparent rocker
- make sure the contact blades are straight and approx 5 mm away from the contact when in resting position
- re-install the rocker and gently bend back the axle supports so that the rocker does not touch the center stud rail nor the ballast square opening (no friction nowhere)

Indeed the 5105 and 5106 are more reliable (no moving parts) BUT:
- they are also very good at burning the solenoids (as soon as a train stops on them) this is why they were rapidly abandonned by Märklin
- they draw much more current! Strange Why? Because the solenoids are activated for a much longer time so many more of them are activated simultaneously
- take twice the space 18 cm instead of 9 cms (in many cases you have not enough space to install all the needed ones
- no direction-dependant contact

Cheers
Jean

i found this short video...like it sooo much!!!

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