Bachman EZ Connect DCC system and Marklin engines

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello all,

New to model railroading and I have found an awesome loco from Marklin. I was wondering if Marklin engines can be run (it’s a DCC one) on the Bachman HO scale EZ Connect track (which is also DCC)?

Thanks,

2

Unless Marklin has changed recently, their version of DCC is a proprietary system that is not compatible with the NMRA DCC Standards and Recommended Practices.

3

Cacole is correct. I don’t think that they are interchangable with one another.

Tom

4

Marklin also use 3-rail AC power (the centre rail has been replaced with studs on newer track). Best advice I can give would be to take a look at the Trix range, they’re part of the Marklin group and release the same locos in 2-rail DC or DCC form. Hope this is of use!

5

Now…

Marklin runs on AC (alternate current), locos pick up juice from the little stud contacts that stick out in the middle of the ties, via a big pickup shoe, that slides over the contacts. Just like Lionels three rails.

Bachmanns track is for DC (direct current), locos get their “stuff” from the rails.thru the wheels and contacts that wipe on the rear side of the wheels.

A Marklin loco will not run on any other track than Marklin’s. It will cause a short on the Bachmann track because the wheels are not isolated from each other, as they are on DC equipment.

So -DCC is not even the issue.

Other question: What kind of locomotive is it? Maybe another european manufacturer has the same type or a similar loco for DC??

Regards
Martin

6

Thanks for all the good help. I have just verified that it is proprietary. I am in the process of finding Marklin HO track, probably K, and the controlls necessary to run it.

I will probably keep my Bachman EZ Connect system, and find a way to incorperate the Marklin set.

The loco I have is the HO scale G8.1 / BR 55, from Marklin. I have noticed the ‘tab’ under the center and I am trying to find a good online store to order some track and the DCC equipment.

Thanks again for the replies, I’m needy and new…I’ll be posting for some time!