Years ago I was left with the impression that Märklin trains were incompatible with the American electrical system and American made track. Märklin seems to be such high quality I would really like to try some of their products.
Can any of you “Old Hands” bring me up to date and tell me about the pros and cons of going with Märklin?
Thanks again.
fritzvb
Trix is the DC version of Marklin I believe but I could be wrong. I think Trix was bought out by Marklin. If you go to www.reynaulds.com you will find a host of Marklin/Trix items. I have ordered from them before. They have great customer service and will be able to answer your questions.
To the best of my knowledge Marklin still uses the center studs on the track and is AC.
Marklin uses a 3 rail system with the third rail being the center studs mentioned above. The real problem is that the wheels aren’t insulated and the Marklin track has both running rails with the same polarity. Everyone else’s equipment requires opposite polarity in the running rails and insulates wheels. Marklin uses AC and everyone else uses DC. So if you use Marklin on your two rail system the uninsulated wheels short out the system. Using 2 rail on Marklin is okay for non powered units, but engines have no way to pick up from the studs.
If you want to use Marklin cars, you’ll have to replace the wheelsets with insulated ones (I think all their stuff uses metal wheels). Steam engines require replacing the drivers on one side with insulated ones (or insulating them), replacing the AC motor with DC, and rerouting the power pickup from the center shoe to the insulated driver.
While Marklin does have a good reputation, there are plenty of good 2 rail engines so I wouldn’t bother with Marklin. I don’t know if any of the replacement freight/passenger wheelsets are a drop in for Marklin trucks, these would be the only items to consider
Enjoy
Paul
hi from a european some insight.
trix is the DC version of maerklin. most of the US models are in DC versions. all cars can be converted using the free of charge replacement wheel sets. Maerklin also sells a DCC commander version of its super central station under the trix label. the couplers can be easily changed since almost all cars have the NEM type coupler boxes.
you can also run the maerklin engines on their three rail railsystem using DCC. just exchange the decoders.
model railroader just had an article about the new maerkoin central station.
cheers
PS ask any question you want… i will try to answer them…