Hello everyone, I have a question about the Marklin M-track 3600 MWN and MWS switches (points, turnouts). I have a total of 8 of these solid middle rail switches (points, turnouts), which were produced between 1947 until 1955. I'm assuming based on my research, most of mine were produced between 1947 and about 1952. They all look to have solid brass outside rails, and a solid middle rail (no studs). The majority (7 of them) have two wires (black and yellow), while only one turnout has 3 wires (2 black and 1 yellow wires). Based on my Marklin catalogs, the 2 wire type is the 3600 MWN, while the 3 wire type is the MWS.


I don't have any of the old type switch controllers, such as the Marklin control plate 474/4 or 474/8 B, meant for 2 wire, single solenoid switches (points, turnouts). All I have is the 7072 control plate controller, designed for the 3 wire, double solenoid switches (points, turnouts).

So how can I test the single solenoid turnouts with only 2 wires, to make sure the solenoid works? I don't have any suitable switch controller. Is there some easy way I can test those switches?

By the way, I have two of the old blue colored, plastic bodied Marklin transformers, from the 1970s. One is a 37547 A, 10 VA transformer; while the other is a 6627, 30 VA transformer. Both are 120 Volts, 60 Hertz for the United States market (where I live).

I have enough track of both the 3600 solid middle rail M-track, and the later 51xx and 5200xx M-track to make a few ovals, and a few Marklin analog AC locomotives, made between the 1950's and 1980's. None have any digital decoders, everything has the original reversing unit.

And another question, regarding M-track cleaning and maintenance. I'm aware this question has been asked hundreds of times, so I won't ask how to clean the rails and roadbed, from dirt or rust. My question is about the rail joiners. I almost never see any mention about cleaning the rail joiners on M-track. Does everyone just leave the rail joiners on the rails, and clean the track that way? Or does anyone remove the rail joiners, and clean them separately? And how do I clean on the inside of the rail joiners? One person (Dr. Manhattan) uses dental between the teeth scrubbers from CVS to clean his rail joiners. Should the rail joiners be removed from the track, or is it okay to leave them connected to the rails while cleaning?

I have approximately 150 pieces of M-track that need to be cleaned, both 3600 solid middle rail, and 51xx and 52xx stud rail, that need to be cleaned. Including all those rail joiners. Thankfully only a handful of pieces have any rust, the majority of my track is rust free.

I clean m track with wd40, sprayed on a tootbrush (incl joiners). I also clean old solenoid internals with a brief wd40 spray. Loosens dirt.

Hi Howard,
There are lots of options for chemicals which have been discussed ad nauseum https://www.marklin-user...ience-of-track-cleaning; keep in mind that leaving any sort of residue on any of the rails will tend to attract new dirt over time. Unless your track is in an exceptionally humid area you shouldn't see rust or corrosion. There are residue-free electrical cleaners out there; I use CRC QD (Quick Dry) Cleaner in the dark blue cans. I've heard WD40 Contact Cleaner is similar (not the same as WD40 penetrating oil). Cotton swabs, an old rag and effort gets 99% of the cleaning done; a little scraping can get the rest. And clean all the wheels and axles on your rolling stock and loks, and the sliders; otherwise you'll just spread more gunk all around.

I don't do anything special with joiners as far as cleaning but if you have time and ambition it won't hurt especially if they're visibly dirty.

Best of luck on your M-track analog journey from a fellow traveler!
Brian