Anyone own or have any experience with Marklin trains. Just wondering if I could get some opinions.
I have 47 years of experience with Marklin trains.
Marklin is certainly up at the high end, when it comes to quality, but also prices. Marklin trains run on Marklin´s proprietary 3-rail AC system and are not compatible to any other make. Their selection of US prototype locos and rolling stock is very much limited, as their main market is Germany/Europe. Marklin trains use a horn/hook type of coupler, while being some kind of standard in Europe, it is not compatible with knuckle couplers used in the US. US rolling stock from other makes will not run on Marklin track.
If you are modeling European prototype, I´d say go for it. But if the US is your choice, you should better stay away from it, despite the high quality of that stuff.
Edit: Trix is owned by Marklin, but not marketed under the brand of Marklin. Are you asking your question about Marklin or Trix?
Most of Marklin’s US prototypes are avaible in 2 rail DC thru thier Trix line. This is where the super nice diecast UP Big Boy and USRA Light Mikado come from, along with a diecast Alco PA diesel. I used to have a Marklin layout, but switched back to a USA prototype and 2 rail DC after we moved and I got involved with the local HO scale club. Mike
You can get 3 rail AC engines from other manufacturer too. Roco had made them.Like said it’s very limited.
But you don’t need to go with Marklin. We at the FREMO have 2 rail DC and now DCC equipment.
Wolfgang