Hi all, I have a 3356 Croc that I have converted to digital with a Marklin 60760 set including the 5 pole motor conversion. It runs ok but I think that the decoder is a bit too basic. In particular it has problems with the Alzheimer's effect on my less than perfect old M track. Occasionally it stutters and the loco then stops and starts again from speed step 0 and has to build up to the set speed again. It never stalls completely but this restarting from speed step 0 is very irritating.

I would like to change the decoder for a better one. Most of my other locos have Lokpilot 4s. I like these decoders but I have never tried one with the Marklin 5 pole motor. Do they work ok or would one of the newer marklin decoders be a better choice?

While I am chopping it about I have toyed with the idea of adding sound. ESU produce a Loksound with the correct sound files but I'm not sure if there is enough room to mount the speaker - has anyone ever tried this?

Mechanically the loco is fine.

I love this lok and feel that it deserves something better than it's got at the moment.

Any advice or suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks, Paul

Paul,

When you put the new decoder where the Delta decoder was (inside the loco "nose") then there should be enough room for a speaker in the cab.

ESU decoders work fine with the 60760 motor (same as 60941). I converted a 3356, but didn't add sound.

The ESU ECoS includes decoder user interfaces for ESU decoders that are very similar to the LokProgrammer screens, so decoder programming will be no problem (a LokProgrammer is required for firmware upgrades and sound project uploads).

Do you have the plastic version or the metal version of the 3356?
Do you have problems in curves? Märklin had a special magnet for the crocs to allow them to take curves but it's no longer available.

Hi Paul,

I have numerous conversions, some with 60760, some with ESU LokPilot 2, 3 and 4, and a couple with the newer Marklin 60942 MLD.

I agree that the 60760 decoder is basic, but I am reasonably happy with the performance, especially where it has replaced a Delta decoder. The main advantage is the price, as you effectively get the decoder for free with the 5 pole motor parts.

The LP 3 and 4 offer finer running characteristics, but need a lot of messing about with the CVs to achieve good settings as they are not optimised for any particular motor. The LP4 in particular gave me problems with my 6021 to programme 3 digit CV codes, but this should not be a problem with more modern controllers. The LP2 had a really bad alzheimers effect. I am considering changing those in my earlier conversions.

My recent conversions with the mLd 60942 decoder have been very pleasant experiences. The decoder is optimised for Marklin 5 pole motors, so there is virtually no CV adjustments needed. mfx comes with the decoder, so users of the MS2 or CS2 have the advantage of auto-registration.
Mechanically, the decoder comes with a mounting board which fits exactly where the reversing unit or delta decoder went, and the decoder itself plugs in to this board. Easy as pie. I have no problems recommending this decoder.

At the end of the day it's your choice. Let us know what you decide.

I don't have a curve problem. I modified the field magnet to avoid any curve problems.

At first I considered installing an unmodified field magnet to see if I get trouble. But finally I decided to play it safe and modified it first.
And now I'm curious whether the modification was really necessary.

Here you can find a picture showing the special croc magnet (right) besides a normal magnet from 60760/60941:
http://www.stummiforum.d...pic.php?p=675927#p675927

And here the result of a DIY modification (not mine):
http://www.stummiforum.d...c.php?p=1008600#p1008600

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys!

The lok originally was analogue with an electronic reversing unit.
I didn't modify the DC magnet when I first converted it to digital but I will modify it this time round as I have noticed a certain 'tightness in the track' in some curves.

If I decide to go the non sound route I think I'll fit a Marklin 60942 decoder as I've not tried one before.

If I decide on sound then I am torn between the ESU 64471 (eLok Croc) or the Marklin 60967 (eLok).
The ESU has the advantage of actual Croc sounds whereas the Marklin has generic eLok sounds. However the marklin has the advantage of being cheaper and possibly matching the motor better.

Hmm.... Decisions, decisions....

I think I'll take the lok apart first and check out what space is available.

Thanks again for the advice,
Paul

Tom is right. I checked ny modified crocodilles. On the originally fitted 5* motor, a part is grinded off the top of the magnet. I have done the same on my modified ones. No curve problems.


I cab make some better photos, if required.

Nice long wood consist John


I am interested in this croc curve problem, and if I understand you correctly this problem exists only on analogue crocs converted to digital with the five pole motor?

I have several analogue and digital crocs which corner perfectly

BR

Glenn

another point would be how tied are your curves and this is not a problem on my layout