Hello everybody, I know that my question is answered many times,but i am little confused.Because i’ll start constructing a layout quit big i don’t want to start it in the wrong way.
So the question is what is better DCC or marklin digital AC? Whats the pros and cons?Especialy my consern is about which is a better runner with less broblems.And i know that Dc have more option in product and special for American prototypes.
Also i believe that marklin digital is better just for the reason that you don’t have to be anxious about combabilities.I’m i right?
Note that DCC and DCS are two completely different and generally incompatable systems. Without debating the relative merits of each system, it’s still important to state that. You can’t run a DCC locomotive on DCS, or vice-versa. (The MTH K4 claims to have a dual-capability decoder, but its capabilities under DCC are limited.)
DC (without either DCC or DCS) works very much like AC. You do not get independent control of locomotives with straight DC.
DCC or DCS consists of some sort of base station for control, and a computer chip or decoder in each locomotive. Straight DC or AC does not require a decoder.
DCC is designed as a digital command system that still uses 2 rail DC for track power. The command signal and track power are combined into a pulsed DC format and fed as traditional DC power through the 2 rails.
The traditional Marklin HO system was a 3 rail AC system. The 3rd rail was modified to a series of powered studs between the rails for a center power pickup. In this system, the outside 2 rails are not necessarily insulated from each other. Also, wheelsets do not have to be insulated, and it is preferred they not be. The last aspect in particular makes Marklin AC HO and 2 rail DC HO incompatible.
I do not know the details of the Marklin digital system, but I assume it uses the same powered stud track to feed and communicate with the locomotive. This again makes it inherently incompatible with any 2 rail system.
To switch Marklin to 2 rail involves insulating at least one wheel on every wheel set and rewiring the locomotives. To switch a DC locomotive to Marklin AC and stud track requires adding the stud pickups and rectifiers in each locomotive. Adding a digital system of any variety means adding a decoder in the locomotive, in addition to the other modifications.
Yes I know the basic function of the two “candidates”. I need the opinion of people who have worked with both, so they are familior with the pros and cons.Such as, who is better runner with less problems, which system has more or better digital function etc.
Personal i do not like the truck of Marklin with the angly spikes in the middle and the necessary plate under the Locs but if it runs better i can Leave with it.But does it?Thats one of my question.
Becasue of the incompatibility, it’s highly unlikely anybody (at least in the US) will have run both. It pretty much requires 2 separate layouts, and investments in 2 separate digital command systems. Once you start down one road, you are unlikely to change to the other.
I’m setting up a Marklin Digital layout. My choice has been determined by the desire to run European-style equipment from many eras. Marklin is moving towards all digital and uses a Motorola system supported by ESU, Marklin, Viessmann and others. Of course, they still build a lot of non-digital equipment (just look at their online catalog at www.marklin.de). From my view there are no drawbacks to the 3-rail system as the track studs ensure better electrical contact and simple wiring of turnouts, wye and other complex designs. While Marklin tends to be the most expense (The Mercedes Benz of trains) the aftermarket (ebay) is an indicator of value. Also, you benefit from buying in Europe where it costs 1/3 less than in the US. If you want to use more prototypical track, their K-Track will allow you the pleasure of setting and maintaining ballast compared to the C-Track. There is also a lot of M-Track around, but the savings may not be worth it when you look at the capability of putting track decoders and turnout motors right under the track structure rather than under the layout.
One other feature that has caused some changes: catenary. If you want to run under the wires, they will be installed for cosmetic appearance only. Recommended practice is that cat not be used in a digital layout due to intermittant disruptions in the digital signal. You can run with the pantograph up, but feed the current and digital signal through the shoe mounted under the lok.
As to compatibility, Marklin System or digital will only run under the Motorola system unless you want to change all the decoders. If you want to run an all American style of rolling stock, Marklin is limited as the US represents only about 5-10% of their market. However they seem to be more responsive with the new digital starter sets including American steam and diesel units.
I can’t tell you which system is best for you, but I can tell you some of the advantages of each. Both are very good systems.
Marklin: Largest brand in Europe so products are easiest to find, slider/stud combination offers very reliable contact, mfx decoders communicate with Marklin Systems so setup is simple, no need to insulate reversing sections, one-stop shopping for everything except scenery.
DCC: 2-rail track is more realistic, many options for decoders and systems, enhanced ability to program locomotive characteristics, wider variety of equipment.
In the end, you’ll probably spend about the same amount of money, so it depends on what you like to do. If you prefer plug-and-play, you might be happier with Marklin, and if you like to customize your equipment, you might be happier with DCC.
Are this variaty of decoders and systems easy to mix or you have to be carefoul what you buy, in other words for a beginer is easy to find his way? And “enhanced ability” like what?
I think the crucial difference is that almost every other digital system apart from Marklin is NMRA compatible (even other European manufacturers such as Fleischmann and Roco), so in theory, everything will work with everything else! Marklin digital means you can only use Marklin decoders, accessories etc.
That’s not too restrictive, as they make a lot of stuff, including sound-equipped locos, turnout controls, even remote controlled coupling (i.e. controlling the couplers on a loco, not an uncoupling track!), and Marklin is the most popular brand in Germany and a lot of other countries in Europe. The price is, of course, another matter…
I think the facts that Marklin use a 3-rail system, and non-NMRA DCC, will make it difficult for them to increase their market share in the USA, something I think the new owners would want to do.
Of course, there is Trix, owned by Marklin, who do produce 2-rail DCC, called Trix Selectrix, although I don’t think this is NMRA compatible either! There is a third-party controller called the Intellibox which can be switched between Marklin, Selectrix and NMRA (http://www.rjftrains.com/intellibox/intellibox.htm has some information on this).
The Intellibox looks remarkably like a Fleischmann Twin-Center controller, but in different colours…
I think your best bet will be to decide what you want to model. If Marklin does not make the rolling stock and the locomotives for the location and the era that you want to model, then DCC would be the way to go. My experience of Marklin product is limited to my own little Z scale set and drooling at the beautifully made German and Swiss prototype models that I have seen in hobby shops and display layouts in Europe. Marklin quality is superb, so I am sure a Marklin digital control system would be well engineered and of high quality. I would not hesitate to go with Marklin if they made what I wanted to model.
DCC on the other hand is now becoming quite wide in its industry support. Decoders from one maker run fine on control systems from another. One thing that is very apparent is that there is a great deal of difference between the system that are dominant on each side of the Atlantic. In the US, Digitrax, NCE and several others are the dominant players. Lenz is here and are the DCC maker from Europe with the most presence in the US. The systems seem in Europe have very little penetration in the US. ESU, ROCO locomouse ZTC and others that we really don’t see over here.
Yes and no. Some decoders are multi-format (Motorola/Marklin and DCC), some aren’t. The manufacturers generally do a good job of specifying the features of their products, but you would want to be very careful in purchasing your equipment Better still, find a shop that you can trust. The enhanced abilities I was referring to are things like programming lights to flash in certain ways, or customizing sounds by downloading them. I’m afraid that explaining all the options would take more space (and time) than I have.
You can also purchase multi-format controllers (Intellibox and some others), but that doesn’t solve the stud-contact vs. 2-rail incompatibility, or the fact that the two systems use slightly different track gauges. Then there’s the whole coupler question - not all brands are compatible. Factors like these are why many European modelers choose one of the large brands (such as Fleischmann, Marklin, or Roco) that offers a complete line of products and stay with that, at least during their first years in the hobby. It’s a lot simpler that way.
I’d recommend visiting a few shops and even a few club layouts if you can before you decide. If you’re interested in German prototypes and read German, I also recommend one of the several fine magazines available there. If you like U.S. prototypes, MR is the best, but we don’t cover Marklin products in as much detail.
The best news is that the quality of today’s products is really outstanding, so I can recommend either system (2-rail DCC or Marklin) without hesitation.
Actually, several companies may electronics compatible with Marklin: ESU, Viessmann and Intellibox. Also the “stud” look can be overcome by using K-Track instead of the M- or C-track as it is more prototypically accurate in that you have to ballast it yourself (or go bare)
marklin great items but costly just see how much for there ,tracks,cars, control units (the 60652 can run only 2 locos at same time CHECK AMPS some items same # but diferent cost and amps) dont for get the transformer more $. if your going to run european trains yes but $.you can save $ on cars by buying DC they go on both AC and DC but thats it!!!. NO DC LOCOS ON AC AND NO AC LOCOS OR CARS ON DC. more on MARKLIN USER SITE. TO GET IDEAS BUT DO YOUR HOME WORK.if you like there items they got a USA conpany TRIX.its DC. do your home work. from harley
Generally, yes. Often no. You can learn a lot about DCC, decoders, their installation, and which are best for a particular application (a particular locomotive) at the link below.
If you favour N. American railroads, I think DCC will end up better in the long run. Otherwise, it would be hard to beat Marklin.
The decoders allow you to tailor the locomotive’s realism. For example, you can program inertia and momentum into starting and stopping a train. I DC, I believe, you must rotate the voltage regulator knob to mimic those effects. Also, whistles can be controlled, bell ringing can be adjusted, steam chuff rates can be altered, and so on.
Thanks you all for your answers.I have not decided yet but probably I’ll go with marklin for two reasons.
First i have allready some German Locos ,and second it’s my first attempt to built a layout and the troublefree 3rail system i thing is better for a begginer.
Now probably i will bother you with the design of the Layout it seems so difficult to me!!!
Well very good luck to you! From what I have seen, the Marklin AC 3-rail command control is a superb, reliable system. I cannot tell the difference in operation between DCC and Marklin Digital. They both have sound and control options and either one you chose will accomodate your railroad needs. Of course DCC means more American-outline rolling stock (highly detailed) and somewhat less expensive track and control products.
The choice really should be on : your preference for track products and rolling stock. With marklin, you MUST by Marklin-made tracks, by all means. The C-track is probably the highest grade HO track (and most expensive) on the market. It is intelligent tracks, different pieces having much electronics on it. Its a “plug and play” track system and easy to create reverse loops and wyes without extra wiring hassles because of the 3-rail technology. The C-track is brilliant for “hiding” the 3rd rail as studs in the middle of the track sleeper bed.
Traditionally, Marklin steam locomotives have not been as detailed as ROCO engines. But this should not be a problem , as ROCO and Fleischmann make “Marklin 3 rail” versions of some of their best engines to run only on Marklin Digital. You pay a bit more for these versions though. Later series marklin engines seem to offer greater detail.
Another good thing about Marklin Digital, is that you have tons of after-market products , plus getting 2nd hand products from auctions, like Ebay. Marklin has a huge user base and trading can
great RAILROAD just go to MARKLIN USER SITE. they got a forum just like this one .i recomend the M* 6021 control unit & M* 6001 trans former. you can get them on ebay boths new about $150. the M* 60212 central station is $ 500.00 + [B)] and talk is that is not as good as the 6021. also its going to be modify 2007 summer.the M60652 mobil units 2 power items $ 50 1.2AHP RUNS 2-3 LOCOS AT SAME TME the $ 150. 1.9 AHP 3-4 LOCOS .the M 6021 & 6001 10 + locos +track toys…dont for get that you can use (DC CARS on AC or DC tracks ) no other switchs. i got the M* 37990 B.B.#4013 + CARSSS.but also got DC tracks that way can run both . M* dont make but a hand full of USA locos n cars. HAVE FUN FROM HARLEY N CECE PS MARKLIN USER FORUM (WEB)
