please excuse my ignorance, but I am in need of some advice.I was given a Marklin HO track with no power,controls or engine.I have purchased an Atlas Dash 8 40b,DCC equipped and a Prodigy DCC contoller from MRC.After hooking up all said parts I cannot get anything to work, nor do I know where to begin as to diagnosing the trouble .I switched the module from analog to digital,set the controller to #3 as per factory preset and yet the train does not move. Please help me if you can. Thanks,Galt I can be E-mailed direct: herr@optonline.net
You want Nigel, He’ll straighten you out
The problem is probably that the loco and track are not compatable.
Marklin HO uses a 3-rail system, The running rails both have the same polarity. The locos have contacts to touch a 3rd rail (or more often today studs in the center of the track) to complete the circuit.
The Atlas loco is two rail (one rail + , the other - polarity)
I do not know if Marklin track can be wired for two rail.
Marklin is one maker of scale trains that is considered among the 'Finest" in Europe. But to run American Stuff, use Atlas track, or any HO scale track of your choice.
Ive learned not to mix Marklin with US stuff.
Replace the Marklin track. As noted above, it is a 3 rail AC system with the middle rail being a series of stud contacts in the center of each tie. Since both outside rails are the same electrically there is no need to insulate them from ecah other, particularly in the turnouts and crossings. With Marklin, you use Marklin engines, tracks, power packs. Otherwise don’t use any Marklin. It is well made though.
Enjoy
Paul